Bhubaneswar: The state govt announced on Tuesday that it will integrate the existing Mamata scheme of the state with the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, significantly boosting benefits for pregnant women and new mothers.
Under the merged initiative, families welcoming a girl child will receive increased assistance of Rs 12,000, up from the previous Rs 10,000, while the amount for male children remains at Rs 10,000. Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved of these changes.
The scheme, which provides support for up to two children per family, makes an exception for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG), who are exempt from the two-child limitation. Also, anganwadi workers will see their incentives increased from Rs 200 to Rs 250, while helpers’ compensation will triple from Rs 50 to Rs 150.
The combined programme has been allocated Rs 511 crore for the upcoming financial year, with the Centre contributing Rs 115.97 crore and the state govt providing Rs 395.75 crore. Officials estimate that 4.5 lakh pregnant and post-partum women will get benefits from this revised scheme.
“This initiative represents a significant step forward in the state’s commitment to maternal health and child welfare, particularly in promoting the well-being of girl children and supporting healthcare workers at the grassroots level,” a govt statement reads.