Punjab Government distributed Rs. 25 Crore to Boost Maternal Health Under Matru Vandana Yojana

Chandigarh: Under the Matru Vandana Yojana, the Punjab government has distributed Rs. 25 crore during the current financial year to enhance the nutrition and health status of pregnant women and lactating mothers. Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, revealed that the government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to this cause.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the scheme aims to improve the nutrition and well-being of both mother and child. During the current financial year, a total of Rs. 25 crores has been distributed to 52,229 women beneficiaries in the state.

The government has provided Rs. 5,000 in two installments (Rs. 3,000 + Rs. 2,000) to women aged 19 years and above on the birth of their first live child. Additionally, Rs. 6,000 is given on the birth of a second girl child to contribute to improving the sex ratio. These financial assistance are part of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, aiming to uplift the nutritional and health status of pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Under the Matru Vandana Yojana, the department target of at least 98,036 beneficiaries fill forms by March 2024, which completed by November 2023. By January 2024, approximately 1,16,000 women beneficiaries has filled the forms.

The primary objective of the scheme is to address the declining sex ratio of girls at birth in the state. Anganwadi workers at all Anganwadi Centers across the state assist in filling out the forms for financial assistance. The minister highlighted that the payment is directly deposited into the bank accounts or post office accounts of the beneficiaries, linked with their Aadhaar card.

Dr. Baljit Kaur urged officials to promptly process forms for eligible beneficiaries, ensuring maximum benefit. For additional information, beneficiaries can contact their district Anganwadi Center, Office of the Child Development Project Officer or the Office of the District Program Officer.