Motherhood is a beautiful phase that comes with its own set of challenges, especially in a country like India where many women face socio-economic barriers. Recognizing the importance of supporting mothers during this crucial time, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) in 2017. This scheme aims to provide financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women to ensure their well-being and that of their newborns.
What is Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)?
PMMVY is a maternity benefit program that provides cash incentives to pregnant women and lactating mothers for the first live birth. It is a centrally sponsored scheme which is implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Objectives of PMMVY
The primary objectives of the scheme are to:
- Provide partial compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash incentives so that women can take adequate rest before and after delivery
- Ensure health and well-being of the mother and the child
- Reduce maternal and infant mortality by incentivizing institutional deliveries
- Encourage women to opt for safe delivery practices
Eligibility Criteria for PMMVY
To be eligible for PMMVY, a woman must fulfill the following criteria:
- Women aged 19 years and above
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers
- First live birth
- The scheme is applicable for the first two live births only
- The cash incentive is only for women for the first child
- The women must register under the scheme on the week of conception
Benefits of PMMVY
Under the PMMVY scheme, eligible women receive a cash incentive of ₹5000. Here are some of the key benefits of the scheme:
- Financial Support: The cash incentive provided under PMMVY helps women to meet their health and nutritional needs during pregnancy and lactation.
- Maternal Health: By incentivizing institutional deliveries, the scheme ensures that pregnant women have access to proper healthcare facilities, reducing the risk of maternal mortality.
- Ensuring Child Health: The scheme also focuses on the well-being of the newborn by promoting essential healthcare practices.
- Promoting Safe Delivery: PMMVY encourages women to opt for safe delivery practices by providing them with financial support.
Implementation of PMMVY
The implementation of PMMVY involves the following steps:
- Registration: Women are required to register under the scheme on the week of conception to avail the benefits.
- Verification: The eligibility of the woman is verified by the concerned authorities.
- Distribution of Incentives: Once the verification is complete, the cash incentive is directly transferred to the woman’s bank account.
How to Apply for PMMVY?
To apply for PMMVY, eligible women need to follow these steps:
- Visit the nearest Anganwadi Centre or hospital: Women can register for the scheme at the nearest Anganwadi Centre or government hospital.
- Fill out the application form: The woman needs to fill out the application form with the required details.
- Submit necessary documents: Along with the application form, the woman needs to submit documents such as Aadhar card, pregnancy certificate, and bank account details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a woman apply for PMMVY after the birth of the child?
No, the scheme is applicable for the first live birth only. A woman needs to register during the week of conception to avail the benefits.
2. Is there any age limit for women to apply for PMMVY?
Yes, women aged 19 years and above are eligible for the scheme.
3. How is the cash incentive distributed under PMMVY?
The cash incentive is directly transferred to the woman’s bank account after the verification of eligibility.
4. What documents are required to apply for PMMVY?
Women need to submit documents such as Aadhar card, pregnancy certificate, and bank account details to apply for the scheme.
5. Can a woman avail the benefits of PMMVY for her second child?
No, the scheme is applicable for the first two live births only, and the cash incentive is provided only for the first child.
In conclusion, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a significant initiative by the Government of India to support and empower mothers during pregnancy and lactation. By providing financial assistance and promoting safe delivery practices, the scheme aims to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the child. It is essential for eligible women to take advantage of this scheme to improve maternal and child health outcomes in the country.
