When welfare met demographic concerns
GS1History · Society · Geography· Modern India & freedom struggle· Mains·
Why in news
Researchers at IIT Guwahati revealed that the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 was influenced by 1960s population control concerns, where limiting benefits was proposed as a disincentive for larger families.
Background
A study by Prarthana Dutta and Mithilesh Kumar Jha (IIT Guwahati) analyzed the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961. It found that while maternal health was the primary rationale, there were historical proposals to restrict benefits to curb population growth.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillMaternity Benefit Act of 1961: Legislation providing benefits to women during pregnancy and childbirth.
- FactThe study identifies the 1960s as a period where welfare policies were intertwined with population control.
For Mains
Q. Analyze the historical evolution of India's maternity benefit policies and the tension between social welfare and population control measures.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Policy paradox: Balancing individual reproductive rights with state-led demographic targets
- Legislative shift: Transition from population-centric disincentives to reproductive health and maternal well-being focus
Keywords: Demographic transition · Social welfare · Legislative history · Reproductive health · Population control
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.