CARING FOR MOTHERS: A LOOK AT INDIA’S MATERNITY SUPPORT SYSTEM

AUTHOR – JEYASHREE.A.R, STUDENT AT TAMILNADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY- SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW.

BEST CITATION – JEYASHREE.A.R, CARING FOR MOTHERS: A LOOK AT INDIA’S MATERNITY SUPPORT SYSTEM, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (5) OF 2025, PG. 389-396, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT

The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and its related programs play a crucial role in protecting the health and rights of working women in India, especially during pregnancy and postnatal periods. This article evaluates the impact of the Act and schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Maternity Benefit Programme (MBP), which aim to reduce maternal mortality and financial burden. Despite various efforts, gaps remain in coverage, particularly for women in the informal sector. International examples show that paid maternity leave and cash benefits can improve child health, reduce maternal stress, and promote breastfeeding. However, India’s approach often limits benefits to certain births or conditions, affecting the most vulnerable. The article examines legislative provisions, implementation issues, and the outcomes of maternity benefit programs on maternal health, gender equality, and labour force participation. It argues that maternity benefits should be universal, unconditional, and treated as a human right and public investment in human capital.

Keywords: Maternity Benefit Act, reproductive rights, informal sector, gender equality, cash transfer schemes.