Expectant mothers in Karnal await benefits of PM scheme

Tribune News Service

Parveen Arora

Karnal, August 9

A number of expectant mothers are waiting for benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), months after having applied for the same. A sum of Rs 5,000 is transferred in three instalments directly into the bank or post office account of an expectant/lactating woman.

Applications pending with welfare dept

• Around 500 applications were pending with the Women and Child Welfare Department for the disbursal of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana benefits in Karnal till Tuesday afternoon
• An instalment of Rs 1,000 is given within 150 days of pregnancy, followed by a sum of Rs 2,000 after six months. The third instalment of Rs 2,000 is given to the beneficiary after delivery

After the registration of a pregnant woman, the first instalment of Rs 1,000 is given within 150 days of pregnancy. The second instalment of Rs 2,000 is transferred after six months of pregnancy and after an antenatal scan. The third instalment of Rs 2,000 is transferred after the delivery and immunisation of the baby.

“My wife has completed eight months of pregnancy. I submitted her documents in May, but we are yet to receive any money. We should have received the second instalment by this time,” said Sagar, who runs a salon in the city. He said the benefits should be given on time so that the purpose of the scheme could be materalised.

Around 500 applications were pending with the Women and Child Welfare Department for the disbursal of PMMVY benefits in Karnal district till Tuesday afternoon.

A woman of Assandh block said she had applied for benefits after six months of pregnancy, but three months on, she had not received any money.

Sources said the delay in submitting forms by anganwari workers at the block level and the further delay in entry by staff members were the main reasons behind late disbursal of benefits.

An official said the entire process is done online. In some cases, complete documents are not submitted, which delayed the process.

Raj Bala, programme officer (PO) of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), said the verification of documents took time. She said she had directed officials concerned to speed up verification so that the benefits could be delivered on time. “Today, they have cleared several files, which has reduced the pendency,” she said.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.

#karnal