Punjab government gave Rs 10.40 crore to pregnant women: 60,912 women benefited under Matru Vandana Yojana

File photo of Dr Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development.

An amount of Rs 10.40 crore has been distributed by the Punjab government for the nutrition and better health of pregnant women and lactating mothers. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, informed that the government is constantly making efforts to strengthen the nutrition and health of pregnant women and lactating mothers. Dr Baljit Kaur informed that a total of 60,912 women beneficiaries have been given Rs 10.40 crore during the ongoing financial year under this scheme. He said that the government has reserved a total budget of Rs 36.60 crore for this scheme. He said that the government gives Rs 5000 in three installments (1000-2000 and 3000) to women of 19 years and above on the birth of the first live child. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, pregnant women and lactating mothers are given special conditions for nutrition and better health. Dr Baljeet Kaur said that under this scheme, earlier the benefit of Rs 5000 was given in three installments, which after April 2022 would be given to women belonging to socially and economically backward classes in two installments under maternity benefit. benefits are provided. The first installment of Rs 3 thousand, on the registration of pregnancy and before the birth within 6 months from the date of the LMP at the Anganwadi Center (EWC), on a checkup on the identification of health facilities approved by the state / UT and the second installment of Rs 2 thousand on the birth of the child. Registration is eligible on receipt of the first dose of BCG, OPV, DPT and Hepatitis-B or its equivalent to the child. Minister Baljit Kaur informed that the payment of financial assistance is done directly in the bank accounts of the beneficiaries and it has been linked with Aadhaar.