The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a government-maternity-benefit scheme aimed at supporting pregnant and lactating women, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, by providing a cash incentive. The scheme encourages proper antenatal care, institutional delivery, and supports improved maternal and child health. Below is a beginner-friendly guide explaining the scheme’s objective, who is eligible, what benefits are offered, how to claim them and what to keep in mind.

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What is PMMVY

PMMVY was launched on 1 January 2017 by the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD) of India. Its key objective is to provide a cash incentive to pregnant women and lactating mothers (PW&LM) to compensate partially for wage loss during pregnancy and to promote health-seeking behaviour (antenatal care, institutional delivery, immunisation) for both mother and child. A newer version called PMMVY 2.0 extends benefits to a second living child in the family only if that child is a girl, as part of efforts to improve the sex ratio at birth.

Eligibility – Who can avail the scheme

Here are the eligibility criteria for PMMVY:

Eligible persons:

Pregnant women and lactating mothers (PW & LM) whose pregnancy commenced on or after 1 January 2017.
The scheme primarily covers first living child of the family; for the second child the benefit applies only if the second child is a girl (under PMMVY 2.0).
Women who belong to socially or economically disadvantaged sections, as defined by criteria such as: SC/ST, disabled (≥40%), holder of BPL ration-card, PMJAY beneficiary, e-Shram registration, MGNREGA job-card, net family income < ₹8 lakh per year etc.

Exclusion criteria:

Pregnant/lactating women who are in regular employment with the Central Government or State Government or PSUs or are receiving similar maternity benefits under another law.
Women who do not meet the defined conditions on living child, LMP date, registration, etc.

Also, official note: Age of beneficiary should be between 18 years 7 months to 55 years of age.

Benefits – What is provided & how much

Under PMMVY the benefit involves cash transfers in installments, subject to meeting certain conditions.

Key benefit features:

For first living child: A cash incentive of ₹5,000 (under PMMVY) for eligible women.
For second living child (if that child is a girl): A cash incentive of ₹6,000 under PMMVY 2.0.

Installment structure (example):For first child (₹5,000) the amount may be split into two or three instalments depending on state/implementation:

First instalment: On early registration of pregnancy and at least one antenatal check-up within a defined timeline.
Subsequent instalment(s): After childbirth registration + child’s immunisation (first cycle of BCG, OPV, DPT, Hepatitis-B) etc.

Example conditions:

Register pregnancy in Anganwadi or approved health facility within specified days of LMP.
At least one ante-natal check-up (ANC).
Child birth registered; child has received first cycle of vaccinations.

Funds are transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank/post-office account.

How to Apply / Claim

You can apply for PMMVY either online or offline.

Offline method:

Visit your nearest Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or government-approved health facility.
Fill the prescribed application form (Form 1A for first instalment, Form 1B/1C for later instalments) along with required documents (MCP card, Aadhaar, bank account details, proof of identity).

Online method:

Visit the PMMVY portal (e.g., pmmvy-cas.nic.in) or relevant state portal.
Register with mobile number, fill beneficiary details, upload documents, submit.

Documents typically required:

Aadhaar of beneficiary (and husband’s Aadhaar in earlier versions)
Bank/post-office account details seeded with Aadhaar.
MCP (Mother & Child Protection) card showing LMP date, ANC check‐ups.
Birth certificate of child (when claiming third instalment) and immunisation certificate.

Why This Scheme Matters

It provides financial support to pregnant and lactating women who may face wage-loss, enabling them to rest, access better care, and improve nutrition.
Promotes health-seeking behaviour, early registration of pregnancy, ante-natal check-ups, institutional delivery and timely immunisation of child.
Encourages positive attitude toward girl child, via incentive for second child if girl.
Helps in maternal and child health improvement, reduction of undernutrition and better birth outcomes.

Things to Keep in Mind / Conditions & Limitations

The benefit is contingent on meeting conditions (timely registration, ANC, immunisation), failure may forfeit instalment eligibility.
The scheme is meant for eligible first or second child (if girl) only, not unlimited.
Women receiving paid maternity benefits under employer or other scheme may not be eligible.
Funds are transferred only to Aadhaar-linked bank/post-office accounts - ensure your bank details, Aadhaar, MCP card are in order.
Different states may have minor variations in implementation or instalment amounts. Always check with your local AWC/health facility.

Summary

In essence, PMMVY is a vital maternity-benefit scheme designed to support pregnant and lactating women, encourage health-seeking behaviour, and provide financial compensation for wage-loss during pregnancy. By giving cash incentives (₹5,000 for first child; ₹6,000 for second child if a girl under PMMVY 2.0) subject to specified conditions, the scheme addresses maternal & child health, women’s welfare and gender equality in a structured way. If you are eligible, ensure timely registration, bank details are correct, meet the health-check milestones, and submit required documentation to benefit from it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible for PMMVY?

Pregnant women and lactating mothers with pregnancy on or after 1 January 2017, meeting conditions such as first living child (or second child if girl) and belonging to eligible categories.

How much cash benefit is provided under PMMVY?

Typically ₹5,000 for first living child; ₹6,000 for second living child if it is a girl (under PMMVY 2.0).

What are the instalment conditions for receiving the benefit?

Conditions include early pregnancy registration, at least one ante-natal check-up, childbirth registration and child’s first cycle of immunisation.

Can a woman already employed in the government claim PMMVY benefits?

No, women in regular employment with Central/State Government or PSUs, or those receiving similar maternity benefits under other law, are excluded.

What if the beneficiary has a miscarriage or still birth?

If the beneficiary has registered and received instalment(s) and miscarriage/still birth occurs, she may be treated as fresh beneficiary for a future pregnancy subject to conditions.

How is the benefit payment made?

Payment is made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into Aadhaar-linked bank or post-office account of beneficiary.

What documents are required to apply for PMMVY?

Aadhaar of beneficiary, bank account passbook or post office account, MCP card with pregnancy details, child birth certificate and immunisation cert (for later instalments).

Till what age is the beneficiary eligible?

As per an official update, women aged between 18 years 7 months and 55 years are eligible for benefits under PMMVY.

How many children are covered under the scheme?

The scheme covers first living child of the family; under PMMVY 2.0 a second living child is covered only if the child is a girl.

How can I check the status of my application?

You can check the status online via PMMVY portal, or through the Anganwadi-centre/health facility where you applied. Check with local AWC for state-level variations.

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