CCEA green signals Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana

New Delhi, Oct 20 (ANI): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Wednesday gave the green signal for the implementation of Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana.

Under the scheme, each of the pregnant and lactating woman will receive a total cash incentive of Rs. 4,000 in three installments.

This will be between the period from the second trimester of pregnancy till the infant attains the age of six months.

The scheme to be implemented on pilot basis in 52 selected districts in the remaining period of 11th five year will be fully sponsored with hundred percent assistance from the Centre.

Briefing media, Union Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram said that 13.8 lakh pregnant and lactating women are expected to get the benefit in the initial years.

"The scheme will be applicable to pregnant woman of 19 years of age or above for the first two births. Each of the beneficiary will be required to open individual account in the nearest bank of the Post office for cash transfer," he said

"All the employees of the government, public sector units of the Centre and the State will be excluded from the scheme as they are already entitled for paid maternity leave," he added.

The scheme will be centrally sponsored with 100 percent assistance from the Centre. Accordingly, Rs.390 crore and Rs.610 crore have been allocated for 2010-11 and 2011-12 respectively. IGMSY will be implemented in all the Anganwadi Centres of the selected 52 districts from all the States/UTs.

There will be steering and monitoring committees at all levels to oversee implementation and monitor the progress. An IGMSY Cell within the Ministry of Women and Child Development will also be set up. (ANI)