The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit program introduced by the Government of India. It was launched on January 1, 2017, and aims to provide financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers to support their health and nutrition during the early stages of motherhood.
Under the PMMVY, eligible women receive a cash incentive directly into their bank accounts in three installments:
First Installment: This installment is provided when the woman registers her pregnancy at an Anganwadi center or a healthcare facility. It is usually given during the early months of pregnancy.
Second Installment: The second installment is given after the woman has received at least one antenatal check-up. This is to encourage women to seek regular prenatal care.
Third Installment: The third installment is provided after the birth of the child and upon confirmation of the child's birth and the completion of the child's first cycle of vaccinations.
The PMMVY aims to ensure that pregnant women and lactating mothers can have access to adequate nutrition and proper medical care during pregnancy and early motherhood. It provides financial support to help them meet their nutritional needs and other expenses related to maternity.
The scheme is available to women for the birth of their first two children and is applicable across the country. It seeks to improve the health and well-being of both mothers and children by providing timely financial assistance to cover essential expenses during pregnancy and post-childbirth.