Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, in his address to the nation on 31.12.2016 has announced pan-India expansion of MBP in all the districts with effect from 01.01.2017.
It is expected that annually about 51.70 lakh beneficiaries would avail of the benefit.
Government of India is committed to ensure that every woman attains optimal nutritional status – especially from the most vulnerable communities.
A woman’s nutritional status has important implications for her health as well as the health and development of her children.
What are the ill-effects of under-nourishment?
An under-nourished mother almost inevitably gives birth to a low birth weight baby. When poor nutrition starts in-utero, it extends throughout the life cycle, particularly in women.
More on “Why the health of a mother matters?” – Click Here
Why MBP is needed?
Owing to economic and social distress many women continue to work to earn a living right upto the last days of their pregnancy.
Furthermore, they resume working soon after childbirth, even through their bodies might not permit it – thus impending their ability to exclusively breastfeed their young infant in the first six months.
What is MBP?
To address the above issues, the MWCD, in accordance with the provisions of Section 4(b) of National Food Security Act, formulated a scheme for pregnant and lactating mothers calledMaternity Benefit Programme – a conditional cash transfer scheme.
The Scheme provides cash incentives to pregnant and lactating women.
for the wage loss so that the woman can take adequate rest before and after delivery;
to improve her health and nutrition during the period of pregnancy and lactation;
to breastfeed the child during the first six months of the birth, which is very vital for the development of the child.
Who gets the benefits?
Under the scheme, all Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM), excluding the PW&LM, who are in regular employment with the Government or PSUs or those who are in receipt of similar benefits under any law for the time being are eligible.
The cash incentive of Rs.6,000/- is payable in three instalments for the first two live births in three stages.
The cash transfer would be Aadhaar linked through the individual bank/post office account etc. in DBT mode.
Why the expansion of MBP matters?
Expansion of MBP will have huge impact on the PW&LM as it will not only provide them compensation for the wage loss but will also provide them adequate nutrition and rest before and after delivery.
Mothers will have sufficient time to breastfeed the child during first six months of the birth. Resultantly, it is expected that it will reduce mother mortality rate, IMR, under-nutrition and its adverse effects.
What about the cost sharing?
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme and the cost sharing between Centre and States is 60:40 for all the States and UTs (with legislature), 90:10 for NER and Himalayan States and 100% GoI share for UTs without legislatures.
Category: Prelims & Mains | GS – II | Social Justice
