The Chinese government adopted the "family planning policy" in 1979 and awarded families with only one child a bonus of five yuan, or less than a dollar, every month.

Five yuan a month may have been a lot to families 30 years ago but is now only enough for a few pencils or a packet of crisps.

The Beijing News made reference to a TV survey that shows most of the public agree with raised bonuses.

The newspaper cited municipal official Zhang Dongsheng as saying the policy should be adjusted to make it a better incentive. He suggested a 10% rise in the parents' salaries.

The newspaper argues that with the advancement of living standards, bonuses to only-child families should also improve.