Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit program run by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It provides a cash incentive of Rs 5,000 to pregnant women and new mothers for their first live birth. The money is sent directly to the mother's bank account in instalments. The goal is to compensate women for wage loss during pregnancy and after childbirth, and to ensure better nutrition for both mother and child. The scheme also encourages institutional deliveries and timely vaccinations. A second instalment of Rs 6,000 is also provided under Janani Suraksha Yojana for institutional delivery, making the total benefit up to Rs 11,000 for eligible mothers.

The Rs 5,000 benefit is disbursed in three instalments. The first instalment of Rs 1,000 is given on early registration of pregnancy at the Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or health facility. The second instalment of Rs 2,000 is given after at least one antenatal check-up (ANC). The third instalment of Rs 2,000 is released after the birth is registered and the child receives the first BCG, OPV, and DPT vaccines. If the delivery happens at a government health centre, an additional Rs 6,000 is credited under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), making the total cash benefit Rs 11,000.

All pregnant women aged 19 years and above who are pregnant for the first time are eligible. The pregnancy must be registered at an Anganwadi Centre or government health facility. Women who are employees of Central or State Government or PSUs and are receiving paid maternity leave are not eligible, as they already receive maternity benefits under their service rules. The scheme applies to the first live birth only.

You need the Aadhaar Card of the mother and the husband/family member, the MCP (Mother and Child Protection) Card issued by the ANM or Anganwadi worker, your Bank Account passbook (the account must be in the mother's name), and proof of pregnancy (usually registered at the Anganwadi Centre). At the time of second and third instalments, the ANC report and child vaccination certificate are also needed.

• Aadhaar Card of mother and husband
• MCP (Mother and Child Protection) Card
• Bank Account Passbook
• Proof of Pregnancy (from ANM/ASHA/hospital)

Step 1: As soon as you confirm pregnancy, visit your nearest Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or government health sub-centre. Step 2: The ANM or Anganwadi worker will register your pregnancy and issue an MCP Card. Step 3: Fill out the PMMVY Form 1-A and submit it with Aadhaar and bank details to claim the first instalment. Step 4: After your ANC check-up, fill Form 1-B to claim the second instalment. Step 5: After delivery and first vaccination of the child, fill Form 1-C for the third instalment. You can also apply online at pmmvy.wcd.gov.in using your registered mobile number.

The scheme is ongoing throughout the year. Beneficiaries should register as soon as pregnancy is confirmed — ideally within the first trimester — to receive all three instalments in time.

Delaying registration is the biggest mistake. If you register your pregnancy late, you may miss the first instalment. Another common issue is not having a bank account in the mother's name — the money cannot be transferred to the husband's account. Also, many women skip the second ANC check-up and miss the second instalment entirely.