The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a government maternity benefit scheme that has aided 1.75 crore eligible women by the financial year 2020. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women to meet their nutritional needs and compensate for wage loss. The scheme is funded by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and disburses cash benefits directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit scheme in India. Recently, it surpassed 1.75 crore eligible women by the financial year 2020. Between 2018 and 2020, Rs. 5,931.95 crore was disbursed to beneficiaries. This initiative aims to address the nutritional and economic needs of pregnant women, thus promoting maternal and child health.
PMMVY is a nationwide maternity benefit program launched on 1st January 2017. Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the scheme provides financial support to pregnant women and lactating mothers across all districts of India. This initiative is a crucial step toward ensuring the well-being of mothers and their newborns.
The PMMVY operates through a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. This ensures that cash benefits are directly transferred to the bank accounts of pregnant women. This system helps meet enhanced nutritional needs and partially compensates for wage loss during pregnancy. By directly crediting the funds, the scheme promotes transparency and efficiency in disbursement.
The scheme targets all Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM), excluding those in regular employment with the Central or State Governments, PSUs, or those receiving similar benefits under other laws. Eligibility is determined based on pregnancies occurring on or after 1st January 2017. However, it is limited to the first child in the family.
Under PMMVY, beneficiaries receive a cash benefit of Rs. 5,000 in three installments. These are contingent upon early pregnancy registration, an ante-natal check-up, and the registration of the child’s birth and completion of the first vaccination cycle. Additionally, through the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), women can receive up to Rs. 6,000 in total benefits.
A distinctive feature of PMMVY is its robust monitoring mechanism, facilitated by the PMMVY-CAS web-based software. This application allows central and state governments to track the status of beneficiaries, ensuring accountability and expedited grievance redressal. This real-time monitoring helps improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the scheme.
Several other schemes complement PMMVY and JSY by focusing on the health and nutrition of women. These initiatives, implemented by various bodies, adopt diverse approaches to create a supportive environment for women’s health and well-being, addressing different aspects of maternal and child care.
The Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojna (IGMSY) aims to create a better enabling environment for pregnant and lactating mothers through cash incentives. Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the scheme focuses on improving health and nutrition outcomes for mothers, thereby promoting maternal and child health.
Launched in Kerala in 1998, Kudumbashree aims to eradicate poverty through community action. It is the largest women-empowering project in India, focusing on microcredit, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. By fostering economic independence and social empowerment, Kudumbashree plays a crucial role in improving women’s lives.
Poshan Abhiyaan, launched in March 2018, aims to enhance the nutritional status of children (0-6 years), pregnant women, and lactating mothers in a time-bound manner. This mission focuses on addressing malnutrition and promoting holistic development, ensuring better health outcomes for women and children.
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme targets vulnerable groups, particularly children below 6 years and women. Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, ICDS provides specific interventions to improve health and nutrition, thereby supporting the overall development of children and the well-being of women.
In essence, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and other related schemes reflect the government’s commitment to improving maternal and child health in India. These initiatives not only provide financial aid but also promote institutional deliveries and comprehensive healthcare for women. As future civil servants, your role will be pivotal in ensuring the effective implementation and outreach of such crucial programs, thereby contributing to a healthier and stronger nation.
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