The proposition was forwarded by the Labor Ministry and will be discussed with Finance Ministry officials to decide whether or not it is economically sustainable.
Botis also said Friday that mothers who return to work before the end of their two-year maternity leave might receive an indemnity of 400 lei (EUR1=RON4.2972), compared to the current indemnity of RON100. The indemnity will be granted until the child turns two.
The minister also said the Government is looking at several ways of changing child-rearing benefits, such as providing this allowance for only 12, 14 or 18 months, instead of two years.
Prime Minister Emil Boc said on September 20 that the Government plans to reconsider the child-rearing allowance, to make this type of social benefit less „generous.”
On June 25, the Constitutional Court authorized a 15% cut on child-rearing benefits, on the condition that the allowance amount to at least RON600. Before this reduction, the value was equal to 85% of the year’s average net salary for which contributions to the social security budget are paid.