Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Scheme Benefits & Objective

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana

Keeping in mind the requirements of the nation’s citizens as well as the economy and society’s ongoing development, the Indian government periodically introduces a number of welfare projects and programmes. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is one such programme that focuses on the health of pregnant and nursing women in India. To date, a number of health-related programmes have been developed and put into action, but no programme emphasising the value of pregnant women has been integrated into policymaking. This plan effectively addresses all those issue areas.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Meaning

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is carrying out the centrally funded Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY). Upon fulfilling certain qualifications, Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM) are eligible for three payments of maternity benefits totaling Rs. 5000.

The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) provides qualified recipients with a financial incentive towards maternity benefits following an institutional delivery; typically, this incentive is in the amount of Rs. 6000. PW&LM are also entitled to Supplementary Nutrition (ICDS) through the Anganwadi Services, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme included in Integrated Child Development Services.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Scheme

A direct benefit transfer programme is the PMMVY. According to the National Food Security Act of 2013, PMMVY, a Maternity Benefit Programme, is administered in each district of the nation.

A beneficiary is only eligible for benefits under the plan once. In the event of a miscarriage or stillbirth, the beneficiary would be entitled to the remaining instalment(s) in the event of a subsequent pregnancy. All pregnant women and nursing mothers (PW&LM) who are regularly employed by the Central Government, a State Government, a Public Sector Undertaking, or who are receiving benefits of a similar nature under any currently in force law are not eligible for maternity benefits under the PMMVY.

Maternity benefit instalment disbursement conditions are meant to encourage PW&LM to seek medical attention. PMMVY, formerly known as Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY), is a maternity benefit. In 2010, the IGMSY was introduced.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Objective

In order to allow women to have enough rest before and after giving birth to their first child, the programme aims to partially compensate them in cash for the pay loss they experienced. The youngster should have been born alive. The financial incentive would encourage Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW& LM) to behave in a healthier manner.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Benefit

Three installments are made for the incentives: When the registrant applies at the Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or any other certified health institution that has been identified by that particular administering State/UT during the early stages of pregnancy, they are granted the first installment of 1,000 rupees. After six months of pregnancy, the second installment of $2000 is received.

The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) scheme for institutional delivery would provide the incentive to the qualified women, and it would be part of their maternity payments, which would total 6,000.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Beneficiaries

Pregnant women and lactating mothers fall under this group, however those who work full-time for the federal, state, or local governments, public utilities, or who receive similar benefits under any continuously in effect statute are not included.  Women who become pregnant and give birth to their first child on or after July 1, 2017, are all entitled.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Underlying Issues

Lack of Coverage: As of now, the scheme has only provided coverage to 40% of PW & LM eligible individuals. This demonstrates that the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana programme has not been able to adequately incorporate women who fall into the eligible group; according to official data, 60% of them were left behind in 2017.

Reduced scheme enrollment: According to information released by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), there has been a decline in scheme membership over the past two years. With a 9% decrease in enrolment under the programme in 2020–21, more than half of the beneficiaries who had signed up for the three instalments did not receive them.

The budget cut provided for: In the fiscal year 2021–2022, the sum set aside for the scheme was decreased by 20% of the overall budget. Additionally, the money allotted for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana scheme has been decreased by integrating it with the SAMARTHYA scheme. The overall budget of SAMARTHYA is 2,522 crore, or almost the same amount as the PMMVY scheme’s budget from prior years.

Insufficient incentive amount for the scheme: Forcing women to work throughout and after pregnancy is a common practise. They are unable to cope with the decreased or nonexistent pay policies implemented by many workplaces during pregnancy.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana UPSC

Thus, the government policy and programme known as the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana was created with the intention of helping pregnant women and breastfeeding moms. This programme seeks to support such moms in improving their health as well as their ability to breastfeed and feed their infants during the first six months after birth.

In order to achieve the desired results, to resolve underlying issues with PMMVY, and to implement the inclusive measures adopted in the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, the scheme should be conducted with full rigour and precision. To reduce the rate of maternal mortality in our nation, it is crucial to prioritise the health and safety of pregnant and nursing women.

Sharing is caring!