Odisha co-brands Mamata Yojana with PM’s Matru Vandana Yojana; Rs 2k additional for girl child birth

In a significant move towards improving maternal health and encouraging the birth of a girl child, Odisha is all set to launch a co-branded initiative combining the Mamata Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).

PMMVY, launched in 2017, is a centrally sponsored scheme providing cash incentives of Rs 5,000 in three instalments to pregnant and lactating mothers for their first live birth. On the other hand, the Mamata Yojana, initiated by the Odisha government in 2011, offers Rs 5,000 in two instalments to pregnant and nursing mothers for their first two live births.

Both schemes share similar objectives of reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, improving nutrition, and encouraging institutional deliveries and immunizations. Under the newly structured programme, pregnant women will receive Rs 10,000 (in the case of a boy child) and an additional Rs 2,000 for the birth of a girl child.

Announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the initiative aims to advance the welfare of pregnant and lactating mothers. The scheme will now offer financial assistance of Rs 12,000 for the birth of a girl child. This is an increase from the previous amount of Rs 10,000 and is intended to incentivise the birth and welfare of girl children.

For male children, the assistance remains at 10,000 rupees. The financial aid covers a maximum of two children per family, except in the case of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG), where this restriction does not apply.

To facilitate the successful implementation of the programme, Anganwadi workers, who play a crucial role in implementing these schemes, will now receive a higher incentive of 250 rupees, improved from 200 rupees. Similarly, Anganwadi assistants will have their incentives increased from 50 to 150 rupees.

The anticipated expenditure for this integrated scheme for the upcoming financial year is approximately Rs 511 crore. Of this, the Central Government will contribute Rs 115.97 crore, with the State Government providing Rs 395.75 crore. This initiative is expected to benefit around 4,50,000 pregnant and nursing women, significantly impacting their health and wellbeing.