Recently deficiencies in maternity entitlements and their implementation came under scrutiny.
What are the maternity entitlements available in India?
Fundamental right - Article 21 of Right to life guarantees the right to health and medical care, encompassing maternal health.
Directive principles to state - Article 42 of Directive Principles of State Policy directs the State to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.
The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 – The act provides 26 weeks of maternity leave at the time of delivery.
NFSA act - Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, all pregnant women (except those already covered in the formal sector) are entitled to maternity benefits of Rs.6,000 a child.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)- It provides nutritional support and partial wage compensation to pregnant and lactating women.
What are the challenges in ensuring maternity entitlements?
Declining coverage - Effective coverage was only 36% in 2019-20 and declined sharply after that, except for a partial revival in 2022-23.
Low allocation of funds - Central government spending on the PMMVY was at an all-time low of Rs.870 crore in 2023-24 , barely one third of the corresponding figure five years earlier
Regional disparities - Maternal health services vary widely across regions, rural and poorer areas often lag behind.
Socio-economic inequalities - Poorer households have limited access to maternal healthcare.
Urban-Rural divide - Urban women generally receive better care compared to rural women.
Resource shortages - A lack of healthcare professionals, facilities, and efficient referral systems hampers quality care.
Overcrowded facilities - Urban health centers are often overburdened, reducing service quality.
Awareness gaps - Many women are unaware of the available maternal health services.
Cultural barriers - Language differences and cultural practices, especially among migrants, can deter women from seeking care.
Implementation gaps - Discrepancies between policy design and actual execution result in inconsistent service delivery.
What can be done to improve it?
Universal maternity entitlements - Expand benefits to cover every birth, not just the first and Simplify eligibility by removing restrictive conditions.
Increase benefit amount - Raise the benefit to at least Rs.12,000 (inflation-adjusted).
