Dimple Oswal
Benefits and Support for Single Mothers in India
The Role of Single Mothers in India
In India, single mothers shoulder the dual responsibility of being both the caregiver and the breadwinner for their families. This role is both challenging and essential, as they navigate the complexities of raising children without the support of a partner. (Read more about this topic at Roles and Responsibilities of Single Mothers ).
The societal expectations and traditional norms often add layers of difficulty, making their journey even more difficult.
Single mothers face a myriad of challenges, including financial instability, lack of access to childcare, and societal stigmatization. Despite these challenges, many single mothers show remarkable resilience, striving to provide a stable and nurturing environment for their children. Recognizing their struggles, the Indian government, alongside various NGOs and private entities, has established several initiatives to support and empower single mothers, ensuring they have the resources necessary to lead a dignified and secure life.
Government Schemes for Single Mothers, Widows and Other Women
The Indian government has introduced various schemes to address the financial and social challenges single mothers face. These initiatives are designed to provide both immediate relief and long-term security, enabling single mothers to focus on raising their children without the constant stress of financial uncertainty.
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
Although this scheme primarily targets widows aged 40-59, it extends support to single mothers who are widows. The scheme provides a monthly pension, ensuring that single mothers have a steady income to manage their household expenses. This financial aid is crucial for those who have lost their spouses and are the sole providers for their children.
Read the details of this scheme at:
https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/ignwps
National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
The loss of a breadwinner can be devastating for any family, especially for single mothers. Under the National Family Benefit Scheme, a lump sum of ₹20,000 is provided to the family upon the death of the primary earning member. This amount can help cover immediate expenses and provide some financial stability during a difficult time.
Read the details of this scheme at:
https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/nfbs
Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Scheme
One of the significant challenges for working single mothers is ensuring their children are safe and well cared for during work hours. The Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Scheme addresses this issue by offering affordable and accessible crèche services. These crèches not only provide childcare but also focus on early childhood education, nutrition, and basic healthcare, ensuring the holistic development of children. This scheme is a boon for single mothers, allowing them to pursue their careers without compromising their children’s well-being.
Read the details of this scheme at:
https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/RajivGandhiCrecheScheme.pdf
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) is a flagship initiative of the Indian government, launched in January 2015, aimed at addressing the declining child sex ratio and promoting the education and empowerment of the girl child. The campaign’s name, which translates to “Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter,” underscores its dual focus: protecting the rights of girls and ensuring they have access to quality education.
This program was introduced in response to the alarming trend of gender-based discrimination in India, where deep-rooted societal norms often favor boys over girls. The declining sex ratio, as revealed by census data, highlighted the need for urgent action to combat female feticide and infanticide. Additionally, the initiative seeks to challenge cultural attitudes that devalue the importance of girls in society and limit their opportunities for growth and development.
Read more about the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme at:
https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/bbbp
Mukhya Mantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana
This state-specific scheme focuses on the welfare of girl children born to single mothers. The scheme provides financial assistance for the upbringing and education of these girls, ensuring they have access to quality education and a better future. This initiative is significant in a society where the education of girl children is often neglected. The names of this scheme vary in different states.
These government schemes are designed to alleviate the financial burden on single mothers and provide them with the necessary support to ensure their family’s well-being. However, the effectiveness of these schemes often depends on the awareness and accessibility of these benefits to single mothers across different regions of the country.
Support from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for Single Mothers, Widows, Women and Other Women
In addition to government initiatives, various NGOs across India have stepped up to support single mothers. These organizations offer a wide range of services, including legal aid, counseling, skill development, and financial assistance.
Legal Aid and Counseling: Many single mothers face legal battles, whether it’s for custody of their children, property disputes, or dealing with domestic violence. NGOs provide free or affordable legal aid, ensuring that single mothers can navigate the legal system without financial strain. Moreover, counseling services offered by these organizations help single mothers cope with the emotional and psychological challenges they face, providing a supportive environment for them to heal and grow.
Skill Development and Employment Assistance: Economic independence is crucial for single mothers, and many NGOs focus on providing skill development programs that enhance their employability. From vocational training in crafts and trades to computer skills and entrepreneurship programs, these initiatives equip single mothers with the skills they need to secure stable employment or start their businesses. Some NGOs also offer job placement services, connecting single mothers with potential employers.
Microfinance and Self-Help Groups: Financial empowerment is key to the independence of single mothers. NGOs often collaborate with microfinance institutions to provide small loans to single mothers, enabling them to start small businesses or meet urgent financial needs. Self-help groups (SHGs) are also formed, where single mothers can save money collectively and access credit, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
The Role of Private Sector and Corporate Initiatives for Single Mothers
The private sector has also recognized the need to support single mothers and has initiated various programs to contribute to their well-being. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives often include programs aimed at empowering single mothers through education, employment, and healthcare.
Corporate Sponsorships and Scholarships: Some corporations offer scholarships and sponsorships for the education of children of single mothers. These programs ensure that the children receive quality education without putting additional financial pressure on the mother.
Workplace Policies and Flexibility: Companies are increasingly adopting family-friendly workplace policies that cater to the needs of single mothers. This includes flexible working hours, work-from-home options, and on-site childcare facilities. Such policies enable single mothers to balance their work and family responsibilities more effectively.
Healthcare and Insurance: Access to healthcare is a critical concern for single mothers, and some corporate initiatives provide health insurance and affordable healthcare options for them and their children. These programs ensure that single mothers do not have to compromise on their health due to financial constraints.
Conclusion: Towards a More Inclusive Society
While the journey of single mothers in India is fraught with challenges, the support systems available to them are gradually improving. Government schemes, NGO initiatives, and corporate programs collectively contribute to the empowerment of single mothers, enabling them to lead a life of dignity and security. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of making these benefits accessible to all single mothers across the country, particularly those in rural and marginalized communities.
As a society, it is crucial to recognize the contributions of single mothers and work towards creating a more inclusive environment that supports their growth and well-being. By continuing to strengthen these support systems and ensuring that single mothers are aware of and can access the benefits available to them, India can move closer to a future where every single mother has the opportunity to thrive.
*Dimple Oswal is a Women’s Issues Activist and The Chief Editor of They Won Group of Online Magazines
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