The Maternity Benefit Program will provide compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash incentives so that the women can take adequate rest before and after delivery and not be deprived of proper nutrition.
Objective of the Scheme
i) To provide partial compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash incentives so that the woman can take adequate rest before and after delivery of the first living child.
ii) The cash incentives provided would lead to improved health seeking behaviour amongst the Pregnant Women and Lactating Mother (PW&LM) to reduce the effects of under-nutrition namely stunting, wasting and other related problems.
Who are the beneficiaries?
All eligible Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM), excluding the Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers who are in regular employment with the Central Government or State Government or Public Sector Undertakings or those who are in receipt of similar benefits under any law for the time being.
How much monetary benefit?
All eligible will receive a cash benefit of Rs.5,000/- in three installment
Why is this required?
1- Highest number of maternal death due to absence of medical help
2- High maternal mortality rate (167 per 100,000 live births in 2011-13)
3- High Infant mortality rate (41 per 1000 Live birth)
