Poor maternal nutrition in India is a major cause for concern. The depth of India’s maternal nutrition problems is evident in its high neonatal mortality, widespread underweight pre-pregnancy, low weight gain during pregnancy and high rates of maternal anaemia. Poor maternal nutrition has negative consequences for the health and economic productivity for the next generation. Existing government programmes are insufficient to address widespread maternal malnutrition. With the passage of the National Food Security Act, which legislates a universal maternity entitlement, the government has a new opportunity to address poor maternal nutrition. This article posits that maternity entitlements should be used to encourage weight gain during pregnancy, and discusses the promise of such a programme as well as its potential limitations. It also recommends ways of designing and administering a maternity entitlements programme that would improve its chances for success.
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