What is Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)?
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit scheme launched by the Government of India to support pregnant and lactating women. It provides financial assistance to ensure proper nutrition and healthcare for both the mother and child. The scheme is particularly targeted at women from economically weaker sections to reduce maternal mortality and child malnutrition.
Objective of PMMVY
The primary objective of the PMMVY scheme is to provide financial aid to pregnant women and lactating mothers to compensate for their wage loss during pregnancy. The scheme aims to:
- Improve maternal and child health.
- Encourage institutional delivery.
- Reduce the risk of malnutrition among newborns.
- Promote early breastfeeding practices.
- Support first-time mothers financially.
Eligibility Criteria for PMMVY
To be eligible for the PM Matru Vandana Yojana, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- The beneficiary should be a first-time mother.
- She must be at least 19 years old.
- She should be a citizen of India.
- The pregnancy should be registered at a government-recognized health facility.
- The scheme is available for women working in both formal and informal sectors.
Benefits of PMMVY
Under the PMMVY scheme, eligible women receive financial assistance of ₹5,000 in three installments:
- First installment (₹1,000) – After early registration of pregnancy.
- Second installment (₹2,000) – After at least one antenatal check-up.
- Third installment (₹2,000) – After childbirth and completion of the first round of immunization.
Additionally, beneficiaries also receive maternity benefits of ₹6,000 under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), raising the total financial assistance to ₹11,000.
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How is the Beneficiary Paid?
The financial assistance under PMMVY is transferred directly to the bank or post office account of the beneficiary through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. This ensures transparency and eliminates middlemen in the process.
Limitations of Receiving the Benefit
While PM Matru Vandana Yojana is beneficial, there are some limitations:
- The scheme covers only the first living child.
- It does not include women who are government employees or who receive similar benefits under any other maternity scheme.
- There are delays in payment processing due to administrative issues in some states.
How to Apply for Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana?
Women can apply for PMMVY through the following methods:
- Online Application: Register through the PMMVY portal (https://pmmvy.nic.in/) and submit the necessary documents.
- Offline Registration: Visit the nearest Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or government health facility and submit a filled application form along with the required documents.
Documents Required for PMMVY
To avail of benefits under PM Matru Vandana Yojana, the following documents are required:
- Aadhaar card of the applicant.
- Pregnancy registration proof.
- Identity proof (Voter ID, PAN card, or any other government ID).
- Bank account details for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Medical records from a government hospital.
- Declaration of first pregnancy.
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How to Make a Claim Under the PMMVY Scheme?
The claims under PMMVY are made in three phases:
- First installment claim: Submit proof of pregnancy registration at a recognized health center.
- Second installment claim: Provide proof of at least one antenatal check-up at six months of pregnancy.
- Third installment claim: Submit childbirth proof and immunization record of the newborn.
Claim Process of PMMVY
The claim process follows these steps:
- Register for the scheme by visiting an AWC or health facility.
- Submit the required documents in each installment phase.
- Verification of details by the authorities.
- Approval and fund disbursal through DBT to the beneficiary’s bank account.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a significant initiative for improving maternal health and reducing malnutrition. By providing financial assistance, it ensures that pregnant and lactating mothers receive adequate care. However, expanding its scope to cover more pregnancies and improving the efficiency of fund disbursement can enhance its impact.