Govt Schemes 2025, PM Yojana, Scholarships, Essays and News

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a flagship maternity benefit scheme launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Introduced in 2017, the scheme aims to provide financial support to pregnant and lactating mothers, particularly those from socially and economically disadvantaged sections, to ensure better health and nutrition for both the mother and child. As we move into 2025, PMMVY continues to play a pivotal role in promoting maternal and child health across India. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scheme, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and key updates for 2025.

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What is Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)?

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to provide financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers. The scheme addresses the critical needs of women during pregnancy and the postnatal period, ensuring they have access to adequate nutrition, healthcare, and financial support to compensate for wage loss due to pregnancy. By offering cash incentives, PMMVY encourages women to seek timely antenatal and postnatal care, which is essential for reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in India.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana

The scheme operates under the provisions of the National Food Security Act, 2013, and is implemented across the country through a network of Anganwadi Centers (AWCs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and approved health facilities. The financial aid is disbursed directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and efficiency.

In 2025, the PMMVY has gained further momentum with special registration drives, such as the one extended until August 15, 2025, aimed at maximizing outreach to eligible women, particularly in low-income households. As of July 31, 2025, over 4.05 crore women have benefited from the scheme, with more than ₹19,028 crore disbursed directly to beneficiaries’ accounts.

Merite Scheme 2025

PM Matru Vandana Yojana Highlights

Objectives of PMMVY

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a transformative initiative by the Government of India to support pregnant and lactating women. Its primary objectives include providing cash incentives to meet nutritional needs during pregnancy and post-childbirth, compensating for wage loss to allow adequate rest, promoting timely antenatal check-ups, institutional deliveries, and child vaccinations to enhance maternal and child health, and fostering gender equality by offering additional incentives for the birth of a girl child in certain states, such as under PMMVY 2.0 in Delhi. By addressing these critical areas, PMMVY aims to improve health outcomes and empower women across India.

The primary objectives of the PMMVY are:

• Financial Support for Nutrition: To provide cash incentives to pregnant and lactating women to meet their nutritional needs during pregnancy and after childbirth.
• Compensation for Wage Loss: To partially compensate women for income loss due to pregnancy, enabling them to rest adequately and focus on their health.
• Promotion of Maternal and Child Health: To encourage timely antenatal check-ups, institutional deliveries, and child vaccinations to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
• Gender Equality: To promote positive behavioral changes towards the girl child by offering additional incentives for the birth of a girl child in certain cases, such as under PMMVY 2.0 in specific states like Delhi.

Benefits of PMMVY 2025

The PMMVY offers a range of benefits aimed at supporting women during pregnancy and the postnatal period. The financial assistance is provided in installments, contingent upon meeting specific health and registration milestones. Below are the key benefits:

Monetary Benefits

The financial aid under PMMVY varies depending on the number of children and specific conditions. Here’s a breakdown:

For the First Child

Total Benefit: ₹5,000, disbursed in two or three installments:

• First Installment: ₹1,000–₹3,000 upon early registration of pregnancy (within 150–180 days from the last menstrual period, depending on the source) and at least one antenatal check-up (ANC).
• Second Installment: ₹2,000 after six months of pregnancy, provided at least one ANC is completed.
• Third Installment: ₹2,000 after childbirth, upon registration of the child’s birth and completion of the first cycle of vaccinations (e.g., BCG, OPV, DPT, and Hepatitis-B or their equivalents).

Additional Benefit: An extra ₹1,000 is provided under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) for institutional delivery, bringing the total benefit to ₹6,000 for the first child.

For the Second Child

If the second child is a girl, some states (e.g., Delhi) offer a one-time benefit of ₹6,000 under PMMVY 2.0, provided the childbirth is registered and the first cycle of vaccinations is completed within 14 weeks. This incentive promotes gender equality by encouraging families to value girl children.

Note: There is conflicting information regarding the total benefit amount for the first child, with some sources claiming up to ₹11,000 in three installments. However, the most consistent data suggests ₹5,000 for the first child, with an additional ₹1,000 through JSY, totaling ₹6,000. For clarity, beneficiaries should verify details on the official PMMVY portal or with local Anganwadi workers.

Nutritional Support

Pregnancy and lactation increase a woman’s nutritional requirements by approximately 200 extra calories per day, as per World Health Organization guidelines. The cash incentives provided under PMMVY help women purchase nutritious food, ensuring both maternal and fetal health. The scheme also promotes exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, which is critical for infant development.

Other Benefits

• Encouragement of Institutional Deliveries: By linking financial aid to institutional deliveries and vaccinations, PMMVY promotes safer childbirth practices and reduces maternal and infant mortality.
• Support for Economically Weaker Sections: The scheme targets women from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to maternity benefits.
• Ease of Access: The application process is streamlined, with both online and offline options, and the husband’s Aadhaar card is not mandatory, making it easier for women to apply.

Eligibility Criteria for PMMVY 2025

To avail the benefits of PMMVY, women must meet specific eligibility criteria designed to target socially and economically disadvantaged groups. The key eligibility requirements are:

General Eligibility

• The applicant must be a pregnant woman or lactating mother in India.
• The woman must be at least 19 years old.
• The applicant must not be employed by the Central Government, State Government, or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) or receiving similar maternity benefits under other laws.
• The woman must have conceived on or after January 1, 2017, for the first child.
• For the first child, the benefit applies to the first live birth. For the second child, benefits are available only if the child is a girl in certain states under PMMVY 2.0.

Specific Criteria for Disadvantaged Groups

The scheme prioritizes women from the following categories:

• Women belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST).
• Women with partial (40%) or full disabilities (Divyang Jan).
• Holders of Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration cards.
• Beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) under Ayushman Bharat.
• Holders of e-Shram cards (unorganized sector workers).
• Women farmers benefiting from the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
• Holders of MGNREGA Job Cards.
• Women with a family annual income of less than ₹8 lakh.
• Pregnant or lactating Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), or Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs).
• Women with ration cards under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.

Exclusions

• Women employed in regular positions with the Central or State Government, PSUs, or those receiving similar maternity benefits under other laws are not eligible.
• The husband’s Aadhaar card is not mandatory, easing access for women.

Documents Required for PMMVY

Applicants need to submit specific documents at different stages to receive the installments. The required documents include:

For the First Installment

• Duly filled Application Form 1A (available for download on the PMMVY portal).
• Copy of the Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card.
• Copy of Aadhaar card (with written consent for its use).
• Copy of identity proof (e.g., PAN card, voter ID, or ration card).
• Copy of bank or post office account passbook linked with Aadhaar.

For the Second Installment

• Duly filled Application Form 1B.
• Updated MCP card showing at least one ANC within 180 days from the last menstrual period.
• Bank account details (if not already submitted).

For the Third Installment

• Duly filled Application Form 1C.
• Child’s birth certificate.
• Proof of the first cycle of vaccinations (BCG, OPV, DPT, Hepatitis-B, or equivalents).
• Updated MCP card.

Additional Documents for Eligibility Proof

At least one of the following to prove eligibility under disadvantaged categories:

• SC/ST certificate.
• Disability certificate (40% or more).
• BPL ration card.
• PMJAY beneficiary ID.
• e-Shram card.
• MGNREGA Job Card.
• PM Kisan Samman Nidhi beneficiary proof.
• Income certificate (family income below ₹8 lakh per annum).
• NFSA ration card.

How to Apply for PMMVY 2025

The application process for PMMVY is designed to be accessible, with both online and offline options. Below are the step-by-step procedures:

Online Application Process

• Visit the Official PMMVY Portal: Go to pmmvy.wcd.gov.in or pmmvy.nic.in.
• Citizen Login: Select the “Citizen Login” option and verify your mobile number.
• Create an Account: Provide basic details such as name, state, district, block, village, and relationship to the beneficiary. Create a user ID and password.
• Beneficiary Registration: Navigate to “Data Entry > Beneficiary Registration” and fill in personal details, including whether applying for the first or second child.
• Download and Fill Form 1A: Scroll to the bottom of the page, download Form 1A, and fill it out with accurate details.
• Submit Documents: Upload the required documents or submit the completed form and documents at the nearest Anganwadi Center or approved health facility.
• Provide Aadhaar and Bank Details: Submit Aadhaar details (with consent), a mobile number (self or family member), and bank/post office account details linked with Aadhaar.
• Track Application: After submission, you can check the status of your application on the PMMVY portal or via the mobile app.

Notice: Temporary Unavailability of PMMVY Online Registration

The online registration service for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is temporarily unavailable. Eligible pregnant and lactating women are requested to contact their nearest Anganwadi Worker or ASHA Worker for assistance with the registration process. These field functionaries will guide you through the application procedure to ensure timely enrollment and access to the scheme’s financial benefits. For further details, visit pmmvy.wcd.gov.in or call the PMMVY helpline at 14408. We regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate your cooperation.

Offline Application Process

• Visit an Anganwadi Center or Health Facility: Contact your local Anganwadi Center, ASHA worker, or approved health facility.
• Obtain Application Form: Collect Form 1A from the Anganwadi Center or download it from the PMMVY portal.
• Fill and Submit the Form: Complete the form with accurate details and attach the required documents.
• Submit to Authorities: Submit the form and documents to the Anganwadi Center or health facility. Ensure your bank account is DBT-enabled and linked to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• Follow Up: The authorities will verify your application, and upon approval, financial assistance will be transferred to your bank account.

PMMVY: Special Registration Drive Extended to August 15, 2025

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has extended the special registration drive for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) until August 15, 2025. This door-to-door campaign, led by Anganwadi and ASHA workers, aims to enroll all eligible pregnant and lactating women, ensuring they receive financial assistance to support nutrition and health. Since its inception, PMMVY has benefited over 4.05 crore women, disbursing ₹19,028 crore via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) as of July 31, 2025.

Under PMMVY, a centrally sponsored scheme within Mission Shakti’s Samarthya sub-scheme, eligible women receive ₹5,000 in two installments for their first child and ₹6,000 for a second girl child post-birth, promoting maternal health and gender equality. The scheme uses PMMVYSoft, launched in March 2023, for seamless implementation, featuring Aadhaar-based authentication, NPCI verification, and a toll-free helpline (14408). Reforms like an Integrated Grievance Module and Facial Recognition System enhance delivery and coverage. Eligible women are urged to register before the deadline at Anganwadi Centers or via pmmvy.wcd.gov.in to access these vital maternity benefits, ensuring better health outcomes for mothers and children nationwide.

Key Updates for PMMVY 2025

• Extended Registration Drive: The special registration campaign has been extended until August 15, 2025, to maximize outreach, particularly in low-income households.
• PMMVY 2.0: In certain states like Delhi, an additional ₹6,000 is provided for the second child if it is a girl, promoting gender equality.
• Widespread Impact: Over 4.05 crore women have benefited from the scheme, with more than ₹19,028 crore disbursed as of July 31, 2025.
• Digital Accessibility: The PMMVY mobile app and portal (pmmvy.wcd.gov.in) make it easier for women to register and track their application status.

Challenges and Considerations for PMMVY

Despite the transformative impact of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), certain challenges persist. Limited awareness, particularly among rural women, hinders access to the scheme, as many are unaware of its benefits or registration process. Additionally, the requirement for Aadhaar-linked bank accounts and other documentation poses a barrier for some eligible women, especially those lacking proper records. Conflicting information about the benefit amount, such as discrepancies between ₹5,000 and ₹11,000, can also create confusion, necessitating verification through official sources like the PMMVY portal or Anganwadi workers. 

To address these issues, the government has introduced door-to-door campaigns led by Anganwadi and ASHA workers and enhanced digital platforms, such as pmmvy.wcd.gov.in, to improve accessibility, awareness, and seamless delivery of benefits to eligible pregnant and lactating mothers across India.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana 2025 is a vital initiative to support pregnant and lactating mothers in India, ensuring better health and nutrition for both mothers and their children. By providing financial assistance, promoting institutional deliveries, and encouraging timely healthcare, the scheme contributes significantly to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. With clear eligibility criteria, a streamlined application process, and ongoing efforts to increase outreach, PMMVY remains a cornerstone of India’s maternal and child health strategy.

Eligible women are encouraged to take advantage of the ongoing registration drive before August 15, 2025, by visiting their nearest Anganwadi Center or applying online at pmmvy.wcd.gov.in. For further details, contact the PMMVY helpline at 011-23382393 or email pmmvydelhi.hq@gmail.com. By empowering women with financial and healthcare support, PMMVY is paving the way for a healthier and more equitable future for mothers and their children in India.

FAQs: PMMVY 2025

Q. What is the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)?

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), launched in 2017 under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at supporting pregnant and lactating women. It provides financial assistance to ensure proper nutrition, compensate for wage loss during pregnancy, promote maternal and child health through timely antenatal check-ups and institutional deliveries, and encourage gender equality by offering additional incentives for the birth of a girl child in certain states, such as under PMMVY 2.0 in Delhi.

Q. Who is eligible for PMMVY?

Eligible beneficiaries include pregnant women and lactating mothers aged 19 or older who are not employed by the Central or State Governments or Public Sector Undertakings. The scheme covers the first live birth for first child benefits and the second girl child in specific states like Delhi under PMMVY 2.0. Priority is given to women from SC/ST, BPL cardholders, PMJAY beneficiaries, e-Shram cardholders, MGNREGA workers, Anganwadi/ASHA workers, and those with a family income below ₹8 lakh annually. 

Q. What financial benefits does PMMVY offer?

PMMVY provides ₹5,000 for the first child, disbursed in two or three installments: ₹1,000–₹3,000 for early pregnancy registration and antenatal check-up (ANC), ₹2,000 after six months of pregnancy with ANC, and ₹2,000 post-birth with child vaccination completion. An additional ₹1,000 is provided via Janani Suraksha Yojana for institutional delivery, totaling ₹6,000. For the second child, if a girl, ₹6,000 is given in one installment post-birth in states like Delhi under PMMVY 2.0.

Q. How can I apply for PMMVY?

Currently, the online registration for PMMVY is temporarily unavailable. Eligible women can apply offline by contacting their nearest Anganwadi Center or ASHA worker, submitting Application Forms 1A, 1B, and 1C along with required documents. A special door-to-door registration drive, led by Anganwadi and ASHA workers, is ongoing until August 15, 2025, to ensure maximum enrollment. Check pmmvy.wcd.gov.in for updates on online registration.

Q. What documents are required for PMMVY?

Applicants must submit Application Forms 1A, 1B, and 1C, along with an Aadhaar card, Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card, and Aadhaar-linked bank or post office account passbook. For later installments, a child’s birth certificate and proof of vaccinations are required. Additional documents to prove eligibility include SC/ST certificate, BPL card, PMJAY ID, e-Shram card, MGNREGA Job Card, or an income certificate for families earning less than ₹8 lakh annually.

Q. How is the financial assistance disbursed?

Financial assistance under PMMVY is disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank or post office account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The PMMVYSoft platform, launched in March 2023, facilitates this process with Aadhaar-based authentication, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) verification, and features like Facial Recognition System to ensure secure and efficient fund transfers.

Q. What is the special registration drive for PMMVY?

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has extended a special door-to-door registration drive for PMMVY until August 15, 2025. Led by Anganwadi and ASHA workers, this campaign aims to reach all eligible pregnant and lactating women, particularly in low-income households, to ensure timely enrollment and access to financial benefits, enhancing the scheme’s outreach and impact across India.