The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a centrally sponsored maternity benefit program launched on 1st January 2017 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Implemented under Section 4 of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, the scheme offers financial assistance to pregnant and lactating mothers.
It covers the first two living children, with special provisions for the second child—benefits are extended only if the child is a girl. The primary aim is to improve maternal and child health, support nutrition, and compensate for wage loss during pregnancy and postnatal care.
What is Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit scheme introduced by the Government of India on 1st January 2017 under the provisions of the National Food Security Act, 2013. Under this program, eligible pregnant and lactating women receive a cash benefit of Rs. 5,000, disbursed in installments, subject to specific terms and conditions.
Eligibility criteria for Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
Scheme aims to cover women belonging to socially, economically disadvantaged, and marginalised sections of society. Any of the following eligibility criteria is required to avail the benefit of PMMVY:
The applicant must be 19 years or older at the time of first pregnancy
Women must be a resident of India
Women belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes
Women who are partially (40%) or fully disabled (Divyang Jan)
Women holder of BPL ration Card
Women Beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY) under Ayushman Bharat.
Women holding E-shram card
Women farmers who are beneficiaries under Kisan Samman Nidhi
Women holding MGNREGA Job Card
Women whose net family income is less than Rs. 8 lakh per annum
Pregnant and Lactating AWWs/ AWHs/ ASHAs
Women holding Ration Card under NFSA Act 2013
Any other category as may be prescribed by the Central Government
What are the benefits under PMMVY
The scheme provides benefits to women for their first two living children, with the condition that the second child must be a girl. For the first child, a total of Rs. 5,000 is given in two instalments. For the second child, if it is a girl, a one-time benefit of Rs. 6,000 is provided after birth. However, to claim the second child benefit, registration during pregnancy is mandatory. This provision aims to improve the sex ratio at birth and discourage female foeticide.
Cash incentive: Eligible women receive a cash incentive of Rs. 5000 for the first child, provided in two installments, and Rs. 6000 for the second child, subject to the condition that the second child is a girl. This amount is provided in one installment after the birth of the second girl child.
Health and nutrition support: Under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), pregnant and lactating mothers receive financial assistance to support their health and nutrition. This helps ensure access to essential nutrients, promoting maternal and infant well-being.
Promoting institutional deliveries: PMMVY encourages pregnant women to opt for institutional deliveries by providing financial incentives. This reduces maternal and infant mortality rates by ensuring professional medical care and a safer birthing environment.
Timely vaccinations:The scheme emphasizes timely vaccinations for both mothers and infants, supporting immunity development. By promoting vaccination schedules, it reduces the risk of preventable diseases for newborns and their mothers.
Mandatory registration: To avail benefits for the second child, registration during pregnancy is mandatory.
DBT enabled account: The beneficiary will receive the benefits in a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) enabled account via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) integration. The Aadhaar Lookup Service of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is being integrated to ensure Aadhaar Enabled Based Payment.
Miscarriage/still birth: In case of miscarriage or stillbirth, the beneficiary will be treated as a fresh beneficiary in the event of any future pregnancy.
Application period: Eligible beneficiaries can apply for the benefit under the PMMVY scheme within 270 days from the child's birth.
Multiple births: If a beneficiary delivers twins, triplets, or quadruplets in her second pregnancy, with one or more children being girls, she will receive an incentive for the second girl child as per the PMMVY 2.0 norm.
These benefits are designed to support and encourage women to take care of their health during pregnancy and after childbirth, as well as to promote the well-being of their children.
Details of PMMVY
Given below is a brief overview of the scheme:
Aspect |
Description |
PMMVY full form |
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana |
Objective |
To provide financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers |
Eligibility |
Pregnant and lactating women, excluding those in regular employment with the government |
Benefits |
A cash incentive of Rs. 5,000 |
Application process |
Apply through Anganwadi Centers or approved health facilities |
The PMMVY scheme aims to improve the health and nutrition status of pregnant women and lactating mothers by providing financial incentives.
Objectives of PMMVY
The following criteria are used to identify women from socially and economically disadvantaged sections of society for eligibility under the scheme:
Women belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST)
Women who are partially (40%) or fully disabled (Divyang Jan)
Women holding a BPL ration card
Beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) of Ayushman Bharat
Women possessing an e-Shram card
Women farmers receiving benefits under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme
Women with an active MGNREGA job card
Women whose total family income is below Rs. 8 lakh per annum
Pregnant and lactating women working as Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), or Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs)
Any other category specified by the Central Government
However, pregnant and lactating women employed in regular positions with the Central or State Government, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), or those receiving similar maternity benefits under any existing law are not eligible for benefits under PMMVY.