Becoming a mother is the most joyous feeling in a woman's life, but during this time, proper nutrition and rest are equally important. In middle and poor families, due to financial constraints, pregnant women are often unable to take proper care of their health. To address this problem and keep both mother and child healthy, the Government of India is running the 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' (PMMVY). Under this scheme, pregnant women are given a total cash assistance of Rs 5000.

This scheme not only helps women get better nutrition during pregnancy but also provides financial support to working women when they are unable to go to work due to physical condition.

Who gets the benefit of this scheme?

Some eligibility conditions have been fixed to avail the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana:

• This scheme is for women who are pregnant for the first time.
• The woman applying must be at least 19 years of age.
• Women who are employed in any institution of the Central or State Government or who are getting similar benefits under any other law will not be eligible for this scheme.
• If the second child of a woman is a girl child (daughter), then the government also provides benefits on the second child under special provisions.

How to get the amount of Rs 5000?

The government does not give this money in one go but sends it in installments directly to the beneficiary's bank account (through DBT), so that it can be used properly:

• 1st Installment (Rs 1000): At the time of pregnancy registration when you enroll yourself at the Anganwadi Centre or Health Centre.
• 2nd instalment (Rs 2000): 6 months after conception, when at least one antenatal check-up (ANC) has been completed.
• 3rd Installment (Rs. 2000): After the birth registration of the child and the first cycle of vaccination (BCG, OPV, DPT etc.) of the child.

Documents required for application

To avail the benefits of this government scheme, you must have some basic documents:

• Mother's Aadhar card.
• Bank passbook (with Aadhaar link).
• MCP Card (Mother and Child Protection Card).
• Child's birth certificate (for the third installment).

How to apply?

The application process is very simple. You can fill out the form by visiting your nearest Anganwadi center or health center (ASHAs/ANMs). Additionally, the government has launched an online portal where you can register yourself.

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana aims to provide respect and security to every pregnant woman. If there is an eligible woman in your home or neighborhood, please tell them about this scheme. This small financial support, received at the right time, proves to be very helpful in laying the foundation for a healthy mother and a healthy child.