Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) – A Maternity Support Program

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a government initiative in India aimed at supporting pregnant and lactating women. Initially known as the Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana, it was later renamed in 2017. The scheme focuses on providing financial assistance and promoting good health practices during pregnancy and childbirth.

Objectives:

The main goals of PMMVY are to encourage proper care during pregnancy, safe delivery, and healthy practices for both mothers and infants. The program aims to promote optimal nutrition, and early and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and offer cash incentives to pregnant and lactating mothers for improved health and nutrition.

Eligibility and Conditions:

Originally linked to the National Food Security Act, PMMVY provides a cash benefit of ₹6,000 (about US$75) to eligible beneficiaries. To receive this assistance, pregnant women aged 19 and above need to fulfil certain conditions. The cash is distributed in two instalments, with specific criteria for each transfer:

1. First Installment (Pregnancy Trimester – ₹1,000):
2. Register for pregnancy at the Anganwadi Centre.
3. Attend at least one prenatal care session, take iron-folic acid tablets, and receive the tetanus toxoid injection.
4. Attend at least one counselling session at the Anganwadi Centre or healthcare centre.

• Second Installment (Six Months after Conception – ₹2,000):
• Attend at least one prenatal care session and receive the second tetanus toxoid injection.

• Third Installment (Three and a Half Months after Delivery – ₹2,000):
• Register the child’s birth.
• Immunize the child with OPV and BCG at birth, at six weeks, and at ten weeks.
• Attend at least two growth monitoring sessions within three months of delivery.

Additional Conditions:

• Exclusively breastfeed for six months and introduce complementary feeding as certified by the mother.
• Immunize the child with OPV and DPT.
• Attend at least two counselling sessions on growth monitoring and infant and child nutrition and feeding between the third and sixth months after delivery.

Application Process:

To avail of the benefits, eligible individuals can follow these steps on the official PMMVY website:

1. Input your 10-digit mobile number and click “Verify.”
2. Provide your name and select your relationship with the beneficiary.
3. Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
4. Fill out the Beneficiary Application Form with personal details and submit it.
5. Track the Application Status to monitor progress.

Scaling Up Nationwide:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2017, announced plans to expand PMMVY to cover 650 districts across the country. This initiative is crucial in addressing maternal and infant mortality, which remains a significant concern in India due to poor nutrition and inadequate medical care during pregnancy and childbirth. The scheme aims to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of mothers and their newborns.

Positive Takeaway

In my opinion, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a positive step towards supporting pregnant and lactating women in India. By providing financial assistance and promoting healthy practices, the scheme helps ensure better care during pregnancy and childbirth.

The simplicity of the application process makes it accessible to eligible individuals. Additionally, the government’s commitment to expanding the program nationwide shows a dedication to addressing maternal and infant health on a larger scale, which is a commendable effort.

Overall, PMMVY contributes positively to improving the health outcomes for mothers and their newborns.