The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I rise to address an issue that touches the very foundation of our society — the wellbeing of our mothers, especially pregnant mothers who carry within them the future of our nation.

¶ 02 We often measure progress by roads, factories, and GDP growth, but true development is reflected in how we treat the most vulnerable. None deserve greater care than the mothers who bring life into this world. This is not an expenditure, Sir, but an investment in our future — our responsibility.

¶ 03 In earlier times, even if mothers gave birth to ten children, only about five survived. From such a background, we have progressed significantly. In that context, we welcome the allocations being discussed today for pregnant mothers — not as charity, but as a vital investment. In the North, East, and upcountry, pregnant mothers face severe hardships. The civil war’s brutality is evidenced by mass graves like Chemmani and Kurukalmadam, where mothers, children, even pregnant women, were among the victims. While we allocate funds for mothers’ needs, we must also allocate resources to deliver justice for atrocities — as the Hon. Minister of Justice mentioned yesterday. It must be implemented.

¶ 04 There are maternal schemes elsewhere too. In India, under the Janani Suraksha Yojana, assistance is provided to ensure safe deliveries, aiming for healthy children who can withstand health challenges. Bangladesh provides vouchers to pregnant women to meet their needs. Similar programmes exist in Rwanda and Chile. We should design an even more effective, implementable, and efficient programme, drawing on international initiatives such as “Every Woman Every Child,” leveraging available international support.

¶ 05 We appreciate topping up the Supplementary Estimate to revive earlier schemes, and we insist that the next Budget should provide full funding, with the Minister’s participation, to deliver comprehensive support to pregnant mothers.

¶ 06 One more point: today some women are reluctant to become mothers, partly because they are advancing in education and careers. We must create conditions that encourage motherhood — not by compulsion, but through meaningful support.