Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana

Government of India launched upgraded monitoring reforms under PMMVYexpanding PMMVY 2.0 benefits and linking them with Mission Shakti for women’s empowerment.

Key Dimensions of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY):

Genesis and Objectives

• Background
  • Launched on 1 January 2017, under the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), as a maternity benefit scheme.
• Objectives                                                                                         
  • Provide partial wage loss compensation to Pregnant and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM).
  • Promote health-seeking behaviour among women.
  • Encourage positive behavioural change towards the girl child (through benefits for the second girl child under PMMVY 2.0).
• Legal Backing
  • Covers women under Section 4(b) of the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).

Features and Coverage

• Financial Assistance                                                                                  
  • ?5,000 for the first child.
  • ?6,000 additional for the second girl child (PMMVY 2.0).
  • Linked with Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), total benefit ~?12,000.
• Eligibility
  • Pregnant women & lactating mothers (PW&LM), except those in government jobs or availing similar benefits.
• Integration with Mission Shakti
  • PMMVY falls under Samarthya sub-scheme, focusing on economic empowerment of women.

Monitoring, Transparency, and Technology

• Digital Platform (PMMVYSoft, 2023)
  • Aadhaar authentication, NPCI verification, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
  • Biometric verification to prevent duplication/fraud.
• Transparency Tools
  • Multilingual helpline 14408, automated SMS in 12 languages.
  • Integrated grievance redressal system.
• Capacity Building
  • Training programs for Anganwadi & ASHA workers.
  • Awareness campaigns through IEC materials and video tutorials.

Achievements

• Nutritional Support: Helps combat maternal undernutrition and anaemia.
• Financial Security: Provides wage loss compensation, encouraging rest and recovery.
• Behavioural Impact: Incentivizes institutional deliveries and positive outlook towards the girl child.
• Digital Efficiency: Real-time tracking, DBT ensures transparency and reduced leakages.

Challenges

• Limited Coverage: Only ~40% of eligible women covered (NFHS-5).
• Exclusion Issues: Aadhaar-based authentication delays, exclusion of unregistered women workers.
• Insufficient Support: ?5,000 is inadequate to cover wage loss for informal sector workers.
• Implementation Gaps: Uneven awareness and administrative delays across states.

Way Forward

• Expand Coverage: Include second child irrespective of gender to ensure inclusivity.
• Enhance Financial Support: Align cash incentive with minimum wage levels.
• Strengthen Convergence: Integrate with POSHAN Abhiyaan, Ayushman Bharat, and state schemes.
• Community Awareness: IEC campaigns to address cultural barriers and low enrolment.
• Focus on Informal Sector Women: Design mechanisms for daily wage earners and migrant women.