The Oroqen people, the third smallest of the 56 ethnic groups in China with a population of around 6,000, are now starting to adopt the state family policy of “one-couple-one-child.”

According to local officials in charge of family planning in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, so far 21 Oroqen families each have only one child. Nine of these families have obtained “One-Child Certificates” from the local government.

“One-Child” families can enjoy preferential policies in various fields, according to official regulations.

Oroqen people used to rely on hunting but in recent years many former hunters have turned to farming or other businesses, which has resulted in changes in their views about life.

Last year, some Oroqen couples began applying for the “One-Child Certificates” voluntarily, though the government says it is not obligatory for such small minority groups like the Oroqen to adopt the “One-Child” policy.

Sun Jiying, a 50-year old mother of three from Guli Village in the Oroqen Autonomous Banner, has succeeded in persuading her three children, who are all married, to acquire the “One-Child Certificate”.

(People’s Daily 05/09/2001)