Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

GS 2 Schemes

Overview – Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a centrally sponsored maternity benefit scheme launched by the Government of India in 2017 under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It aims to provide financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women for their first child to improve maternal and infant health.

Objectives

1. Compensate for Wage Loss – Provides partial wage compensation to pregnant women so they can take adequate rest before and after childbirth.
2. Ensure Proper Nutrition – Financial support helps in better nutrition and healthcare during pregnancy and lactation.
3. Reduce Maternal and Infant Mortality – Encourages institutional delivery and postnatal care.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicable only to the first pregnancy.
• Beneficiaries must be pregnant and lactating women (excluding those in regular government jobs).
• The applicant must be 18 years or older.
• Women must register their pregnancy at an Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or healthcare facility.

Benefits Provided

A direct benefit transfer (DBT) of ₹5,000 is provided in three installments:

1. ₹1,000 – Upon early registration of pregnancy (before 150 days).
2. ₹2,000 – After at least one antenatal check-up (after 6 months).
3. ₹2,000 – After childbirth and child receives the first cycle of vaccinations.

Additionally, the beneficiary is eligible for ₹1,000 under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), making the total benefit ₹6,000.

Implementation

• Implemented through Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) and health facilities.
• Beneficiaries must register via the PMMVY online portal or through offline submission at the nearest AWC/health centre.
• Payments are transferred directly to the bank/post office account of the beneficiary.

Challenges & Criticism

• Limited coverage – Only for first-time mothers, excluding subsequent pregnancies.
• Delayed payments – Reports of funds not reaching beneficiaries on time.
• Complex documentation – Requires Aadhaar, bank details, and multiple verification processes.