Third Child Plus Program (TCPP)
The Royal Government of Bhutan is pleased to announce the launch of the Third Child Plus Program (TCPP) on the auspicious occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck.
The TCPP is a national initiative to support Bhutanese families who choose to have a third child or subsequent children. It reflects the Royal Government’s commitment to the welfare of mothers, children, and families, and to the long-term sustainability of Bhutan’s population.
Bhutan is undergoing a significant demographic transition. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined below the replacement level of 2.1, while annual births have fallen by 26 percent over the past decade, from 11,001 in 2015 to 8,153 in 2024. Births at the third order and above have also declined by 27 percent since 2020. These trends, together with outward migration and population ageing, have long-term implications for Bhutan’s workforce, communities, and socio-economic development.
Under the TCPP, eligible third and subsequent children born on or after 4 June 2026 will receive a monthly cash benefit of Nu. 10,000 per child until the child reaches three years of age. The Program will also cover eligible third and higher-order children born before 4 June 2026 who have not yet attained three years of age as of 4 June 2026. For such children, the benefit shall commence from 4 June 2026 and continue until the child attains three years of age, with the total benefit amount determined by the remaining period of eligibility. Each eligible child will be enrolled independently, and a mother may receive benefits for more than one eligible child at the same time
An eligible child is any living biological child whose birth order from the mother’s side is third or higher, and who is registered as a Bhutanese citizen in the Civil Registration and Census System. Birth order will not be reset by remarriage, separation, or divorce. In the case of multiple births, all children assigned a third or higher birth order will qualify independently.
Registration of an eligible child in the Civil Registration and Census System will initiate the enrolment process. The Program Management Unit under the Ministry of Health will follow up with the parent, legal guardian, or verified primary caregiver to complete the required consent and payment procedures. Payments will be made through direct bank transfer.
The TCPP is part of a broader effort to make Bhutan a more family-friendly society. Complementary measures being pursued by relevant agencies include pro-family fiscal incentives, expansion of childcare and fertility services, flexible working arrangements, increased paternity leave, and the establishment of crèches.
The TCPP Framework and Implementation Guideline will be made available on the Prime Minister’s Office website. Contact details of the Program Management Unit will be notified through official channels upon operationalisation of the Program.