The process of pregnancy is a beautiful experience, yet it may be accompanied with financial issues. The flagship scheme by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is aimed at relieving that burden. This maternity benefit initiative gives direct cash support to expecting mothers and new mothers with a less fortunate background to enable them receive the rest and nutritional support that they require.
You can have this guide to walk you through everything you need to know about PMMVY, what it offers and how you can apply, in case you are an expectant or lactating mother.
What is the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana?
Pradhan mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is one of the government schemes, which provide maternity benefits in support of women throughout their pregnancy and after childbirth. The scheme is aware of the wage loss that many women face and this is why it offers some financial support to help them to adopt healthier habits and better diets that benefit both the mother and the child.
One area of emphasis of the scheme, particularly in its new version (PMMVY 2.0 within the context of MIS Shakti), is to create a positive attitude towards the girl child by giving an extra cash bonus in case the second child is a girl.
Key Benefits: What Financial Support Can You Receive?
The scheme is offered in the form of cash deposited in your bank account. The value that you get will depend on whether this is your first child or your second child (when it is a girl).
For Your First Living Child
You will be eligible to get ₹5,000 in two instalments provided you fulfill specific health check up and immunization requirements. Also, under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), you will be entitled to ₹1,000 rupees after an institutional birth. This translates to an average amount of ₹6,000 you will get on your first child.
| Instalment | Conditions | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| First Instalment | Early registration of pregnancy and at least one Antenatal Check-up (ANC) within six months. | ₹3,000 |
| Second Instalment | Registration of the child’s birth and the child receiving all due vaccines up to 14 weeks of age. | ₹2,000 |
For a Second Child (if it is a Girl)
To support families welcoming a second daughter, the scheme provides a single, higher payment.
| Instalment | Conditions | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single Instalment | Registration of pregnancy, at least one ANC, birth registration of the girl child, and her receiving all due vaccines up to 14 weeks of age. | ₹6,000 |
Important Note: In the unfortunate event of a miscarriage or stillbirth, you will be treated as a fresh beneficiary for any future pregnancy, and you can re-apply for the benefits.
Are You Eligible for PMMVY?
To qualify for this scheme, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a pregnant woman or a lactating mother aged 19 years or above.
- You must be experiencing wage-loss due to your pregnancy.
- The benefit is for the first two living children. For the second child, the benefit is only provided if it is a girl child.
Who is Considered from a Disadvantaged Section?
The scheme is targeted towards women from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. You are likely eligible if you fall into any of these categories:
- A woman belonging to a Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST).
- A partially (40%) or fully disabled woman (Divyang Jan).
- A holder of a BPL (Below Poverty Line) Ration Card.
- A beneficiary under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY) – Ayushman Bharat.
- A holder of an e-Shram card.
- A woman farmer who is a beneficiary under the Kisan Samman Nidhi.
- A holder of an MGNREGA Job Card.
- A woman whose net family income is less than ₹8 Lakh per annum.
- A pregnant or lactating AWW, AWH, or ASHA.
- A holder of a Ration Card under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
How to Apply for PMMVY: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for PMMVY has been simplified and can be done online.
Online Application Process
- Create an Account: Visit the official PMMVY website. Click on ‘Citizen Login’ and enter your mobile number to verify it. Fill in details like your full name, state, district, and your relationship to the beneficiary to create your account.
- Log In: Return to the homepage, click ‘Login’, and enter your new User ID and password.
- Begin Registration: After logging in, click on the “Data Entry” tab and select “Beneficiary Registration”.
- Fill in the Form: Carefully enter all your personal details on the registration page. You will need to specify whether you are applying for your First Child or your Second Child (if a girl).
- Submit: Once all details are filled in, review the form and click ‘Submit’.
A dedicated mobile app has also been introduced for easier registration.
Documents You Will Need
Have the following documents ready for a smooth application process:
- Aadhaar Card (Your husband’s Aadhaar is not mandatory).
- Bank/Post Office Account Details (must be linked with your Aadhaar for direct benefit transfer).
- Proof of eligibility (any one from the list above, e.g., Caste Certificate, BPL Ration Card, e-Shram Card, etc.).
- MCP Card (Mother and Child Protection Card) or RCHI Card.
- Last Menstrual Period (LMP) Date.
- Antenatal Check-up (ANC) Date.
- Child’s birth certificate (for the second instalment).
- Child’s immunisation details (for the second instalment).
Application Deadline: You must apply for the scheme within 730 days (2 years) from the date of your Last Menstrual Period (LMP).
Who is Not Eligible (Exclusions)?
You cannot claim benefits under PMMVY if you are:
- Already in regular employment with the Central/State Government or a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).
- Receiving similar maternity benefits under any other law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: By when can I claim the second instalment?
A: You may claim the second instalment when your child is registered and all the vaccinations have been made before reaching an age of 14 weeks.
Q: Will I get the benefit in case of a miscarriage or stillbirth?
A: Yes. In that sad situation, you will be considered as a new beneficiary in case of future pregnancy and will be able to reclaim the full amount.
Q: I am expecting twins for my first pregnancy. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, you qualify to get the benefit of your firstborn at any given birth such as one or more.
Q: I am already on paid maternity leave from my employer. Can I apply?
A: No. The plan does not cover women in regular work and enjoying the same maternity benefits.
Q: I have forgotten my password. How can I log in?
A: The PMMVY portal has an option of resetting your password using your registered mobile number at the PMMVY portal on the login page under the Forgot Password option.
Q: Is there a helpline for the scheme?
A: Yes, the scheme has a toll free number and email where enquiries can be made. The most up-to-date contact details can be found in the official PMMVY site.
Disclaimer: This information is for guidance purposes only. For the most accurate and official information, please always refer to the official PMMVY website or contact your local Anganwadi centre.