New Delhi, June 9. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is continuously working to strengthen maternal health and early childhood care through the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) launched in 2017. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to pregnant women and lactating mothers, thereby promoting better nutrition and positive health behaviour.
Expansion of the scheme under Mission Shakti
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has been included under Mission Shakti from April 1, 2022. After this, the installments of maternity and child benefit were reduced from three to two. Besides expanding the scope of the scheme, provision of benefit for the second child was also made, provided the newborn child is a girl.
Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries are provided financial assistance of Rs 5,000 in two installments for the first child and Rs 6,000 for the second child on the birth of a girl child. This assistance is linked to important health milestones such as early registration of pregnancy, antenatal care and vaccination.
Getting timely assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer
Under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, funds are sent to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system in a transparent and time bound manner. New eligibility provisions have also been included in the scheme for circumstances like abortion or stillbirth, thereby further increasing its inclusivity. This financial assistance serves as partial wage compensation, allowing women the opportunity for adequate rest and care before and after delivery.
The scheme reached crores of women
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has proved to be effective on a large scale across the country. Till April 30, 2026, more than 4.27 crore beneficiaries have been provided assistance under the scheme while the total amount disbursed has reached more than Rs 20,150 crore. The experiences of women who have benefited from the scheme clearly show its impact. Women facing economic difficulties and limited access to health services received timely financial assistance under the scheme, enabling them to access nutritious food, regular health checkups and essential medical services.
Safe motherhood promoted
With proper care and regular monitoring ensured through the scheme, many women had safe deliveries in health institutions and gave birth to healthy babies. The scheme is playing an important role in ensuring safe motherhood and better maternal health outcomes. Along with this, the scheme has also proved helpful in promoting institutional delivery, improving maternal health and strengthening gender equality by providing additional incentives for the girl child.
Emphasis on strengthening the reach and reach of the scheme
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has said that keeping in mind the goal of a healthy and strong India, continuous efforts are being made for the effective implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and further expanding its reach, so that its benefits can reach every eligible woman.
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