The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a nationwide maternity benefit programme, has garnered attention recently due to accusations of its exclusionary practices. Critics claim that the scheme neglects certain sections of the populace such as single women and young brides.
Criticisms of the Scheme
One major issue with the PMMVY is the requirement for registration. The process necessitates the provision of not only the applicant’s Aadhaar details but also those of her husband. This condition significantly affects single women like unwed mothers, deserted wives, and widows who don’t have a husband’s Aadhaar details to provide.
Moreover, the application form demands separate undertakings from the woman and her husband on “the first living child.” For a mother to qualify for benefits, she must present address proof from her marital home, posing a challenge for newlyweds who may be residing in their natal home during pregnancy.
Age Restrictions and Exclusions
A controversial aspect of the PMMVY is its age restriction. Applicants must be at least 19 years old, thereby excluding younger brides who marry at the legal age of 18 years but delay registering their marriages. Interestingly, between 30-35% of first-time mothers are under the age of 18 years.
The PMMVY also falls short when it comes to including marginalized women. Documentation procedures exclude groups lacking adequate paperwork or stability, such as sex workers, incarcerated women, migrants, and those living in post-conflict situations.
Bribery and Financial Burden
Even when women meet the necessary criteria and manage to apply, they often face financial challenges. Allegedly, individuals have to pay substantial bribes during the application process – as high as ₹500/- for each of the three forms. This corruption poses a significant barrier to women from financially weaker backgrounds.
Table: Major Facts About PMMVY
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Launch of PMMVY | 2017 |
| Age Restriction in PMMVY | 19 years |
| Nature of Criticisms | Exclusionary, demanding bribes |
| Percentage of First-time Mothers Under 18 years | 30-35% |
| Bribe per Form in PMMVY | Around ₹500/- |
Suggestions for Improvement
To address these criticisms, it’s suggested that the scheme undergo a review to become more inclusive. Improvements include removing restrictions on the number of children and making the benefits accessible to all women, regardless of their employment sector or marital status.
Additionally, the financial compensation offered should at least match the minimum wages. For this to happen, activists and grassroots workers must formally voice their concerns to the government, prompting them to take corrective actions.
