A leap backward for maternity entitlements

The central government’s maternity benefit program, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), is facing severe criticism for its inadequate implementation, shrinking benefits, and violations of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Despite the NFSA’s promise of Rs 6,000 for every pregnant woman, the government has failed to meet this target, causing widespread deprivation among vulnerable women.

Shortage of Maternity Benefits Under PMMVY

• Legal Entitlement under NFSA: According to the National Food Security Act (2013), all pregnant women (except those already covered in the formal sector) are entitled to Rs 6,000 maternity benefits. However, due to inflation, this should amount to Rs 12,000 at the current price level.
• PMMVY’s Restricted Coverage: The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) only covers one child per family (with a second child allowed if it is a girl), violating the NFSA’s universal principle. The benefit has been reduced to Rs 5,000 for the first child.
• Declining Coverage and Budgets: Effective coverage under PMMVY was just 9% in 2023-24, a sharp decline from 36% in 2019-20. The central government’s spending on the program in 2023-24 was also at a record low of Rs870 crore, a mere third of its expenditure five years ago.

Implementation Issues and Government's Approach

• Software and Payment Delays: Officials attribute the PMMVY’s poor performance in 2023-24 to major changes in software and implementation processes. However, the root cause appears to be delays in payments and the exclusionary nature of Aadhaar-based systems.
• Inefficient Handling and Accountability: Despite repeated issues, the central government continues to complicate the system further rather than addressing the existing problems, leading to more exclusion and reduced benefits for pregnant women.
• State-Specific Successes: States like Tamil Nadu and Odisha have demonstrated the effectiveness of maternity benefit programs with substantial financial support—Rs18,000 in Tamil Nadu and Rs10,000 in Odisha—resulting in higher coverage rates compared to PMMVY’s national figures.

The Future of Maternity Benefits and Policy Recommendations

• Call for Policy Revamp: The PMMVY needs to be revamped to meet the letter and spirit of the NFSA. The central government should increase the maternity benefits to at least Rs6,000 and adjust them to inflation.
• Better State Models: States like Odisha and Tamil Nadu, with more effective implementations and higher benefits, could serve as models for a more universal and accessible maternity benefit system nationwide.
• Need for National Focus on Pregnant Women’s Welfare: The government’s continued neglect of the program reflects a broader issue where financial considerations outweigh public welfare. Revamping PMMVY would benefit society by supporting maternal health and children’s welfare.

Practice Question:

Q. Analyze the shortcomings of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and suggest reforms to align the program with the National Food Security Act’s goals.