Bilaspur leads the way in maternal care

Bilaspur district has emerged as a frontrunner in the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) enrolment campaign, securing the top position in Himachal Pradesh and an impressive 26th rank nationwide. The month-long special beneficiary registration drive, which began on July 15, witnessed Bilaspur achieving an extraordinary 249 per cent enrolment rate — a feat hailed as historic not only for the district but also for northern India.

Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar praised the achievement, attributing it to the collective efforts of the district administration, the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department, and thousands of Anganwadi workers. He highlighted their relentless work in identifying every eligible pregnant and lactating woman and ensuring that they were effectively linked to the scheme.

“This success is the result of true team spirit,” he noted, while extending heartfelt appreciation to Anganwadi workers, helpers, supervisors, Child Development Project Officers and especially District Program Officer Harish Mishra and his team.

Bilaspur’s performance placed it at the top of Himachal, followed by Sirmaur, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, Mandi, Solan, Kinnaur, Shimla and Lahaul-Spiti. On the national scale, where 766 districts competed, Bilaspur’s 26th rank marked a remarkable accomplishment, bringing pride to the region and setting an example for others to follow.

The PMMVY, a flagship initiative of the Central Government, aims to improve the nutrition and health of pregnant and lactating women. Under the scheme, a cash incentive of Rs 3,000 is provided as the first instalment upon registering pregnancy within six months of the last menstrual period and completing at least one antenatal check-up. A second instalment of Rs 2,000 follows birth registration and completion of the first cycle of immunization (including BCG, OPV, DPT and Hepatitis-B).

For the second child, if it is a girl, the scheme provides a lumpsum incentive of Rs 6,000 directly into the beneficiary’s account — an initiative designed to encourage the health and empowerment of daughters. DC Rahul Kumar said the milestone achieved by Bilaspur is a matter of pride and will inspire other districts to enhance their outreach for women’s welfare.