Social protection schemes for mother and children in Odisha: a matched-gap analysis

The social protection schemes aim to reduce poverty and deprivation and protect the vulnerable section of society from falling into the vicious cycle of poverty. Only 24% of Indians are covered by any social protection schemes. Despite the existing social protection schemes and programmes associated with maternal and child health, public policy responses urgently need to address risk, poverty, and vulnerability dynamics. This study provides comprehensive insights into major gaps in the coverage of social protection programmes and access barriers to vulnerable population subgroups in Odisha through meticulous investigation from numerous data sources. The present study utilized a mix-method approach to achieve the study goal. The secondary data was gathered from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey (2015–2016), and other programme-relevant information was collected from their respective ministries. Additionally, primary data was also collected to track the in-depth information based on qualitative responses. Findings from the study show that distance to healthcare facilities, lack of transportation, poor knowledge, and low awareness are critical barriers to prenatal and postnatal healthcare and institutional birth. This study provides major recommendations, including universal cash transfer, investment and up-gradation of Management Information System (MIS), for a policy response to widen the scope and increase the impact of social protection interventions in Odisha.