How Can Pregnant Women in Tamil Nadu Avail Rs. 14,000 Under Dr. Muthulakshmi Maternity Benefit Scheme?

In a bid to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and provide optimal nutrition to pregnant and lactating women, the Tamil Nadu government has launched Dr. Muthulakshmi Maternity Benefit Scheme for pregnant women. Strengthened with the Amma Nutrition Kit, the state government has promised to provide financial assistance of Rs. 14,000 along with nutrition kits worth Rs. 4,000 to pregnant women.

Let us understand the Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme, its objectives, eligibility criteria and benefits in more detail.

What is the Objective of the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme?

With the implementation of the scheme, the Tamil Nadu government aims to:

• Reduce maternal and infant mortality rates
• Ensure optimal nutrition to pregnant and lactating women
• Compensate for the wage losses incurred during pregnancy

What are the Eligibility Criteria for the Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme?

The following pregnant women can benefit from this Maternity Benefit Scheme:

• Pregnant women who have completed the age of 19 years.
• HOB and migrant mothers will receive 1st and 5th instalments on certain conditions.
• The beneficiary will receive all 5 installments for a maximum of two deliveries.

What are the Benefits of the Dr. Muthulakshmi Maternity Benefit Scheme?

The Muthulakshmi Maternity Benefit Scheme offers the following benefits to pregnant women and their baby:

• An Amma Nutrition Kit containing 12 essentials worth Rs. 4,000 namely, 1 kg health mix for pregnant women, 3 IFA syrup, 1 kg dates, 500 gm protein biscuits, 500 gm Aavin ghee, 3 T.Albendazole, a plastic basket and a towel.
• Besides the kit, the government will also provide Rs. 14,000 in five instalments to the mother.
• Rs. 2,000 will be provided to the pregnant woman upon antenatal registration on or before 12 weeks.
• A nutrition kit worth Rs. 2,000 will be provided upon completion of the third month of pregnancy.
• Rs. 2,000 will be provided after the completion of the fourth month of pregnancy.
• A second nutrition kit worth Rs. 2,000 will also be provided to the pregnant woman.
• Rs 4,000 will be provided to the pregnant woman after the delivery of the baby.
• Rs. 4,000 to be provided after the successful completion of all 3rd doses of OPV/Rota/Penta Valent and 2nd doses of IPV.
• Rs. 2,000 to be provided after successful completion of Measles-Rubella vaccination between 9-12 months of the baby.

You may also like : Government Scheme to give Rs 6000 to Pregnant Women through Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna (PMMVY) - How to Apply for this Scheme?

How to Apply for the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme?

Pregnant women can register themselves for the Muthulakshmi Maternity Benefit Scheme before 12 weeks of pregnancy with the VHN/UHN or she should pre-register her pregnancy before 12 weeks.

For additional information, you can contact all VHN/UHN and PHC/UPHC or visit https://krishnagiri.nic.in/scheme/dr-muthulakshmi-maternity-benefit-scheme/ .

The Bottomline

Dr. Muthulakshmi Maternity Benefit Scheme aims to benefit around 8 lakh pregnant and lactating women every year. This initiative of the Tamil Nadu government would significantly help to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the state. Additionally, it will also result in a significant boost in maternal nutrition and infant immunizations.