Maternal health is paramount when ensuring safe and uncomplicated childbirth for women. Unfortunately, India reportedly accounted for one-fifth of global maternal deaths in 2015. This alarming number can be attributed to the country’s health inequities and social hierarchies.
Rural areas of India suffer significantly due to the high number of women experiencing anemia and undernourishment. The impact of this is severe as undernourished mothers often give birth to low birth weight babies, increasing the chances of complications.
Pregnancy and childbirth is a challenging experience for every woman. In India, due to various social factors, most women continue to work until the last stages of their pregnancy. This makes the post-delivery phase difficult, as their bodies do not get adequate rest and recovery time.
The inability to breastfeed the baby properly due to lack of rest and nourishment in the early stages also negatively impacts both the mother’s and the baby’s health.
The Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) was launched to address this significant concern. The scheme aims to provide financial support to pregnant and lactating mothers to meet their nutritional requirements and allow them to rest during pregnancy and after childbirth.
By prioritizing maternal health and addressing the challenges faced by pregnant and lactating women in India, the PMMVY scheme has the potential to significantly improve the overall health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
What is Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana?
The PMMVY, previously known as the Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana, was launched in 2017 to offer financial support to pregnant and nursing mothers aged 19 and above who have given birth to their first child.
As a social welfare program designed to assist with maternity expenses, the PMMVY provides a direct cash benefit to eligible women. This initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to empower women by providing them with financial assistance during a crucial time in their lives.
The PMMVY is a crucial program that acknowledges the needs of pregnant and nursing mothers who require additional support to manage expenses associated with maternity. By providing financial aid, the PMMVY aims to improve the well-being of mothers and their infants and help them achieve good health outcomes.
The PMMVY is one of the ways the government is prioritizing maternal and child health by providing necessary resources for women to receive quality maternal care and ensure better health outcomes for both mothers and their children.
Objectives of PMMVY:
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) has several key objectives to support and improve the health of mothers and infants across India.
- The program recognizes the importance of mothers receiving adequate rest before and after delivering their first child. To ensure this, PMMVY provides cash compensation to women who experience wage loss due to time off from work to take care of themselves and their babies.
- Another essential objective of the program is to promote good healthcare and institutional care for mothers and their infants. The PMMVY recognizes that access to quality healthcare services is essential to reduce the risk of disease and complications for mothers and their babies. Through the program, the government is working to ensure that women receive the care and support they need to maintain good health throughout pregnancy and after delivery.
- In addition to healthcare, the PMMVY aims to promote healthy behavior among pregnant and lactating mothers by emphasizing good nutrition and feeding practices.
- By educating women about the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood, the program aims to reduce the infant mortality rate and address malnutrition among children.
- This is a crucial step in improving the health and well-being of mothers and their families and, ultimately, building stronger, healthier communities across the country.
Who are the Beneficiaries of the PMMVY Scheme?
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) Scheme has been introduced to support and assist pregnant and lactating women nationwide.
- The scheme caters to the needs of all PW and LM, except those employed with the State Government, Central Government, or Public Sector Undertaking or are already receiving similar benefits under any other law in force.
- The beneficiaries must also have had their pregnancy on or after January 1, 2017, and should be bearing their first child.
- Additionally, Anganwadi Workers (AWW), Anganwadi Helpers (AWH), and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) who are pregnant or lactating are eligible for the benefits under the PMMVY Scheme. It is worth noting that if the PW or LM faces a stillbirth or miscarriage, they will only receive the PMMVY benefits once. However, in case of future pregnancies, they can claim the remaining installments of the scheme.
- If infant mortality occurs, the beneficiary will no longer be eligible for further benefits under the PMMVY scheme. This is because the beneficiary has already received all the installments under the scheme, and thus no additional support is available.
The PMMVY Scheme supports and uplifts pregnant and lactating women in India. By providing essential financial aid and assistance, the scheme ensures that the health and well-being of the mother and child are not compromised. With this initiative, the Indian Government hopes to create a healthier and more prosperous nation.
Critical Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana:
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a beneficial scheme for expectant and new mothers in India. One of the key advantages of this program is the cash incentives it provides to eligible beneficiaries. These incentives are given in three installments, as outlined below.
- The first installment is provided as an incentive of ₹1,000 for early pregnancy registration at the Anganwadi Centre or any approved health facility recognized by the State or Union Territory.
- After six months of pregnancy, the second installment is given after completing at least one antenatal check-up. This installment amounts to ₹2,000.
- Finally, the third installment of ₹2,000 is provided after the registration of childbirth and completion of the first cycle of vaccinations, such as OPV, BCG, DPT, and Hepatitis B.
- Apart from these installments, eligible beneficiaries shall receive an additional incentive of ₹1,000 under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) for institutional delivery. With this additional cash incentive, beneficiaries shall get a total maternity benefit of ₹6,000 under the PMMVY and JSY scheme.
Eligibility Criteria for PMMVY:
To avail of the benefits of this scheme, an applicant must fulfill specific eligibility criteria.
- The Indian government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana to provide financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers who are conceiving their first child.
- One of the most crucial requirements is that the pregnancy must have been conceived on or after January 1, 2017. This condition ensures that only those women who have recently conceived a child can take advantage of the scheme.
- Additionally, the applicant should not be covered under any paid maternity scheme. This clause ensures that the financial assistance provided under this scheme reaches the intended beneficiaries and does not overlap with any other benefits already availed by the applicant.
- Another important aspect is that the applicant should register for the scheme within 730 days of her pregnancy. This condition provides ample time for pregnant women and lactating mothers to apply for the scheme and obtain the necessary assistance to care for themselves and their children.
How to Apply for PMMVY Online?
The Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana offers a way for expectant mothers to obtain coverage and assistance. Whether you choose to apply through online or offline modes, the process is relatively straightforward.
However, it is essential to remember that the application must be made within 730 days of the mother’s Last Menstrual Period, as documented in the Mother and Child Protection card. This condition ensures that expectant mothers are utilizing the benefits during their pregnancy. Currently, online registration for the scheme is only available for states such as Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
- To register online, visit the PMMVY scheme’s official website (https://pmmvy-cas.nic.in/) and click on the ‘Beneficiary Login’ option.
- After selecting the ‘Registering New User’ option, the beneficiary must create a user account by filling in their details like name, mobile number, email ID, and password.
- Once the user account is created, the beneficiary can log in using their email ID and password and select the ‘New Beneficiary’ option on the page. The beneficiary must then fill out a form with basic details such as their name, address, and account details.
- Finally, the beneficiary must click the ‘Verify’ option to complete the PM Matritva Vandana Yojana application process. With the successful completion of the process, the beneficiary can receive financial assistance for their maternal health and well-being.
How to Apply for PMMVY Offline?
For those who do not have access to online registration for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, there is still an offline option available. This process can be completed by visiting the Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or the nearest government health facility approved to implement the PMMVY scheme.
- To begin the registration process offline, applicants should either download Form 1A from the official PMMVY website (https://pmmvy-cas.nic.in) or obtain an application form at the AWC.
- Once the application form has been obtained, the next step is to enter all relevant beneficiary information, such as the husband’s details, address, mobile number, LMP date, and bank details.
- After filling out the application form, it must be submitted to the AWC or the approved health facility.
- Once submitted, a supervisor will verify the information on the application form.
- Once completed, applicants will receive an acknowledgment copy from the AWW/ASHA/ANM (Auxiliary Nurse & Midwife). This signals that their Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana registration has been completed.
How to Check PMMVY Payment Status?
Are you a PMMVY beneficiary? If so, have you ever wondered which installments you have received? Thankfully, checking the payment status has been easy and can be done online. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to check your PMMVY payment status:
- Step 1: Open the official Public Financial Management System website (https://pfms.nic.in/) on your browser.
- Step 2: Once on the website, look for the ‘Know Your Payment’ option and click on it.
- Step 3: Fill in the required details, such as your bank name, account number, and word verification.
- Step 4: To view the PMMVY payment status, click the ‘Send OTP on Registered Mobile No.’ button.
- Step 5: Finally, you will be directed to the PMMVY scheme payment details page, where all the installments are claimed.
It’s that simple—no need to visit government offices or wait in long queues. Follow the steps outlined above and learn about the status of your PMMVY payment from the comfort of your own home.
Documents Needed to Apply for PMMVY Scheme:
Certain documents must be submitted to apply for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) Scheme. These documents vary based on the installment of the scheme for which the application is being made.
- For the first installment, applicants must submit Form 1A, a duly filled application form. A copy of any identity proof such as a PAN card, Ration card, Voter ID card, or MGNREGS job card is also required. Applicants must also submit a copy of their Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card and Post Office or bank account passbook. Finally, an undertaking must be duly signed by the beneficiary and her husband.
- The second installment requires submitting Form 1B and a copy of the MCP card.
- The documents required for the third installment include a duly filled Form 1C, a copy of the MCP card, and a copy of the childbirth registration. Applicants must also submit a copy of their Aadhaar card.
It is vital to ensure that all the necessary documents are in order and have been submitted as per the guidelines provided for the PMMVY Scheme. Only then will the applicant be eligible to receive the benefits of the scheme and be able to ensure the well-being of their child.
What Happens if there is a Case of Miscarriage or Stillbirth?
In case of miscarriage or stillbirth, provisions ensure the beneficiary does not lose out on all the benefits. It is important to note that the beneficiary must claim the first installment before becoming eligible for the remaining installments.
If the beneficiary suffers a miscarriage after claiming the first installment, she will still be eligible to claim the second and third installments in the event of a future pregnancy.
It is reassuring to know that the beneficiary’s eligibility for the remaining installments will not be affected by the unfortunate incident of a miscarriage or stillbirth. Suppose the beneficiary has already claimed the first and second installments and experiences a miscarriage or stillbirth.
In that case, she will still be eligible to claim the third installment for future pregnancies, provided she fulfills the scheme’s eligibility criteria.
It is important to remember that while the loss of a pregnancy is a challenging experience for anyone, the scheme offers some financial support and security for the beneficiary’s future. The provisions help ensure that the beneficiary is not left without any financial support in case of a miscarriage or stillbirth.
What Happens If There Is A Case Of Infant Mortality?
Regarding the unfortunate circumstance of infant mortality, there are important details to consider regarding the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) scheme. This scheme provides benefits to eligible beneficiaries during their pregnancy and childbirth.
However, it is essential to note that if infant mortality occurs and the beneficiary has already received the available installments under the plan, they will not be eligible for future pregnancies. This means that the scheme benefits are a one-time offering.
While this news may disappoint those who have experienced the loss of a child, it is essential to remember that the PMMVY scheme is designed to provide support and assistance during pregnancy and childbirth. It is a vital resource for many expectant mothers, and its benefits can help ensure that their health and well-being and that of their newborn child are prioritized.
PMMVY Helpline Number:
- Address: Deputy Director PMMVY, Department of Women and Child Development,
Government of NCT of Delhi, 1, Canning Lane (Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane), Near Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Bus Stop, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi – 110001.
- PMMVY Complaint Helpline Number: 011 – 23382393
- Email ID: igmsy.hq@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions:
A- If the Last Menstrual Period (LMP) is not recorded on the MCP card, the beneficiary can only claim the third installment after giving birth. In such cases, the claim must be submitted within 460 days from the date of childbirth.
A- ANC refers to antenatal check-ups involving various blood tests and scans to detect complications. To claim the second installment under the PMMVY scheme, at least one antenatal check-up must be completed.
A- PMMVY claims are only accepted within 730 days from the Last Menstrual Period. Claims submitted beyond this timeframe will result in the rejection of the maternity claim.
A– To claim the third installment, the first cycle of the following vaccines must be completed:
– BCG
– Hepatitis B birth dose
– OPV – 0
– OPV – 1, 2 & 3
– DPT – 1, 2 & 3
– Hepatitis B – 1, 2 & 3
– Pentavalent – 1, 2 & 3
A- The first immunization cycle should be completed within 14 weeks after the child’s birth. The ASW/ANM/ASHA will verify the MCP card at the beginning of the fifth month to ensure that the immunizations have been completed.
Wrapping Up:
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a crucial scheme that provides maternity benefits to pregnant and lactating women. The scheme’s main objective is to ensure these women maintain good health during this crucial period. By offering cash incentives, the scheme seeks to reduce the financial burden of maternity and childcare.
Furthermore, the scheme benefits newborn babies, as their health is a key priority. With access to better healthcare facilities, expectant mothers can reduce the risk of complications during childbirth and increase the chances of delivering healthy babies.