Enhanced financial aid for student pregnancies proposed, potentially reaching up to 90,000 rubles.
Russia Bolsters Maternity Support for Student Mothers
The Russian government has outlined revisions to legislation that enhance maternity benefits for university, college, and supplementary education institution students pursuing full-time studies. The announcement was made during a government meeting led by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
In December of the previous year, President Vladimir Putin emphasized the necessity to bolster support for expectant student mothers at a State Council meeting focused on the Year of the Family's results. In his remarks, he emphasized the necessity to augment the maternity and childbirth allowance for such individuals. The Minister of Labor and Social Protection subsequently suggested using the regional minimum wage as a benchmark for calculating maternity benefits.
According to the amendments, student mothers' maternity benefits will be determined based on the regional minimum wage applicable in the region where they reside and study. This adjustment is expected to result in increased payments, with an average nationwide amount of approximately 90,000 rubles during the 140-day maternity leave period. The exact payment varies with the specific location.
During the government meeting, Prime Minister Mishustin expressed optimism that the bill would swiftly navigate through parliamentary proceedings and enter force at the beginning of the academic year, making it an advantageous aid for families in which the mother elects to balance her studies with having and raising a child.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection previously forecasted that the legislative changes will impact around 7,000 people per year. The minimum payment level is anticipated in the Lipetsk and Tambov regions (74,867 rubles), while the maximum will be in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (235,424 rubles).
These revisions are a part of a broader initiative to expand support for young mothers within Russia's educational system, aiming to foster a more family-friendly academic environment.
- The enhancement in maternity benefits for student mothers in Russia will not only boost their financial stability during their 140-day maternity leave, but also encourages the balance of education, self-development, and family life.
- In addition to supporting the Year of the Family's results, the Russian government's focus on augmenting maternity benefits is part of a larger initiative to promote life-long education, business, and personal growth for female students and young mothers.
