16 Oct :The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for inclusion of maternity benefit in Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana subject to the condition that the premium is within the existing limit of Rs. 750 per beneficiary.
The modification would be applicable with immediate effect.This would encourage institutional delivery of infants among the BPL workers.
BACKGROUND The Government launched Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) for ‘Below Poverty Line’ (BPL) families in the unorganized sector on 1st October, 2007. The scheme became operational on 01.04.2008. The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) is being implemented by the State Governments through insurance companies by inviting bids from both public and private companies. Almost all States have agreed to implement the scheme during the current year. The States of Haryana, Punjab Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu have started enrollment and issue of smart cards. 12 other States have initiated the process and remaining States are also likely to start implementation soon. Till 23.09.2008, more than 3.39 lakh smart cards had been distributed covering more than 16.97 persons. 1458 persons have availed benefits under the scheme