NATIONAL SAFE MOTHERHOOD DAY
Safeguarding Motherhood: A Deep Dive Into Government Schemes For Maternal Health
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Written by:
Anoushka Pinto
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Motherhood is a journey marked by joy, challenges, and a profound sense of responsibility. Recognizing the pivotal role mothers play in society, governments around the world, including in India, have implemented various schemes and initiatives aimed at supporting maternal health and well-being. From financial assistance to healthcare services, these schemes are designed to alleviate the burdens mothers face and ensure the well-being of both mothers and their children.
In India, a diverse array of government programs caters to the needs of mothers, ranging from prenatal care to postnatal support. These schemes not only empower mothers but also contribute to the overall health and development of society.
1. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
Description
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Description
- The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. This program aims to offer comprehensive and high-quality antenatal care to pregnant women, free of cost, nationwide. It operates on the 9th day of every month and ensures that pregnant women receive necessary medical attention and services.
Who can apply?
All pregnant women in India are eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan. Special efforts are made to reach out to women who have not registered for antenatal care (ANC), those who have missed ANC appointments, and high-risk pregnant women.
Aid provided
- PMSMA guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services, including consultations, investigations, and medications, to pregnant women during their 2nd or 3rd trimesters.
- Special emphasis is placed on detecting and managing high-risk factors such as severe anemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
- Services are provided by OB GYN specialists, radiologists, physicians, and private sector doctors.
How to apply
Pregnant women can avail themselves of the services provided under PMSMA at identified public health facilities, including Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), District Hospitals (DHs), and urban health facilities. Private sector practitioners are also encouraged to volunteer their services at government health facilities.
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- The program focuses on early detection and management of high-risk pregnancies, indicated by green and red stickers on Mother and Child Protection Cards.
- A National Portal and Mobile Application have been developed to facilitate engagement with the private and voluntary sectors.
- ‘IPledgeFor9’ Achievers Awards are instituted to recognize individual and team contributions to PMSMA across states and districts in India.
Website: https://pmsma.mohfw.gov.in/
2. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
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Description
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a maternal health intervention initiated under the National Health Mission with the primary goal of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Launched on April 12, 2005, by the Prime Minister, this scheme targets promoting institutional delivery among economically disadvantaged pregnant women across all states and Union Territories (UTs), with a particular emphasis on Low Performing States (LPS).
Who can apply?
Eligibility criteria for cash assistance under JSY vary based on the performance status of states.
- In Low Performing States (LPS): All pregnant women delivering in government health centers or accredited private institutions are eligible.
- In High Performing States (HPS): Eligible beneficiaries include women from Below Poverty Line (BPL)/Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories delivering in government health centers or accredited private institutions.
Aid provided
- JSY is a centrally sponsored scheme integrating cash assistance with delivery and post-delivery care.
- Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) serve as a crucial link between the government and pregnant women, especially in low-performing states.
- Cash assistance is disbursed to eligible beneficiaries to cover the costs associated with delivery and antenatal care.
How to apply
The disbursement of cash assistance primarily occurs at health institutions, ensuring effective utilization for delivery-related expenses. ASHAs or designated health workers facilitate the disbursement process, ensuring immediate access to funds upon registration for delivery. In the case of accredited private institutions, cash disbursement is conducted through authorized channels to the beneficiary directly.
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For detailed guidelines and assessments regarding JSY, visit the official website.
3. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
Description
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Description
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a government scheme designed to provide financial assistance to pregnant and lactating mothers in India. The scheme aims to compensate for wage loss during maternity and improve health-seeking behavior among pregnant and lactating women.
Who can apply?
- Pregnant and lactating mothers, except those in regular employment with the Central/State Government or PSUs, or those receiving similar benefits under any other law.
- Eligible women with pregnancies on or after January 1, 2017, for their first child.
Aid provided
A cash incentive of Rs. 5,000 is provided in three installments. The first installment is provided under PMMVY, and the remaining Rs. 1,000 is given under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) after institutional delivery.
How to apply
Offline Procedure:
- Register at an Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or approved health facility within 150 days of Last Menstrual Period (LMP).
- Submit required documents including Application Form 1A, MCP card, Identity Proof, Bank/Post Office Account Passbook, and signed undertaking.
- Obtain acknowledgment of registration.
- Claim 2nd installment after 6 months of pregnancy and 3rd installment after childbirth and completion of the child’s first cycle of immunization.
Online Procedure:
- Log in to PMMVY software using scheme facilitator’s login details.
- Register as a new beneficiary and fill Beneficiary Registration Form.
- After 6 months of pregnancy, log in again to claim the 2nd installment, and after childbirth, claim the 3rd installment.
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- Miscarriage or stillbirth: Eligible for remaining installments in future pregnancies.
- Infant mortality: Not eligible if all installments received earlier.
For detailed instructions and required documents, visit the official website.
4. Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY)
Description
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Description
The Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY) is a maternity benefit program initiated by the Government of India in 2010 and managed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD). It functions as a conditional cash transfer scheme aimed at supporting pregnant and lactating mothers aged 19 or above during their first two live births. The scheme provides partial wage compensation to offset income loss during childbirth and childcare. Its broader objectives include fostering safe delivery conditions, promoting proper nutrition, and encouraging appropriate feeding practices, especially breastfeeding during the first six months.
Who can apply?
Pregnant women aged 19 or above qualify for IGMSY benefits for their first two live births. However, the scheme excludes organized sector employees who already receive paid maternity leave benefits.
Aid provided
- Under the IGMSY, eligible beneficiaries receive a cash maternity benefit of Rs. 6,000, as specified in the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
- This financial aid aims to enhance the health and nutrition status of pregnant and lactating mothers.
How to apply
- Information regarding IGMSY benefits is primarily disseminated through local Aanganwadi Centers and Healthcare Centers at the village and Gram Panchayat levels.
- Anganwadi workers (AWWs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) play crucial roles in informing and guiding potential beneficiaries about the scheme.
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- The scheme aligns with objectives such as promoting appropriate pregnancy, delivery, and lactation practices, encouraging optimal nutrition and feeding habits, and providing financial incentives to support maternal health and well-being.
- By addressing wage loss concerns and facilitating access to essential services, IGMSY contributes to improving maternal and child health outcomes in India.
Website: https://chhindwara.nic.in/en/scheme/indira-gandhi-maternity-support-scheme-i-g-m-s-y/
5. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS):
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Description
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, launched on October 2nd, 1975, is one of the world’s largest programs for early childhood development. It symbolizes India’s commitment to providing pre-school education and addressing the issues of malnutrition, morbidity, reduced learning capacity, and mortality among children.
Who can apply?
The target groups for various services provided under ICDS include:
- Children below 6 years of age
- Pregnant and lactating mothers
- Women aged 15-45 years
Aid provided
- Improving the nutritional and health status of children aged 0-6 years.
- Facilitating proper psychological, physical, and social development of children.
- Reducing mortality, morbidity, malnutrition, and school dropout rates.
- Coordinating policies and implementation across departments for effective child development.
- Enhancing mothers’ capability to address the health and nutritional needs of their children through education and support.
Services provided under ICDS include:
- Supplementary Nutrition
- Immunization
- Health Check-up
- Referral Services
- Pre-School Education
- Nutrition & Health Education
How to apply
These services are delivered through Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Medical Officers (MOs), and Public Health Infrastructure under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
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- Supplementary Nutrition: Provides feeding support to children below 6 years and pregnant/lactating mothers for 300 days a year, aiming to bridge nutritional gaps.
- Immunization: Protects children and pregnant women from vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Health Check-ups: Includes regular health assessments for children, antenatal care for expectant mothers, and postnatal care for nursing mothers.
- Referral Services: Identifies and refers sick or malnourished children for prompt medical attention.
- Pre-School Education: Focuses on the educational development of children aged 3-6 years.
Website: https://wcd.nic.in/integrated-child-development-services-icds-scheme
6. Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
Description
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Description
JSSK is a scheme initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) specifically designed for pregnant women who opt for delivery at government health facilities. Launched in June 2011, it ensures that pregnant women and their newborns receive essential care without incurring any expenses.
Who can apply?
The applicant must be a pregnant woman admitted to a government health facility.
Aid provided
For Pregnant Women:
- Free and cashless delivery, including Caesarean section
- Free drugs and consumables
- Free diagnostics
- Free diet during the stay in health institutions
- Free provision of blood
- Exemption from user charges
- Free transport from home to health institutions
- Free transport between facilities in case of referral
- Free drop back from institutions to home after a 48-hour stay
For Sick Newborns (now extended to cover sick infants):
- Free treatment
- Free drugs and consumables
- Free diagnostics
- Free provision of blood
- Exemption from user charges
- Free transport from home to health institutions
- Free transport between facilities in case of referral
- Free drop back from institutions to home
How to apply
The pregnant woman is referred by the competent staff of the public health facility for JSSK.
Documents Required:
- Aadhaar Number
- Address proof
- Domicile certificate
- Ration card
- Janani Suraksha Card
Learn more
JSSK aims to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for institutional delivery and treatment of sick infants up to one year of age. Since its inception, the program has been extended to cover all antenatal and postnatal complications of pregnancy, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for mothers and newborns accessing public health institutions.
Read more about JSSK at the official website.
7. Arogya Lakshmi - Telangana
Description
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Description
The Telangana government initiated the Arogya Lakshmi Scheme on January 1, 2015, to provide one nutritious meal daily to pregnant and lactating women and children below six years old through Anganwadi centers. This scheme operates under the Women Development and Child Welfare Department of Telangana.
Who can apply?
The program targets pregnant and lactating women, as well as children aged between seven months and six years.
Aid provided
- Under the scheme, pregnant and lactating women receive one full meal at Anganwadi centers, supplemented with iron and folic acid tablets.
- The meal includes rice, dal with leafy vegetables/sambhar, vegetables for at least 25 days, boiled egg, and 200 ml of milk for 30 days a month.
How to apply
Eligible beneficiaries can access the scheme through the 31,897 main Anganwadi centers and 4,076 mini Anganwadi centers across the state of Telangana.
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The primary objective of the Arogya Laxmi program is to enhance the quality and acceptability of supplementary nutrition for pregnant and lactating women, ensure targeted consumption of food items, promote intake of 90+ IFA tablets, increase enrollment at Anganwadi Centers, reduce anemia and undernourishment among women, decrease the incidence of low birth weight babies and child malnutrition, and ensure regular health checkups and immunizations for pregnant and lactating women.
Website: https://hyderabad.telangana.gov.in/scheme/arogya-lakshmi/
8. Mamata Scheme - Odisha
Description
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Description
The Mamata scheme was launched by the Government of Odisha in 2011 to address maternal and infant undernutrition. It operates as a conditional cash transfer maternity benefit program, providing financial assistance for pregnant and lactating mothers. The scheme aims to support women in seeking improved nutrition and adopting healthier behaviors during pregnancy and lactation.
Who can apply?
Pregnant and lactating women aged 19 and above, for their first two live births, except those who already receive maternity benefits (such as employees or spouses of employees of State Govt/Central Govt/PSUs).
Aid provided
- Partial wage compensation of INR 5,000 for pregnant and nursing mothers to facilitate adequate rest during pregnancy and post-delivery.
- Increased utilization of maternal and child health services, including antenatal care, postnatal care, and immunization.
- Promotion of better mother and child care practices, such as exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding for infants.
How to apply
- Eligible beneficiaries must register at Anganwadi centers and mini Anganwadi centers in their locality.
- Documents required for registration include Aadhar card, residence certificate, photocopies of MCP card, self-declaration form, bank account details, passport size photograph, and mobile number.
Learn more
- The Mamata scheme aims to address maternal and infant undernutrition in Odisha through conditional cash transfers.
- It targets pregnant and lactating women aged 19 and above, providing financial assistance for their first two live births.
- Registration is conducted offline at designated Anganwadi centers, requiring several documents for verification and bank account details for fund transfer.
9. Dr. Muthulakshmi Maternity Benefit Scheme - Tamil Nadu
Description
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Description
The Dr. Muthulakshmi Maternity Benefit Scheme, operated by the Health and Family Welfare Department of Tamil Nadu, has been revamped to provide increased financial support to economically disadvantaged pregnant mothers. The scheme is augmented with a Nutrition Kit component, aimed at curbing Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). Its primary objective is to ensure pregnant and lactating women receive adequate nutrition and compensation for any wage loss during pregnancy.
Who can apply?
- Eligible beneficiaries include pregnant women who have attained 19 years of age.
- Each eligible mother can avail of the scheme benefits for up to two deliveries.
- Additionally, Homeless and Migrant mothers may receive the first and fifth installments under certain conditions.
Aid provided
- The scheme offers financial assistance amounting to Rs. 18,000, which includes the provision of a Nutrition Kit worth Rs. 2,000.
- The financial assistance is provided in five installments, each tied to specific conditions such as antenatal registration, completion of immunization doses, and other maternal and child health-related milestones.
How to apply
- Pregnant mothers need to register their pregnancy before the 12th week with the Village Health Nurse (VHN) or Urban Health Nurse (UHN).
- Pre-registration before the 12th week is also accepted.
- The application process is facilitated through VHNs/UHNs and Primary Health Centers (PHC)/Urban Primary Health Centers (UPHC).
Learn more
For further information and assistance, interested individuals can reach out to their respective VHNs/UHNs and PHCs/UPHCs. Read more, here.
10. Mathrushree Scheme - Karnataka
Description
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Description
The Mathrushree Scheme, launched by the Karnataka State Government, aims to provide financial aid and healthcare support to pregnant women. It offers a cash incentive of Rs. 6,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Mathrupoorna Yojana. The scheme targets Below Poverty Line (BPL) mothers throughout their pregnancy and post-delivery period.
Who can apply?
- Eligibility is limited to BPL households.
- Only residents of Karnataka are eligible.
- The scheme is applicable only for the first two children; mothers expecting their third child are not eligible.
Aid provided
- Pregnant women receive Rs. 1,000 per month for the last three months of pregnancy and the first three months after childbirth.
- The scheme also provides nutritional support, offering meals at an estimated cost of Rs. 21 per meal for fifteen months, starting from the beginning of pregnancy until six months post-delivery.
How to apply
- Required documents include Aadhaar Card, mobile number, BPL Ration card, pregnancy reports, and bank account details linked with Aadhar card.
- Applicants can visit the nearest Anganwadi Centre or approach ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) or Auxiliary Nurse Midwife personnel for assistance in filling out the application form and submitting it along with necessary documents for verification.
Learn more
- The scheme was launched on November 1, 2018, with an initial allocation of Rs. 350 crores, gradually increasing the monthly payment to Rs. 1,000.
- Funds are distributed in six equal installments of Rs. 6,000 each month, three months before and after pregnancy.
- The assistance money is transferred directly through DBT for efficiency and transparency.
Website: https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/mathrushree-pre-natal-stage-karnataka
11. Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme
Description
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Description
The Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme is a government initiative designed to provide daycare facilities for the children of working mothers. It aims to improve the health and nutrition status of children while promoting their physical, social, and holistic development. Additionally, it educates parents on effective childcare methods and techniques.
Who can apply?
- Beneficiaries of this scheme are the children of working women.
- Working women with children aged between 6 months to 6 years.
- Working women, both from rural and urban areas, must be employed for at least 15 days in a month or 6 months in a year.
Aid provided
Daycare facilities for children, focusing on health and nutrition improvement, along with holistic development.
How to apply
To avail the benefits of the Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme, the applicant family must pay certain fees to the respective creche. The fee structure is as follows:
- Families with income up to ₹12,000: ₹100 per child per month.
- Families with an income of more than ₹12,000: ₹200 per child per month.
- BPL families: ₹20 per child per month.
- Documents Required:
- Birth Certificate of the child
- Identity card or any document indicating that the mother of the applicant children has been employed in a public organization for the last 6 months.
Learn more
- This scheme primarily targets the Women and Child Development sector.
- It aims to support working mothers by providing affordable daycare services for their children.
- The scheme’s objective is to facilitate the holistic development of children while empowering women in the workforce.
Read more: https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/RajivGandhiCrecheScheme.pdf
12. Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram
Description
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How to apply
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Description
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram is an initiative aimed at screening over 27 crore children aged 0 to 18 years for four types of health issues. These include birth defects, diseases, deficiencies, and disabilities, such as stunted growth.
Who can apply?
The initiative covers all children aged 0-6 years in rural areas and urban slums, as well as those up to 18 years studying in government and government-aided schools.
Aid provided
The program offers early identification and management of health issues in children, covering birth defects, diseases, deficiencies, and developmental delays.
How to apply
To avail the benefits of the Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme, the applicant family must pay certain fees to the respective creche. The fee structure is as follows:
- Families with income up to ₹12,000: ₹100 per child per month.
- Families with an income of more than ₹12,000: ₹200 per child per month.
- BPL families: ₹20 per child per month.
- Documents Required:
- Birth Certificate of the child
- Identity card or any document indicating that the mother of the applicant children has been employed in a public organization for the last 6 months.
Learn more
- The program aims to address prevalent health issues among children, including birth defects, deficiencies, diseases, and developmental delays.
- It involves community-based screening for newborns, examination of children aged 6 weeks to 6 years at Anganwadi centers, and dedicated mobile health teams for school-going children.
- Block Program Managers oversee the screening process at the block level, ensuring effective implementation and monitoring.
Website: https://nhm.gov.in/index4.php
By providing financial assistance, healthcare services, and other forms of support, these initiatives play a crucial role in addressing the diverse needs of mothers across India. However, continued efforts are necessary to expand the reach and effectiveness of these schemes, particularly in remote and marginalized communities. By prioritizing maternal health and investing in the well-being of mothers, we not only honour their invaluable contributions but also lay the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future for generations to come.
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