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The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths by encouraging safe deliveries in Read More... health facilities for poor pregnant women. It provides financial support for institutional and home births, along with essential antenatal and postnatal care. Read less

Details

The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a crucial initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Launched to tackle the critical issues of maternal and neonatal mortality, JSY strongly advocates for women to deliver their babies in healthcare facilities.

What Is This Scheme?

JSY is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme designed to provide financial assistance to pregnant women. The main goal is to make pregnancy and childbirth safer, especially for women from economically weaker sections of society. It ensures that pregnant women receive medical care before, during, and after delivery. The scheme provides cash incentives for institutional deliveries and also supports home deliveries, alongside comprehensive antenatal and postnatal care services.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme primarily benefits poor pregnant women across India. Specific eligibility criteria may vary slightly depending on whether the delivery is institutional or at home, and the performance status of the state (Low Performing States vs. High Performing States). Women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are key beneficiaries. Pregnant women delivering in government health centres or accredited private institutions, and even those opting for home deliveries, can avail benefits.

Why This Scheme Is Important

JSY plays a vital role in improving maternal and child health outcomes in India. By providing financial support, it removes a significant barrier for poor women who might otherwise forego necessary medical attention during childbirth. The focus on institutional delivery ensures access to skilled birth attendants and essential medical care, thereby significantly reducing preventable deaths. The scheme also integrates essential services like free drugs, diagnostics, diet, and transport, making the entire process of childbirth safer and more accessible.

Objective

The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths by encouraging safe deliveries in health facilities for poor pregnant women. It provides financial support for institutional and home births, along with essential antenatal and postnatal care.

Benefits

Award Amount:₹20,000/- per year.

Sources and references

Guidelines (Page No. 186)

Eligibility Criteria for Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)

Eligibility for JSY varies based on the state and type of delivery:

For Institutional Delivery (General):
- Delivery must occur in a government health centre (Sub-centre, PHC, CHC, First Referral Unit, or general wards of District/State Hospitals) or an accredited private health institution.
Specifics for Low Performing States (LPS):
- Any pregnant woman is eligible for institutional delivery benefits in government or accredited private facilities.
- Above Poverty Line (APL) women are eligible if they deliver in government health centres.
Specifics for High Performing States (HPS):
- Must be from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household.
- Must be a Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) woman.
For Accredited Private Institutions (LPS & HPS):
- Must be from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household.
- Must be a Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST) woman.
- Must have a proper BPL or SC/ST certificate.
- Must carry a referral slip from an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA)/Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)/Medical Officer and the Maternal and Child Health - Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) card.
For Home Delivery (All States/Union Territories):
- Must be from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household.
- Must possess a Below Poverty Line certificate.

How To Apply for Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)

The application process for JSY is integrated with antenatal care services. Here's how you can apply:

Registration for Antenatal Care: Reach out to your nearest Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), or Anganwadi Worker. They will assist you in identifying yourself as a pregnant woman and registering for the scheme, typically around 20-24 weeks of pregnancy.
Obtain JSY Card: You will be issued a Maternal and Child Health Card, which also serves as your Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) registration card. Keep this card safe as it's needed for all services and benefit disbursements.
Institutional Delivery: For institutional delivery, carry your JSY card and referral slip (if applicable) to the designated government health centre or accredited private institution.
Home Delivery: For home delivery benefits, inform your link health worker (ASHA, ANM, or Anganwadi Worker) and follow their guidance for registration and benefit disbursement.
Benefit Disbursement: Benefits are disbursed by health workers directly to the beneficiary at the health institution or at her home, as per the scheme guidelines.

Official Contact:

For any queries or to understand the process better, you can contact your local health worker or visit the nearest government health facility. For further details, you may refer to the official website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Documents Required for Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)

The documents required depend on your situation and the state you are in. Here’s a general list:

Proof of Identity and Residence: Typically needed for verification, especially if not already covered by other documents.
Below Poverty Line (BPL) Certificate: Mandatory for beneficiaries in High Performing States (HPS), for home deliveries in all states, and for deliveries in accredited private institutions in both LPS and HPS.
Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) Certificate: Required for beneficiaries seeking delivery in accredited private institutions in HPS.
Maternal and Child Health Card / JSY Card: This is your primary registration document and must be carried for all services and benefit claims.
Referral Slip: Issued by ASHA/ANM/Medical Officer, especially required for beneficiaries opting for accredited private institutions.
Admission Slip for Delivery: To be presented at the time of admission for encashment of mother's package and transport assistance.

For ASHA/ANM Reimbursement (if applicable):

Expenditure Statement: Monthly statement to be provided by ASHA/Anganwadi Worker to ANM.
Statements from Accredited Private Health Centres: Monthly reports to the Medical Officer.

Official Sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date list of required documents and specific state guidelines, please refer to the official notifications and websites of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and your respective state's health department.

FAQ’s

What is the time frame within which I must receive my cash benefits to ensure they are considered valid under this maternal care program?

All payments must be made within seven days of the delivery. Payments received before or after this seven-day window are considered illegitimate and may face audit objections.

If I deliver my baby in a rural government health facility in a Low Performing State, how much financial aid will I get?

In Low Performing States, you will receive ₹1,400/- for delivery in a rural area. This is a one-time cash assistance to cover costs related to pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Can I get financial help for a home birth under this maternal health scheme, and what are the conditions for it?

Yes, pregnant women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families can receive ₹500/- for a home delivery. This amount helps cover delivery expenses and other incidental costs, regardless of the mother's age or the number of children she has.

Which health professional is responsible for helping me register and making sure I get my antenatal care services as part of this scheme?

Your Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), or Anganwadi Worker will identify and register you, and will facilitate your antenatal care services, including encouraging institutional delivery.

Where can I check if my application for cash assistance under this maternal care scheme has been approved and disbursed?

A monthly updated list of beneficiaries who have received cash disbursements is displayed on notice boards at Sub-centres, Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, and District Hospitals. You can check these boards for status updates.

What is the amount of cash assistance I will get if I deliver in an urban area of a High Performing State through this maternal health program?

In High Performing States, if you are eligible (i.e., from a BPL household or SC/ST category), you will receive ₹600/- for an institutional delivery in an urban area.

Is there any extra financial support if I need a Caesarean section or face obstetric emergencies during delivery at a government hospital?

Yes, the health institution can receive up to ₹1,500/- per case to hire specialists from the private sector or cover their transport costs if they are not available in-house for Caesarean sections or managing obstetric complications.

When should I ideally register for this maternal care program to ensure I receive all benefits and services throughout my pregnancy?

It is recommended to register for antenatal care, ideally between 20 to 24 weeks of your expected delivery date, to ensure you receive timely benefits and all necessary services throughout your pregnancy.

What free services are provided to me and my newborn under the comprehensive maternal and newborn care part of this scheme?

You will receive free services including delivery (normal or C-section), medicines, diagnostic tests, blood, diet (hot meals or milk/biscuits), and transport to and from health facilities for you and your newborn.

Can I still get benefits if I choose to deliver at a private hospital? What are the specific conditions for this?

Yes, you can deliver at accredited private institutions if you are from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) or Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. You must also have a referral slip from a designated health worker and your JSY card.

What kind of proof do I need to show to confirm my Below Poverty Line status when applying for benefits under this maternal health assistance program?

You need to provide a Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate. This document is required for beneficiaries in all High Performing States, for those opting for home deliveries in any state, and for deliveries in accredited private institutions.

How does the cash assistance amount for institutional deliveries in rural areas differ between Low Performing States and High Performing States?

In rural areas, Low Performing States provide ₹1,400/- for institutional deliveries, while High Performing States provide ₹700/- to eligible beneficiaries.

What is the procedure if I face issues with determining my eligibility or if there is a delay in receiving my cash benefits under this scheme?

Each district has a dedicated grievance redressal cell under the District Project Management Unit. You can approach them with complaints regarding eligibility, the amount of cash assistance, or any disbursement delays. Contact details are usually displayed at health centers.

What immunizations does my newborn need to have received before the health worker gets their second payment installment under this program?

For the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) to receive their second payment, the child must have been immunized with the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine within 7 days of delivery, and the ASHA must have completed a postnatal visit.