The genesis of the proposed nation-wide scheme for financial assistance to pregnant women, which was announced by Prime Minster Narendra Modi on Saturday, can be traced to a scheme being implemented by the Tamil Nadu government since 1987.
The AIADMK regime had in 1987 launched an assistance scheme for pregnant women named after Muthulakshmi Reddy (1886-1968), an advocate of women’s rights.
Subsequently, other States including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Haryana had followed suit.
In Tamil Nadu, initially, an amount of ₹300 was given to cover the expenses of childbirth. Eight years later, it was increased to ₹500.
In 2006, when the DMK returned to power, the amount under the Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme was hiked to ₹6,000. At that time, it was disbursed at the rate of ₹1,000 per month for a period of six months covering three months in antenatal care and three months in post-natal period. The idea was to help poor pregnant women get nutritious food and compensate the loss of their income during pregnancy.
Five years later, when the AIADMK government assumed office, the assistance was increased to ₹12,000 per woman up to two deliveries. The amount is given in three instalments. Sri Lankan refugees are also eligible for assistance under this scheme.
Since October 2012, the assistance is disbursed directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through the Electronic Clearing System. On an average, 6.5 lakh women are benefited by it. For the current year, a sum of ₹668 crore has been earmarked.
Since 2011-12, the Central government’s scheme is being implemented for pregnant women and lactating mothers in Erode and Cuddalore districts on a pilot basis by providing ₹4,000 per beneficiary and this is being carried out in synergy with the Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme.
A study carried out in 2010 by the Public Health Resource Network M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and the Tamil Nadu — Forum for Crèche and Child Care Services, revealed that most women used the money for health expenditure and on food for themselves and their child.
