Budget 2018: Govt may sidestep demand for boost to maternity benefit scheme

BUDGET 2018 - Demands from activists and economists for a boost within the finances allocation for the authorities's maternity advantage programme have didn't reduce ice with the Centre.

The Ministry of girls and child improvement has no longer sought any increase for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), which promises Rs 6,000 to pregnant and lactating moms for the start in their first child, in its wishlist to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for Union budget 2018, an reputable said.

The ministry has asked for Rs 25 billion for the programme, the same as last year.

An initial amount of Rs 27 billion was introduced for the scheme at some stage in Union finances 2017 however it became later revised to Rs 25 billion.