maternity benefits, granting allowances and exemptions to large families and providing various other forms of allowances and aid for the family. Since 1981, an extended system of financial aid has been introduced and new exemptions have been granted to families with children. Lump-sum maternity grants for the first, second and third children have been introduced in addition to the existing system of maternity grants payable on the birth of the fourth and each subsequent child. Single mothers receive increased allowances for each child and the period of payment is extended in their case until the child reaches the age of 16, and for children in full-time education with no scholarships - to 18 years. Additional old age pension rights have been introduced for women who had given birth to and brought up five or more children. The father and mother have equal rights and duties where their children are concerned. The parents enjoy equal rights and carry equal obligations even in cases where the marriage has been dissolved. Problems relating to the upbringing of children and other problems of family life are solved by the marriage partners jointly. Marriage partners are obliged financially to support one another. During the wife's pregnancy and for one year after the birth of the child, the husband may not petition for divorce without his wife's agreement. An important place in the system of state aid to the family is occupied by the social welfare fund, which finances aid of many kinds. During 1981 payments and exemptions granted to factory and office workers and funded from the social welfare fund formed approximately 38% of the average monthly wage. The social welfare fund finances the chief needs of the family, associated with health care for the mother and child and the education and care of 
**Analysis**
The text appears to focus on the social and economic support provided by the government to families, particularly with regards to maternity benefits, allowances, and exemptions. The text highlights the importance of the social welfare fund in financing these benefits and the responsibilities of marriage partners in supporting each other and their children.

**Category**
Employment, Health, Education