Scheme details and amounts change from time to time and vary by state. Confirm the latest information with your ASHA worker, Anganwadi centre, government hospital or the official scheme websites.
Step 1: Register your pregnancy
Register as early as possible – ideally in the first trimester – with your ASHA worker, Anganwadi centre, sub-centre or primary health centre. You’ll receive a Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card, which records your check-ups, tests and vaccinations, and is needed for most benefits.
PMSMA – free check-ups
Under the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, pregnant women in their second and third trimesters receive a free, comprehensive antenatal check-up by a doctor on the 9th of every month at government facilities, including essential tests and, where available, an ultrasound. High-risk pregnancies are identified and followed up.
JSSK – free delivery & care
The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram entitles every pregnant woman delivering in a public health facility to free delivery (including caesarean section), free medicines, diagnostics, blood, diet during the stay, and free transport from home to facility, between facilities and back home. Sick newborns are also covered.
JSY – cash for institutional delivery
Janani Suraksha Yojana provides cash assistance to encourage delivery in health facilities, with larger amounts in states with historically lower institutional delivery rates. Eligibility and amounts depend on your state and whether you live in a rural or urban area.
PMMVY – maternity benefit
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana provides a cash benefit, paid in instalments into the mother’s bank account, for the first child, with an additional benefit for a second child if she is a girl. It is meant to partly compensate for lost wages and support nutrition. Apply through your Anganwadi centre or the PMMVY portal.
Maternity leave
Under the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017, eligible women employees can take 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for the first two children (up to 8 weeks before the expected delivery date), and 12 weeks for the third child onwards. Use your due date to plan when to apply.
Save 102 (free pregnancy transport in most states) and 108 (emergency ambulance) in your phone today.
Frequently asked questions
Is delivery free in government hospitals in India?
Yes. Under JSSK, normal and caesarean deliveries, medicines, tests, diet and transport are free in public health facilities.
How do I apply for PMMVY?
Register your pregnancy and apply through your Anganwadi worker or the official PMMVY portal with your MCP card, Aadhaar and bank details.
Medical disclaimer: The results and information on this page are estimates for general education only. They are not a diagnosis and do not replace advice from your gynaecologist, obstetrician or midwife. If you have pain, bleeding, reduced baby movements or feel unwell, contact your doctor or call 108 immediately. Read the full disclaimer.
Sources & further reading
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. Maternal health guidelines, PMSMA and Anemia Mukt Bharat. nhm.gov.in