DF Initiative: Tuzla Mothers Granted 1,000 KM Allowance

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - All mothers in the Tuzla Canton, starting from April 1st, will receive at least 1,000 KM during their one-year maternity leave.

This is the result of amendments to the Law on Social Protection, Protection of War Victims, and Protection of Families with Children, which were adopted today by the Assembly of the Tuzla Canton. 

- The initiative of the Democratic Front Club of the Tuzla Canton has today received its legal basis for implementation. Although they called us populists, we have proven that our initiative is achievable, stated the club's president Mahir Mešalić.

- The Government of the Tuzla Canton will provide 1,000 KM per month for every unemployed mother on maternity leave. For all employed mothers whose maternity allowance is less than 1,000 KM, the difference up to 1,000 KM will be paid. So, every mother on maternity leave will, de facto, have guaranteed income of 1,000 KM per month, for a year from the child's birth - said Mahir Mešalić, president of the Democratic Front Caucus, who initiated this measure.

Mothers who are employed and receive income higher than 1,000 KM during their maternity leave will not be eligible for assistance under this law.

Also, all unemployed mothers who gave birth between April 1, 2021, and April 1, 2022, will receive a one-time assistance of 1,000 KM, and mothers who were employed will receive a one-time difference up to 1,000 KM if their income during maternity leave was lower.

- The Ministry of Finance's position is that this is assistance from the social protection package, not a right derived from employment. Therefore, the amount of one-time assistance, as well as assistance for maternity leave during the year, should not be taxed. Thus, mothers should receive 1,000 KM "net". The final decision on this matter will be made by the Tax Administration - said the Minister of Finance of the Tuzla Canton, Suad Mustajbašić, for Faktor.

For this purpose, according to Minister Mustajbašić, 26 million KM will be allocated from the cantonal budget for this year.