PMMVY 2.0 vs Janani Suraksha Yojana: What’s the Difference?

Motherhood is one of the most beautiful yet challenging journeys in a woman’s life. While most women are excited to welcome a newborn into the world, some are also concerned about the finances and complications involved. From ensuring proper nutrition to managing finances, this period can be overwhelming.

Recognising these challenges, the Indian government has introduced supportive initiatives like PM Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY 2.0) and the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) to ease the burden on expectant and new mothers. While both schemes are designed to improve maternal and child health outcomes, they differ in their approach and benefits.

This blog will help you gain clarity on the differences between Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and Janani Suraksha Yojana.

PM Matru Vandana Yojana 2.0: What’s New 

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. It was Introduced on January 1, 2017. This centrally sponsored scheme was designed to extend financial support to pregnant and lactating women during a crucial phase of their lives.

The scheme was updated on April 1, 2022, and integrated into the Mission Shakti initiative. Now known as PMMVY 2.0, the updated version not only continues to support maternal health but also places greater emphasis on encouraging positive attitudes toward the girl child. The primary aim is to partially compensate for the income women may lose during pregnancy and after childbirth, helping them rest, recover, and focus on maintaining their health and nutrition during this essential time.

Benefits of PMMVY 2.0

This initiative by the government offers various benefits, along with contributing towards improving the sex ratio at birth by discouraging female foeticide. Let’s take a look at them.

Financial Assistance

Under this upgraded 2.0 scheme, eligible pregnant women and lactating mothers receive a cash incentive of ₹5,000 for their first live birth. However, one important thing to keep in mind is that this amount is disbursed in two instalments:

1. First Instalment (₹3,000)
2. Second Instalment (₹2,000)

Expanded Coverage

This simply means that this scheme extends its coverage to the second girl child, promoting gender equity. If the child is a girl, you receive an additional lump-sum cash transfer of ₹6,000 for the second birth.

Compensation for Wage Loss

During pregnancy, many women are forced to take extended breaks from work, especially when faced with health complications or demanding physical conditions, resulting in significant income loss. This is where the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana 2.0 plays a vital role. This government initiative offers financial assistance, helps offset the loss of wages, allowing expectant and new mothers to rest and recover both before and after childbirth.

What is Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)?

On April 12, 2005, the Honourable Prime Minister launched JSY as a countrywide program, extending its reach to every state and Union Territory. The scheme emphasises on the Low Performing States (LPS), where maternal and infant health indicators are particularly poor. Its main goal is to encourage pregnant women from economically and socially weaker backgrounds to opt for safe, institutional deliveries. This will ultimately help lower the risks of maternal and newborn deaths.

Janani Suraksha Yojana eligibility includes pregnant women aged 19 years or older who come from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. To avail the benefits of this scheme, such women need to choose a safe delivery in a government hospital or an approved private healthcare centre. The scheme also gives extra support to women from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they need during this important phase of life.

Benefits of Janani Suraksha Yojana

Janani Suraksha Yojana benefits focus on encouraging institutional deliveries by providing cash incentives. However, the limit of cash differs depending on the states, i.e., low-performing states and high-performing states. Here’s a deeper look at it:

Cash Assistance

If you're pregnant and opt for an institutional delivery in a rural area within a Low-Performing State (LPS), you are eligible to receive ₹1,400 under JSY. For women living in urban areas of these states, the support amount is ₹1,000. On the other hand, if you reside in a High-Performing State (HPS), the financial assistance is slightly lower, ₹700 for rural areas and ₹600 for urban areas.

ASHA Incentives

Under JSY, ASHA workers play a key role in connecting expectant mothers with government healthcare services. For every childbirth they assist, they’re given a small incentive, ₹600 in rural areas and ₹400 in urban areas, as a token of appreciation for their support.

Improved Access to Healthcare

ASHA workers, with their active role and support from government incentives, help bring healthcare closer to women in remote places where medical help is often hard to find.

Key Differences Between PMMVY 2.0 and Janani Suraksha Yojana

While both schemes aim to support pregnant women and lactating mothers, they are different. The table mentioned below can help you gain a better clarity on the differences: 

Wrapping Up

Both the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) 2.0 and the Janani Suraksha Yojana are important government initiatives designed to support pregnant women and lactating mothers in India. However, while these government schemes play an essential role, it's equally important to invest in health insurance for that comprehensive coverage.

At Niva Bupa, we have a wide variety of medical insurance plans with extensive benefits, such as coverage for doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, prescription medications, surgeries, daycare procedures, and more. We follow a customer-centric approach and have 24/7 customer support, ensuring you have backup in the event of a medical emergency.

People Also Ask

1. What is the difference between the original PMMVY and PMMVY 2.0?

   The main difference in PMMVY 2.0 is the significant addition of a special incentive for the second live birth, specifically if the child is a girl. It also aligns with Mission Shakti, focusing on broader women's empowerment.

2. Is there any income limit for JSY eligibility?

   Yes, the scheme is primarily for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Women must provide BPL or similar income category proof to qualify.

3. What if a woman has a miscarriage or stillbirth under PMMVY 2.0?

   In case of miscarriage or stillbirth, the beneficiary will be treated as a fresh case for any future pregnancy, and any instalments received until the event are retained. 

4. What's JSY's main purpose?

   To encourage safe hospital deliveries and reduce maternal and infant deaths.