Naveen launches Mamata scheme

Bhubaneswar: `Mamata Scheme` - under which Rs 5000 will be paid to six lakh pregnant and lactating women in rural areas every year - was today launched by Chief Minsister Naveen Patnaik.

"The scheme was announced some time ago and registration of pregnant women started on September 5. It is heartening to note that within a span of one month nearly two lakh pregnant women have registered under this scheme," Patnaik said.

As per the scheme, pregnant women registered with Anganwadi centres will receive Rs 5,000 in four instalments through bank accounts. The instalments have been designed to ensure that the beneficiary gets cash.