New Delhi, Mar 26 (UNI) The issue of reducing the incentive amount given to pregnant and lactating women under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) was raised by Congress member Sonia Gandhi in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Sonia said that the scheme originally included a provision to provide Rs 6,000 to pregnant and lactating women. Now they are given Rs 5,000 instead of Rs 6,000.
She stated that while around 68 percent of women previously received this amount, the figure has now dropped to just 12 percent. A budget of Rs 12,000 crores is required for this but there is no provision for it in the budget.
Dola Sen of the Trinamool Congress raised concern over the government's advisory to cut edible oil by 10 percent in the Pradhan Mantri Mid Day Meal scheme. She mentioned that the move is reportedly aimed at addressing childhood obesity.
However, Sen pointed out that reducing edible oil could also deprive children of essential nutrients. This will affect the nutritional value of the food.
She said that even experts have not said that this is correct and demanded that the amount given for mid-day meal should be increased.
B Parthasaradhi of BRS highlighted the issue of retaliatory tariffs imposed by the US on the Indian pharmaceutical industry. He emphasised that this would affect all aspects of the sector, including employment.
The BRS member urged the government to engage in discussions with the US to find an effective resolution and called for incentive measures to support the pharmaceutical industry.
AD Singh of the Rashtriya Janata Dal voiced concern over the rising import of soybean oil from Nepal and urged the imposition of a minimum import duty. He stated that this trend is negatively impacting the country's soybean farmers and resulting in revenue losses for the government.
Congress member Pramod Tiwari highlighted the issue of declining school enrolment. Citing a report, he stated that enrolment has dropped by 1.55 crore students. Tiwari emphasised the seriousness of the issue and urged the government to provide clarification on the matter.
UNI RBE CS