Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana PMMVY is a flagship maternity benefit scheme launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). It provides financial assistance to Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM). The scheme promotes improved nutrition and positive health-seeking behaviour. Integration under Mission Shakti PMMVY was integrated under Mission Shakti from 1 April 2022. The benefit structure was simplified from three instalments to two. Maternity benefits were extended to the second child, provided the child is a girl. Financial Assistance ₹5,000 is provided in two instalments for the first living child. ₹6,000 is provided for the second child if the child is a girl. Benefits are linked to: Early pregnancy registration,Antenatal care, Child immunisation. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Financial assistance is transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through the DBT mechanism. Ensures transparency and timely disbursement of benefits. Special Provisions Fresh eligibility is provided in cases of miscarriage or stillbirth. Financial assistance acts as partial wage compensation, enabling adequate rest before and after childbirth. Achievements (as on 30 April 2026) Total beneficiaries covered: 4.27 crore. Total amount disbursed: ₹20,150 crore. Impact Improved maternal health and nutritional outcomes. Encouraged institutional deliveries. Reduced financial burden on pregnant women. Facilitated access to nutritious food, antenatal check-ups, and medical care. Contributed to safer motherhood and healthier babies. Promotion of Gender Equity Additional incentives for the girl child promote gender equality. Strengthens women's welfare and child development. Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme Context: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has organized a national-level seminar on the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme in New Delhi. About the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme The SHP Development Scheme is a renewable energy initiative implemented by the Central Government to promote the installation of small hydro power projects (with…
NATIONAL SCHEMES
PM POSHAN Context: A Parliamentary Standing Committee has proposed adding breakfast to the PM POSHAN Scheme and extending its benefits to students up to Class 12. About PM POSHAN Previously called the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), it was renamed PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) in 2021. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Education and is approved for the period from 2021–22 to 2025–26. It is a centrally sponsored programme, meaning both the central and state governments share its funding. Currently, it provides one hot cooked meal to students in government and government-aided schools from primary level up to Class 8. The scheme is designed to tackle hunger by ensuring children receive sufficient nutrition, while also improving educational indicators such as school attendance, retention, and overall learning outcomes. Krishi Sakhi Initiative Context: The Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited has introduced the Krishi Sakhi Initiative with the objective of empowering women engaged in farming. About the Initiative Krishi Sakhi is a nationwide programme designed to strengthen the role of women farmers by increasing their awareness, encouraging their participation, and building their skills in agriculture and crop insurance. It is implemented by the Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited. Aim To increase the involvement of women in agriculture and insurance-related activities To support inclusive and gender-responsive growth in the agricultural sector To acknowledge and promote the contribution of women in enhancing India’s farming system Key Features Planned campaigns such as videos, walkathons, and workshops conducted across 2026 On-ground sessions to educate women farmers about crop insurance schemes and their advantages Initiatives focusing on sanitation, hygiene, and rural awareness, especially targeting women in farming communities Current Facts Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Small Hydro Power (SHP)…
