Motherhood is an important part of a woman's life, which provides both joy and financial responsibility. The government of India introduced the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) to provide financial assistance to pregnant and lactating mothers. The purpose of this scheme is to improve women's health, encourage smooth delivery and provide the necessary financial assistance to women during pregnancy.
This becomes essential as a health insurance plan for women includes maternity coverage ensuring comprehensive financial protection during pregnancy and childbirth. Let's delve deeper to know about PMMVY, including eligibility, key features and benefits.
What is Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)?
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a government-sponsored maternity scheme launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). The purpose is to provide partial compensation to pregnant women and ensure that they get the best treatment and nutrition during pregnancy and after the delivery of their child.
Pregnancy and delivery often cause a temporary loss of income for women, especially those working in the informal sector. The PMMVY scheme helps to bridge this difference by providing financial assistance to ensure that mothers receive sufficient care and assistance in this crucial phase of life.
Key Features of the PMMVY Scheme
· Financial assistance of ₹5,000
This scheme provides qualified pregnant women and lactating mothers in three instalments and a total cash incentive of ₹5,000.
· First, live birth focus
Benefits are only available for the first living child and encourage institutional delivery and better health practices.
· Direct distribution transfer (DBT)
Financial assistance is transferred directly to the person's bank or post office account, which ensures transparency and easy accessibility.
· Integrated with Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
Women who deliver in government health institutions can get more benefits under JSY, which provides monetary incentives for institutional delivery.
· Promotes institutional delivery
The purpose of this scheme is to reduce the mortality rate in maternal and infants by encouraging women to choose hospital-based delivery instead of home births.
· Early pregnancy encourages registration
Initial registration in state health stations ensures that women receive timely control and necessary medical advice.
By providing financial relief, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana ensures that pregnant women can prioritise their health without financial stress which eventually leads to becoming better mothers.
PMMVY Eligibility Criteria
To avail of benefits under the PMMVY scheme, applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions:
· Must be a resident of India.
· Must be pregnant or lactating with their first live birth.
· Should apply within 730 days (2 years) of pregnancy.
· The applicant’s family should not be covered under similar maternity benefit schemes.
Exemptions
· Women employed in Central/State Government or public sector undertakings (PSUs) are not eligible.
· Women who have previously availed of maternity benefits under any state or central scheme cannot apply.
Documents Required for PMMVY Registration
To apply for Matru Vandana Yojana, the following documents must be submitted:
· Aadhaar Card
· Bank Passbook for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
· Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card
· Pregnancy Registration Certificate from a government hospital
Importance of the PMMVY Scheme
· Reduces financial burden for families
Pregnancy often leads to wage loss, especially for women working in the disorganised sector. Many families struggle to cover important medical expenses, nutrition and postpartum care. The assistance offered under health insurance for women helps reduce financial stress.
· Encourages institutional delivery
Many women, especially in rural areas, still choose home birth due to financial obstacles or lack of awareness. PMMVY promotes institutional delivery in hospitals approved by the government, which reduces the risk of mother and infant mortality. The scheme is also associated with the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY).
· Promotes early registration and antenatal care
Early registration of pregnancy is important for monitoring the mother's health, detecting complications and ensuring safe delivery. Health insurance for women encourages women to register for pregnancy early and participate in regular checks so that timely medical intervention is when needed.
· Improves mother's and child's health
With proper birth care, institutional deliveries and postpartum vaccinations, the plan contributes significantly to malnutrition, and anaemia and to reduce health complications. Financial help also helps mothers to bear the costs of nutrition food, to ensure better health results for both mother and child.
· Supports working women
Many working women are forced to quit their jobs due to a lack of financial and social support during pregnancy. PMMVY helps them manage expenses, relax and recover after delivery without serious financial stress, and encourages women to continue working after delivery.
Final Thoughts
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a valuable initiative that provides financial assistance to pregnant women to ensure proper medical treatment and nutrition. Women planning for pregnancy should also have a health insurance plan with birth coverage to protect themselves from unexpected medical expenses.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I apply for online PMMVY?
To search the web, go to https://pmmvy.nic.in, register, fill in the required details, upload the document and submit the application.
2. Who is eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana scheme?
Pregnant or lactating women do not have their first living baby and have not been covered under any other maternity plan.
3 Can PMMVY be combined with other government maternity schemes?
Yes, PMMVY benefits can be availed alongside the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), which provides additional financial incentives for institutional deliveries
4. Do private sector employees qualify for PMMVY?
Yes, private-sector employees can apply for PMMVY benefits if they meet the eligibility criteria.
5. Is the PMMVY scheme applicable for second or third pregnancies?
No, PMMVY benefits are available only for the first live birth. Women who are pregnant with their second or third child are not eligible under this scheme.
