Among the states, Sikkim has the lowest population at just over 6.8 lakh. According to NFHS-5 data, Sikkim has the lowest total fertility rate (TFR) in the country. The figure stood at 1.1 for 2022. The TFR was 0.7 in urban areas and 1.3 in rural areas – both below the national average of 2.0, and the replacement level of 2.1. Alarmed by the state’s falling fertility rate, the Sikkim government has introduced a slew of incentives. •Women government employees to get free childcare attendants to take care of their new-borns for a year. •365 days maternity leave and 30 days paternity leave. •Financial help for IVF procedure. •Salary increments for government employees who opt for more than one child.