Government fails to provide adequate maternity benefits

Source: The post Government fails to provide adequate maternity benefits has been created, based on the article “A leap backward for maternity entitlements” published in “The Hindu” on 27th February 2025.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes.

Context: The article discusses how the central government is failing to provide maternity benefits under the National Food Security Act. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana offers reduced benefits with poor implementation. States like Tamil Nadu and Odisha have better schemes with higher coverage.

What is the legal entitlement for Pregnant Women in India?

1. Under the NFSA 2013, all pregnant women (except those in the formal sector) should receive ₹6,000 per child as maternity benefits.
2. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) restricts benefits to ₹5,000 for the first child and recently extended to the second child if it is a girl.

For detailed information on Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana read this article here

What are the issues with legal entitlement for Pregnant Women in India?

1. Non-implementation of NFSA Maternity Benefits: The National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 entitles pregnant women (except in the formal sector) to ₹6,000 per child, but this has not been fully implemented.
2. Flaws in PMMVY: The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) provides only ₹5,000 for the first child and recently extended benefits to a second child only if it is a girl, violating the NFSA.
3. Low Coverage: PMMVY coverage peaked at 36% in 2019-20, dropped to 9% in 2023-24, while Tamil Nadu and Odisha had 84% and 64% coverage, respectively.
4. Budget Cuts: Central government spending on PMMVY fell from ₹2,700 crore in 2018-19 to ₹870 crore in 2023-24.
5. Implementation Issues: Problems include Aadhaar-based payment failures, software glitches, and complex procedures, leading to delays and exclusions.

How Are Tamil Nadu and Odisha Doing Better?

1. Higher Maternity Benefits: Tamil Nadu provides ₹18,000 per child, while Odisha offers ₹10,000 (doubled before the 2024 elections). PMMVY gives only ₹5,000 for the first child.
2. Better Coverage: Tamil Nadu’s coverage was 84% in 2023-24, and Odisha’s was 64% in 2021-22. PMMVY’s national coverage was below 10% in 2023-24.
3. Simpler Implementation: Both states have efficient systems with fewer complications. PMMVY has Aadhaar-linked hurdles and software failures.
4. Consistent Policy Commitment: Tamil Nadu has run maternity schemes since 1987, and Odisha since 2009.

What Is the Difference Between Formal and Informal Sector Benefits?

1. Women in the formal sector get 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, much more than the World Health Organization’s 14-week standard. In contrast, informal sector women get only ₹5,000 under PMMVY, with many struggling to access it.
2. Unequal Treatment: Formal workers receive continuous support, while informal workers face funding cuts and bureaucratic hurdles.

What Needs to Change?

PMMVY should be reformed to comply with NFSA norms. Benefits must be raised, indexed to inflation, and made universal. A simpler, transparent system is needed to ensure pregnant women receive support without unnecessary hurdles.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the effectiveness of maternity benefit schemes in India, with a focus on the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, its implementation challenges, and comparisons with successful state models like Tamil Nadu and Odisha.