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The journey of motherhood is as beautiful as it is challenging. Many women are faced with financial and health challenges.
Mostly, women who live in poverty are compelled to search for help with their healthcare during pregnancy, and most of the time, they only find it difficult to come across proper medical treatment and aid.
To deal with the issue, the Indian government came up with the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) as a scheme that combines financial support with healthcare benefits for pregnant women and their children. Through this scheme mothers obtain essential financial benefits that enable them to protect their health and tend to their children.
In this article, we will explore how PMMVY empowers mothers, who is eligible, how to apply, and the real impact it has had on families across India.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Financial aid & healthcare support for pregnant women |
| Eligibility | First-time mothers (19+ years) not in govt. jobs/PSUs |
| Financial Benefit | ₹5,000 in 3 installments + ₹1,000 from JSY = ₹6,000 total |
| Installment Breakdown | ₹1,000 (Antenatal registration) + ₹2,000 (6-month check-up) + ₹2,000 (Birth & immunization) |
| Application Mode | Offline: Anganwadi Centers (AWC) / Health Facility Online: PMMVY portal |
| Required Documents | MCP Card, ID proof, Bank Passbook |
| Impact (2025) | 4.16 crore women benefited, ₹16,246 crore disbursed |
| Challenges | Low awareness, documentation issues |
| PMMVY for Second Child? | No, only for first live birth |
| Working Women Eligible? | Yes, if not in govt. jobs/PSUs |
| Check Payment Status? | Online portal or visit AWC |
Understanding the Essence of PMMVY
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit program that is a government initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and was launched on January 1, 2017, which is designed to support women from the economically disadvantaged sections of society. The scheme provides money incentives to the first live birth pregnant women and the lactating mothers to develop better health-seeking behavior and to contribute to the pregnancy-related wage loss during and post-delivery.
Objectives of the Scheme
The primary goals of PMMVY are:
- Financial Compensation: Women on unpaid maternity leave will receive financial assistance to compensate for lost wages. This ensures that women get adequate rest both before and after childbirth.
- Health Improvement: Pregnant and breastfeeding women who might otherwise lack medical care will receive essential health check-ups, improving both maternal and child health.
Eligibility Criteria
To receive financial aid, first-time mothers must meet the PMMVY eligibility criteria for 2025, ensuring the right beneficiaries get support.
- Primary Beneficiaries: Pregnant or lactating mothers, except those working in government services or PSUs, or already receiving maternity benefits under other laws, are eligible.
- Specific Condition: Women aged 19 and above, who are pregnant on or after January 1, 2017, and expecting their first child, are eligible.
Incentive Disbursal Structure
The PMMVY yojana provides a total cash benefit of ₹5,000, disbursed in three installments, along with incentives under Janani Suraksha Yojana, bringing the total benefit to ₹6,000.
- First Installment (₹1,000): Paid for expected mothers who registered for antenatal care at Anganwadi Centre (AWC) approved health facility not later than 150 days from the date of Last Menstrual Period (LMP).
- Second Installment (₹2,000): Paid after 6 months of pregnancy with at least one attending antenatal check-up during the second trimester.
- Third Installment (₹2,000): Issued on the birth registration of the infant and after the completion of first immunization with BCG, OPV, DPT and Hepatitis B.
Additionally, beneficiaries can receive a cash incentive under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) after institutional delivery, bringing the total benefit to approximately ₹6,000.
Application Process
Eligible women wondering how to apply for PMMVY scheme online can register through the official website or visit an Anganwadi Centre (AWC) for offline registration.
How to apply for PMMVY scheme offline?
- Go to the nearest Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or an approved health institution.
- Obtain and fill out Form 1A for registration, ensuring submission within 150 days of your Last Menstrual Period (LMP).
- The documents required for Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana include an MCP card, identity proof, and a bank passbook, which must be submitted along with the application form.
- For other Stages of the payment process, submit Forms 1B and 1C along with other required documents.
How to apply for PMMVY scheme online?
- Visit the official PMMVY website.
- Log in as a scheme facilitator.
- Fill out the Beneficiary Registration Form (Form 1A) to begin the application process.
- Log in again during the second and third phases to submit Forms 1B and 1C, respectively.
Impact and Success Stories
Through PMMVY, India has made substantial progress in bettering maternal and child healthcare services across the nation. As of 2025, over 4.16 crore beneficiaries have enrolled in the Matru Vandana Yojana, with ₹16,246 crore disbursed to 3.64 crore beneficiaries across India.
Real-Life Examples
Meena is a 26-year old woman who lives in a rural area of Uttar Pradesh. Being a daily wage worker made it challenging for her to handle pregnancy expenses. Through PMMVY she received crucial financial benefits that supported her healthcare along with nutritional needs. Through PMMVY Meena obtained medical expenses coverage during delivery and received financial support that promoted her child’s wellness through development.
Sita, a 28-year-old woman from a middle-class family in Maharashtra, worked as a tailor. When she became pregnant, she had to reduce her working hours due to health complications. Medical costs, along with lost income, affected her household. Through PMMVY benefits, even private employees like Sita receive financial assistance for hospital expenses, healthcare tests, and proper nutrition for a healthy pregnancy. Today, both she and her baby girl are healthy, and she has resumed her work without financial strain. Further more she is ready to invest some amount in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana scheme for better future to her child.
Expert Opinion
Health professionals recognize PMMVY, which is a great help in raising the number of hospital births and motivating them to undergo the regular antenatal care check-ups. It’s the overall maternal and child health that brings substantial gains to the women and systemic finance has been the one to motivate them to receive medical care and timely health service during pregnancy, hence, this, in turn, has made the maternal and child health outcomes better.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Some difficulties that persist with PMMVY are:
- Lack of Awareness: Despite awareness efforts, many women are still unsure about PMMVY benefits. Common questions include: ‘Can I apply for PMMVY after delivery?‘ and ‘How much money is given under PMMVY scheme?‘, emphasizing the need for better outreach.
- Documentation Issues: Rural women often face difficulties due to the requirement of specific documents.
Addressing these challenges requires better community outreach and a more streamlined application process.
FAQs on PMMVY
1. Can beneficiaries of PMMVY who undergo antenatal care and delivery in private hospitals avail the benefits?
Yes, beneficiaries can avail the scheme’s benefits even if they receive care at private hospitals, provided they meet all the conditions for the three installments. However, it is imperative to have a Mother and Child Protection card (MCP) and to provide a vaccination certificate as a proof.
2. How can I check my PMMVY payment status?
Beneficiaries can easily check PMMVY payment status online through the official website or visit an Anganwadi Centre (AWC) for updates. The District Welfare Officer is responsible for assisting beneficiaries in tracking their payment status.
3. Is PMMVY available for the second child?
PMMVY benefits are only available for the first live birth in a family, regardless of the number of previous pregnancies. Besides, a portion of the government has designed other maternity benefit programs under distinct schemes.
4. What happens if a beneficiary fails to register for the scheme within the required timeline?
It is essential to enroll during the timeframe issue (150 days of Last Menstrual Period for the first installment). If one fails to do so, then she will not get the first installment. However, she can get subsequent installments if she fulfills the required conditions.
5. Can working women apply for PMMVY?
Women working in central/state government or PSUs, and those already receiving maternity benefits under any law, are not eligible for PMMVY. However, women in the unorganized sector or those without similar benefits can apply.
6. Who can apply for PMMVY benefits?
Any pregnant or breastfeeding woman (except government and PSU workers) who is expecting her first child and satisfies the qualifying requirements may apply.
7. Can I apply for PMMVY if I had a miscarriage?
If a woman has a miscarriage or stillbirth after receiving the first installment, she will not get any more payments for that pregnancy. However, she may reapply for the following pregnancy.
8. How long does it take to receive PMMVY payments?
The payment process can take 30-90 days, depending on verification and approval.
9. Can I apply for PMMVY if I deliver my baby at home?
Yes, but you must register the birth and complete the child’s immunization to claim the third installment.
10. Does PMMVY provide any additional benefits besides ₹6,000?
No, but Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) can provide additional financial support if the delivery happens in a government-approved hospital.
Final Thoughts on PMMVY
The project of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana to improve the health of the mother and her children by financial incentives and health promotion is a good example of India’s commitment, love, and care for the mother and her child.
Act now! Spread awareness about this life-changing scheme and help enroll eligible women. Even a small effort today can create a lasting impact for generations to come.
