Russian children will be sent on a compulsory seaside holiday it the laws being debated by Russian Mps come to fruition.
Earlier this month, Vladimir Putin handed Russians a four-day holiday that fell on his inaugration. He is reported to have made the decision “for gardening duties.”
The decisions are being taken amidst a crackdown on some of the biggest protests in recent Russian history against the in-coming president Vladimir Putin.
The state-funded beach scheme would cost a minimum of £2.5billion a year. It hopes to improve the health of youngsters by paying for four to fifteen-year-olds to enjoy a beach break.
Under the plans, parents who fail to send their children on the holidays would be punished, said the legislation’s sponsor, Mikhail Emeliyanov.
But they will be allowed to count family bucket and spade holidays against the compulsory 30 days for their children.
Alternatively, they will be able to accompany them on organised trips with accomodation, food and travel all paid for by the state.
Public money will pay for excursions and medical costs, under the draft laws.
The proposal, from the opposition Just Russia party, will need the approval of Vladimir Putin’s najority grouping to reach the statute book next month.
The news comes just weeks after the Government website reported Mr Putin saying: “Many people want more holidays at this time, so that people could go to their allotments, their gardens.”
The current prime minister will soon return to the Russian presidency for a six-year term after an election that was engulfed in controversy.
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