Cabinet approves Pan-India implementation of Maternity Benefit Programme
Maternity Benefit Program which now has been extended to all districts of the country

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval to Pan-India implementation of Maternity Benefit Program which now has been extended to all districts of the country w.e.f. 01.01.2017. The Prime Minister in his address to the nation on 31.12.2016 had announced Pan-India implementation of Maternity Benefit Program.

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.

The total cost of the proposal for the period from 01.01.2017 to 31.03.2020 including Central and State Government share isRs.12,661crore. Government of India’s share during the period 01.01.2017 to 31.03.2020 comes to around Rs. 7932 crore.

 

Objective of the Scheme

  • 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.
  • 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.

 

Target Group

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. It has been decided to give the benefit of Rs.5000/- to PW&LM in three installment for the birth of the first live child by MWCD and the remaining cash incentive as per approved norms towards Maternity Benefit under existing programmes after institutional delivery so that on an average, a woman will get ₹ 6000/-.

 

Conditions and installments

Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers who are eligible will receive a cash benefit of Rs.5,000/- in three installment at the following stages as specified in the table given below:

 

Cash Transfer

Conditions

Amount

(in )

First installment

·   Early Registration of Pregnancy.

1,000/-

Second installment

·   Received at least one antenatal Check-up (after 6 months of pregnancy)

2,000/-

Third installment

·   Child birth is registered.

·   Child has received first cycle of BCG, OPV, DPT and Hepatitis-B or its equivalent/substitute.

    2,000/-

 

The eligible beneficiaries would continue to receive the remaining cash incentive as per approved norms towards Maternity Benefit under existing programmes after institutional delivery so that on an average, a woman will get ₹ 6000/-.

 

Mode of cash transfer to the Beneficiaries

The conditional cash transfer scheme would be in DBT mode.

Background:

The Government of India is committed to ensure that every woman gets adequate support and health care during pregnancy and at the time of delivery and every newborn is immunized on time which is the foundation for better health of the mother and the newborn. Normally, the first pregnancy of a woman exposes her to new kinds of challenges and stress factors. Hence, the scheme intends to provide support to the mother for safe delivery and immunization of her first living child. The improved health care seeking behaviour of the PW&LM would lead to better health status for the mother and the child.

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PM Modi addresses centenary celebrations of Arya Vaidya Sala Charitable Hospital in Kerala
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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the centenary celebrations of Arya Vaidya Sala Charitable Hospital in Kerala via video message today. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister remarked that on this solemn occasion, it was a matter of joy for him to connect with everyone. He highlighted that Arya Vaidyasala has played a significant role in preserving, protecting, and advancing Ayurveda. Shri Modi noted that in its 125-year journey, the institution has established Ayurveda as a powerful system of treatment. He recalled the contributions of Arya Vaidyasala’s founder, Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier, emphasizing that his approach towards Ayurveda and his dedication to public welfare continue to inspire.

Underlining that Arya Vaidyasala in Kerala is a living symbol of India’s healing tradition that has served humanity for centuries, Prime Minister Modi stressed that Ayurveda in India has never been confined to one era or one region; in every age, this ancient medical system has shown the way to understand life, create balance, and harmonize with nature. He pointed out that today Arya Vaidyasala manufactures more than 600 Ayurvedic medicines, and its hospitals across different parts of the country treat patients through Ayurvedic methods, including patients from over 60 countries worldwide. Shri Modi stated that Arya Vaidyasala has earned this trust through its work, and when people are in distress, the institution becomes a great source of hope for them.

“For Arya Vaidyasala, service is not merely an idea but a sentiment reflected in its actions, approach, and institutions”, said Shri Modi. He highlighted that the institution’s Charitable Hospital has been continuously serving people for the past 100 years, acknowledging the contributions of all associated with the hospital. He extended his greetings to the vaidyas, doctors, nursing staff, and all others connected with the hospital, and congratulated them for completing 100 years of the Charitable Hospital’s journey. The Prime Minister noted that the people of Kerala have kept the traditions of Ayurveda alive for centuries and are also preserving and promoting them.

The Prime Minister observed that for a long time, ancient medical systems in the country were seen in silos, but in the past 10–11 years, there has been a major change in this approach. He emphasized that now healthcare services are being viewed with a holistic perspective, bringing Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Siddha, and Yoga under one umbrella, and for this purpose, the Ministry of Ayush was established. Shri Modi underlined that the government has consistently focused on preventive health, launching the National Ayush Mission, opening more than 12,000 Ayush Wellness Centres that provide yoga, preventive care, and community health services. He added that other hospitals across the country have also been connected with Ayush services, with attention given to the regular supply of Ayush medicines. The Prime Minister stated that the clear objective is to ensure that the benefits of India’s traditional medical knowledge reach people in every corner of the country.

Highlighting that the clear impact of government policies is visible in the AYUSH sector, with the AYUSH manufacturing sector growing rapidly and expanding, Shri Modi highlighted that to take Indian traditional wellness to the world, the government has established the Ayush Export Promotion Council, aiming to promote AYUSH products and services in global markets, which is already showing very positive results. The PM noted that in 2014, India exported around ₹3,000 crore worth of AYUSH and herbal products, whereas now exports have risen to ₹6,500 crore, greatly benefiting the country’s farmers.

Underlining that India is also emerging as a trusted destination for AYUSH-based Medical Value Travel, Shri Modi said steps like the introduction of the AYUSH Visa are helping foreign visitors access better facilities in Ayurveda and traditional medicine.

The Prime Minister emphasized that to promote Ayurveda, the government proudly presents it on every major global platform, whether at BRICS summits or G20 meetings, where he has showcased Ayurveda as a medium of holistic health. He pointed out that in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the World Health Organization’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre is being established, and the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda has already begun its work there. He added that to meet the growing demand for Ayurvedic medicines, medicinal farming is being encouraged along the banks of the Ganga.

Sharing another achievement, Shri Modi stated that the recently announced historic trade agreement with the European Union will give a major boost to Indian traditional medicine services and practitioners. He explained that in EU member states where regulations do not exist, AYUSH practitioners will be able to provide their services based on professional qualifications earned in India, which will greatly benefit the youth associated with Ayurveda and Yoga. He further noted that this agreement will also help establish AYUSH wellness centers in Europe, and extended his congratulations to all dignitaries associated with Ayurveda and AYUSH for this achievement.

Prime Minister remarked that through Ayurveda, India has been treating people for centuries, but it has also been unfortunate that within the country and largely abroad, efforts have been required to explain the importance of Ayurveda. He highlighted that a major reason for this has been the lack of evidence-based research and research papers, noting that when Ayurvedic methods are tested on the principles of science, public trust becomes stronger. Shri Modi expressed happiness that Arya Vaidyasala has consistently tested Ayurveda on the touchstone of science and research, working in collaboration with institutions like CSIR and IIT. He pointed out that the institution has focused on drug research, clinical research, and cancer care, and with the support of the Ministry of Ayush, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for cancer research marks an important step in this direction.

Emphasising that now, in keeping with changing times, Ayurveda must increasingly adopt modern technology and AI, which can enable innovative approaches to predicting disease possibilities and offering treatment through different methods, the Prime Minister underlined that Arya Vaidyasala has demonstrated that tradition and modernity can move together, and healthcare can become a foundation of trust in people’s lives. Shri Modi noted that the institution has preserved the ancient understanding of Ayurveda while embracing modern needs, systematizing treatment, and delivering services to patients. He congratulated Arya Vaidyasala once again for this inspiring journey and expressed his wish that in the coming years, the institution continues to improve lives with the same dedication and spirit of service.

Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Arlekar was present among other dignitaries at the event.