Maternity Benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013

The NFSA 2013 mandates maternity benefits of ₹6,000 for all pregnant women except those in the formal sector. Given current prices, this amount should be at least ₹12,000. These benefits are aimed at ensuring pregnant women receive adequate nutrition and healthcare.

Shortcomings of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

• Eligibility Restrictions:
  The PMMVY restricts benefits to one child per family, with a recent extension to the second child if it is a girl, which violates the NFSA.
• Reduced Benefits:
  The financial assistance under PMMVY has been arbitrarily reduced to ₹5,000 for the first child.
• Lack of Information Disclosure:
  The Ministry of Women and Child Development provides minimal information about PMMVY, contrary to the RTI Act.
• Low Coverage:
  Effective coverage peaked at 36% in 2019-20 but fell to 9% in 2023-24 due to implementation issues, including software hurdles.
• Budget Reduction:
  Spending on PMMVY hit a low of ₹870 crore in 2023-24, down from previous years, with a required budget of ₹12,000 crore to cover 90% of births at ₹6,000 per birth.

Challenges with Implementation

• Technical Issues:
  Continuous software issues have plagued the PMMVY, affecting disbursement rates significantly.
• Exclusionary Effects:
  Aadhaar-based payments have caused complications and exclusions, further exacerbating implementation challenges.

State Initiatives: Tamil Nadu and Odisha

• Higher Benefits:
  Both states offer higher maternity benefits — ₹10,000 per child in Odisha and ₹18,000 in Tamil Nadu, with better implementation.
• Enhanced Coverage:
  In 2021-22, Odisha covered 64% of births and Tamil Nadu covered 84% in 2023-24, highlighting effective state-led schemes.

Comparison with Formal Sector Benefits

• Formal Sector vs. Unorganised Sector:
  In the formal sector, women receive 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, far exceeding World Health Organization's 14-week norm. In contrast, the unorganised sector offers only ₹5,000 under PMMVY.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Revamp Required:
  The PMMVY is seen as ineffective and needs restructuring to align with the NFSA's principles and enhance support for pregnant women.
• Potential Benefits:
  Redesigning and adequately funding maternity benefits is crucial for societal benefit, urging the central government to prioritize this initiative.