Motherhood is one of the most crucial stages in a woman’s life, and it requires proper healthcare, nutrition, and financial support. In India, a large number of women, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds, face financial hardships during pregnancy and after childbirth. To address this challenge, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) on 1st January 2017.
This centrally sponsored scheme provides cash incentives to pregnant women and lactating mothers (PW&LM) for the first living child of the family. The aim is to provide partial wage loss compensation so that women can take rest, access healthcare, and ensure the well-being of themselves and their newborn.
Earlier, this program was known as the Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY), which started as a pilot project in District Panchkula, Haryana. Later, it was expanded and rebranded as PMMVY and implemented across all districts of the country.
Objectives of PMMVY
The scheme has multiple social and health-oriented objectives:
- Provide Partial Wage Compensation: Many women in India work in informal sectors with no paid maternity leave. This scheme ensures they receive financial assistance during pregnancy.
- Promote Maternal Health: The cash incentive encourages women to register early in healthcare facilities and undergo antenatal check-ups.
- Support Lactating Mothers: By covering the first six months post-delivery, the scheme supports exclusive breastfeeding and maternal care.
- Reduce Maternal and Infant Mortality: Better nutrition and healthcare access directly contribute to reducing maternal and child deaths.
- Encourage Institutional Deliveries: Linked with Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), it promotes deliveries in hospitals, ensuring safer births.
Benefits Under the Scheme
Eligible women receive a cash incentive of ₹5,000 in three installments, directly credited to their bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Along with JSY benefits, a woman can receive up to ₹6,000 in total maternity benefits.
Installment-Wise Breakdown
- First Installment – ₹1,000
- Condition: Early registration of pregnancy within 180 days of the Last Menstrual Period (LMP).
- Verification: Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card certified by an ANM/Health Dept. officer.
- Second Installment – ₹2,000
- Condition: At least one antenatal check-up after six months of pregnancy.
- Verification: MCP card updated and signed by a health official.
- Third Installment – ₹2,000
- Condition 1: Childbirth is registered.
- Condition 2: Child has received the first cycle of BCG, OPV, DPT, and Hepatitis-B vaccinations.
- Verification: Birth certificate and updated MCP card.
Thus, the woman receives ₹5,000 under PMMVY plus additional benefits under JSY.
Eligibility Criteria
To avail benefits under PMMVY, the following conditions apply:
- Who Can Apply?
- All Pregnant Women (PW) and Lactating Mothers (LM) for their first living child.
- Who Cannot Apply?
- Women employed in regular jobs with Central or State Government, PSUs, or those receiving similar benefits under any law.
- Additional Conditions:
- Pregnancy must be on or after 01.01.2017.
- Proof of pregnancy stage is verified through the LMP date on the MCP card.
How to Apply for PMMVY
Applying for PMMVY is simple, and it can be done online or through Anganwadi Centers (AWC) or approved health facilities.
Online Application (PMMVY Portal 2.0)
- Enter your 10-digit mobile number.
- Verify with OTP.
- Fill in personal and pregnancy-related details.
- Upload required documents.
- Submit and track your application online.
Offline Application
- Visit your nearest Anganwadi Center (AWC) or government health facility.
- Fill in prescribed forms for each installment.
- Submit with necessary documents (Aadhaar, MCP card, bank details, etc.).
Fees
- Government Charges: No Fee
- CSC/Atal Seva Kendra Service Charge: ₹10
This ensures the process is affordable for all women.
Target Beneficiaries
- All Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers except those already receiving maternity benefits through government jobs.
- Women with pregnancies on or after 1st January 2017.
- Beneficiaries are tracked using LMP date on MCP card.
Achievements of PMMVY
The scheme has shown significant results across the country:
- Haryana’s Performance:
- Haryana implemented PMMVY effectively across all districts.
- Yamunanagar and Panchkula were awarded as best performing districts in Northern India (2018).
- Haryana bagged 3rd prize at the National Level in 2020 for implementation success.
- Coverage Data:
- From April 2022 to March 2023, around 1,48,283 beneficiaries received benefits, with an expenditure of ₹72.86 crore.
- From April 2023 to November 2023, 13,151 women received benefits, with expenditure of ₹4.39 crore under PMMVY Portal 2.0.
These achievements prove that PMMVY is positively impacting maternal health and child welfare.
Sharing Pattern
PMMVY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The cost-sharing ratio is:
- 60% Centre : 40% State
This ensures cooperation between the central and state governments in funding the scheme.
RTS (Right to Service) Timeline
The RTS time limit for disbursal under PMMVY is 30 days from the date of application. This guarantees timely financial support to pregnant women.
Impact of PMMVY
- Financial Security: Women get assured cash during pregnancy.
- Healthcare Utilization: Increased registration in healthcare centers, antenatal check-ups, and institutional deliveries.
- Reduced Malnutrition: Cash benefits help improve nutrition for mother and child.
- Women Empowerment: Direct transfer into bank accounts empowers women financially.
- Improved Child Health: Vaccination-linked installment ensures immunization.
Challenges in Implementation
- Awareness Gaps: Many rural women are unaware of the scheme.
- Document Issues: Delays due to Aadhaar, bank linkage, or MCP card entries.
- Exclusion of Second Child: Critics argue that the scheme should cover second pregnancies too.
The government is working to resolve these issues by strengthening digital platforms and awareness campaigns.
