The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is one of the flagship initiatives of the Government of India, launched on January 1, 2017, under the provisions of Section 4 of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. The scheme provides financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers to promote better health and nutrition for both mother and child, while also compensating for wage loss during the crucial period before and after childbirth. By ensuring financial and nutritional support to women, the scheme aims to reduce maternal mortality, improve health-seeking behavior, and promote the birth and care of girl children.
Dates of Implementation
- Scheme Launch Date: January 1, 2017
- Implementing Authority: Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
- Legal Framework: Implemented under Section 4 of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
- Beneficiaries Covered: Pregnant women and lactating mothers (except those in regular government service or receiving similar benefits)
Objectives of the Scheme
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) has been designed with the following key objectives:
- To provide cash incentive as partial compensation for wage loss so that pregnant women can take adequate rest before and after delivery of their first child.
- To improve the health-seeking behavior among pregnant women and lactating mothers, encouraging them to seek proper medical care, vaccinations, and nutritional support.
- To promote the well-being of the mother and child by reducing undernutrition and ensuring timely ante-natal and post-natal check-ups.
- To encourage positive behavioral change toward the girl child, by providing an additional financial incentive for the birth of a second child if the child is a girl.
- To strengthen maternal and child health services across the country and help improve the overall sex ratio at birth by discouraging female foeticide.
Key Features of the Scheme
- The PMMVY provides direct cash benefits to eligible pregnant and lactating women through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
- The scheme offers financial assistance to support proper nutrition, health check-ups, and rest during pregnancy and after childbirth.
- It is applicable to the first two live births, with the condition that the second child must be a girl to avail the benefit.
- The scheme promotes linkage with Aadhaar and bank accounts to ensure transparency and prevent duplication or fraud.
- PMMVY also emphasizes registration during pregnancy, mandatory vaccinations, and institutional delivery to ensure comprehensive maternal care.
- The scheme operates through Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) and approved health facilities designated by the state governments.
- It supports the National Nutrition Mission (Poshan Abhiyaan) by encouraging healthy maternal behavior and child nutrition.
Financial Benefits (Assistance Amount)
Under PMMVY, financial assistance is provided in instalments to eligible beneficiaries as detailed below:
| Instalment | Conditions for Payment | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| First Instalment | On registration of pregnancy and completion of at least one antenatal check-up within 6 months from LMP (Last Menstrual Period) at Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or approved health facility | ₹3,000 |
| Second Instalment | After child birth is registered and the child has received the first cycle of BCG, OPV, DPT, and Hepatitis-B vaccinations or their substitutes | ₹2,000 |
| Total Benefit for First Child | Provided in two instalments | ₹5,000 |
| Benefit for Second Child (Girl Child) | Provided in one instalment after the birth of the girl child | ₹6,000 |
Total Benefit Available:
- ₹5,000 for the first live birth
- ₹6,000 for the second live birth (only if the second child is a girl)
In case of miscarriage or stillbirth, the woman can register again as a fresh beneficiary during her next pregnancy.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure that the scheme reaches the right beneficiaries, the following eligibility conditions apply:
- The woman must be a citizen of India and a resident of the implementing area.
- The beneficiary should be a pregnant woman or lactating mother not in regular employment with the Central Government, State Government, or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
- The woman must be pregnant with her first child or, in case of a second child, the child must be a girl.
- The woman must register her pregnancy at the Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or an approved health facility.
- The benefit can be availed only through Aadhaar-linked bank or post office account.
- The family’s annual income should be below ₹8 lakh if applicable under the economically disadvantaged category.
Economically and Socially Disadvantaged Beneficiaries
The following groups are considered socially and economically disadvantaged sections eligible for the PMMVY:
- Women belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs)
- Women who are partially (40%) or fully disabled (Divyang Jan)
- BPL (Below Poverty Line) cardholders
- Beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY)
- Women holding an E-Shram Card
- Women farmers registered under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme
- Women with MGNREGA Job Cards
- Families with an annual income below ₹8 lakh
- Pregnant and lactating Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs)
However, women in regular government or PSU employment or those receiving similar maternity benefits under any law are not eligible for PMMVY benefits.
Reservation Policy
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a universal scheme that primarily targets socially and economically weaker sections. While there is no specific caste or community-based reservation, the scheme inherently prioritizes marginalized groups, such as SC/ST women, Divyang Jan, and women from low-income families. The approach ensures equitable access to maternity benefits for women who are most in need of financial and nutritional support.
Distribution of Benefits
- The financial assistance is distributed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank or post office account.
- The Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or the health facility acts as the primary registration and verification point.
- Aadhaar-based verification ensures that benefits are released only to genuine beneficiaries, reducing duplication.
- The system maintains complete digital records of each beneficiary through centralized databases managed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- Benefits are released in instalments after confirmation of eligibility and fulfillment of specific conditions such as vaccination and registration of childbirth.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Registration of Pregnancy
The eligible woman must visit her nearest Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or an approved health facility for registration during her pregnancy. She should submit the Form 1-A along with required documents like Aadhaar, mobile number, and bank details.
Step 2: Submission of Documents
The woman must submit a copy of her Aadhaar card, bank passbook, BPL or E-shram card (if applicable), pregnancy registration certificate, and consent form signed by her.
Step 3: Verification by AWC
The Anganwadi Worker or Health Officer verifies the details and records them in the official system. The beneficiary is then registered in the PMMVY database.
Step 4: Receipt of First Instalment
After successful registration and completion of one antenatal check-up within six months from the last menstrual period, the first instalment of ₹3,000 is credited directly to her account.
Step 5: Fulfillment of Post-Delivery Conditions
Once the woman delivers the child and ensures that the baby receives the first cycle of BCG, OPV, DPT, and Hepatitis-B vaccinations, she becomes eligible for the second instalment of ₹2,000.
Step 6: Second Child Benefit (If Girl Child)
For the second live birth, if the newborn is a girl, a one-time benefit of ₹6,000 is provided after registration and verification of birth and vaccination records.
Step 7: Monitoring and Grievance Redressal
Beneficiaries can track their application status and payment details through their Anganwadi Centre or by contacting local officials. Regular monitoring ensures that all eligible women receive timely benefits.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card of the beneficiary and her husband
- Bank/Post Office Account Details (linked with Aadhaar)
- Mobile Number
- Pregnancy Registration Certificate
- Birth Certificate (for second instalment or second child)
- Vaccination Proofs (BCG, OPV, DPT, Hepatitis-B)
- BPL Card / E-Shram Card / PMJAY Card (if applicable)
- Passport Size Photograph
