Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it also comes with financial and health challenges. Recognising the need to support expecting and lactating mothers, the Government of India introduced the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY). This scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to pregnant women and new mothers, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition and medical care.
In this article, we’ll explore the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana scheme, its objectives, benefits, and how it contributes to maternal and child health.
What is Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana scheme (PMMVY) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 2017 under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It aims to provide financial support to pregnant and lactating mothers for their first living child. The scheme ensures that mothers receive proper nutrition, medical assistance, and rest during pregnancy and after childbirth.
The primary focus of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana is to reduce maternal mortality and improve the health of both the mother and the child. Under this scheme, eligible women receive a cash incentive of ₹5,000 in three installments, linked to various stages of pregnancy and childbirth.
Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana scheme was introduced with clear objectives that focus on the well-being of both mother and child. Here are the main goals:
1. Financial Assistance for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy brings additional financial burdens, especially for women from economically weaker sections. The scheme provides monetary support to compensate for wage loss during pregnancy and after childbirth.
2. Encouraging Proper Nutrition
One of the major causes of maternal and infant mortality in India is malnutrition. The financial aid helps mothers buy nutritious food and take care of their health, ensuring better growth and development of the baby.
3. Promoting Institutional Deliveries
Many women in rural areas still opt for home deliveries, which increases the risk of complications. This scheme encourages women to avail medical services and deliver in hospitals or healthcare centers for a safer childbirth experience.
4. Reducing Maternal and Infant Mortality
By ensuring better nutrition, medical care, and financial support, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana scheme aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
5. Encouraging Postnatal Care and Immunisation
The scheme promotes postnatal checkups, breastfeeding, and child immunisation, ensuring the overall well-being of both mother and child.
Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana scheme offers multiple benefits that directly impact the health and financial stability of pregnant and lactating mothers. Here’s a detailed look at what beneficiaries receive:
1. Cash Assistance of ₹5,000
The scheme provides a direct benefit transfer of ₹5,000 in three installments:
First Installment (₹1,000): After early registration of pregnancy at a recognised healthcare facility.
Second Installment (₹2,000): After completing at least one antenatal check-up.
Third Installment (₹2,000): After childbirth, when the baby receives the first cycle of vaccinations.
Additionally, women covered under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) can receive further financial assistance, making the total benefit ₹6,000 or more in some states.
2. Health and Nutrition Benefits
The monetary assistance allows mothers to take better care of their health, ensuring they consume nutritious food and receive proper medical care during pregnancy.
3. Encouragement for First-Time Mothers
Since the scheme is applicable only for the first living child, it ensures that first-time mothers receive the necessary care and financial aid to adapt to motherhood.
4. Reduction in Pregnancy-Related Risks
By encouraging institutional deliveries, the scheme reduces complications related to home births and ensures that women receive professional medical care.
5. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for Transparency
The funds are directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account, ensuring that the assistance reaches the intended recipient without middlemen.
Eligibility Criteria for Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
To avail the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana scheme, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
The woman must be pregnant with her first living child.
She must be 19 years of age or older.
She should not be employed under the Central or State Government.
The scheme applies to both rural and urban women across India.
How to Apply for Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana?
Women can apply for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana scheme through multiple channels. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Online Registration:
Visit the official website https://pmmvy.nic.in/.
Register using Aadhaar-linked mobile number and bank account details.
Submit the required documents online.
Offline Registration:
Visit the nearest Anganwadi center or government hospital.
Fill out the PMMVY application form and attach necessary documents.
Submit the form to the local health center.
Documents Required
To apply for Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana scheme, you need:
Aadhaar Card
Pregnancy Certificate from a registered medical practitioner
Bank passbook
Mobile number
Address proof
Challenges in Implementation
While the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana scheme has been beneficial, there are challenges in its implementation:
Awareness Issues: Many eligible women, especially in rural areas, are unaware of the scheme.
Delayed Payments: Some beneficiaries face delays in receiving the funds due to administrative issues.
Banking Barriers: Women without bank accounts find it difficult to avail benefits.
The government is actively working to overcome these challenges by promoting awareness campaigns and improving the efficiency of fund transfers.
Final Thoughts
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana scheme is a crucial step towards improving maternal and child health in India. By providing financial assistance, the scheme ensures that women receive the necessary care during pregnancy and after childbirth. While challenges exist, continuous efforts are being made to improve the scheme's implementation.
For expectant mothers, it’s also essential to consider health insurance plans that provide maternity coverage. Niva Bupa, best health Insurance company in India offers comprehensive health policies, including maternity benefits, ensuring financial security during pregnancy. Combining government support with private insurance can provide the best care for both mother and child.
If you or someone you know is expecting a baby, don’t miss out on the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana scheme. Stay informed, apply on time, and prioritise maternal health for a brighter future!
