Government Schemes for Women

• Written by Jyotsana Shekhawat

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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Women's empowerment is vital not just for a family but also for society. Therefore, India, as a nation, is taking significant steps to empower women through various women welfare schemes.

Whether you talk about financial independence, healthcare, pregnancy cover, accommodation, education or entrepreneurship, we have one or the other government schemes for women that aim to bridge the gender gap and help the country's women thrive!

This blog will introduce you to some of the best women's welfare schemes the government offers.

List of Government Schemes For Women in India

The Ministry of Women and Child Development keeps implementing and upgrading various government schemes for women to help them grow remarkably in every sector of the society. Tabulated below are some of the schemes that women can avail benefits from

What is Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana?

Launched in 2010, Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojan is a maternity benefit program spearheaded by the government to ensure child care, better nutrition, and maternity health. The Ministry of Women and Child Development implements it. It is a conditional cash transfer scheme wherein a cash incentive of Rs 5,000 is offered for pregnant women and lactating mothers for the first living child of the family, subject to meeting conditions related to Maternal and Child Health.

What is Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)?

Parents of a girl child below 10 can invest in this scheme known as Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY). It was launched in 2015 under the flagship scheme ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’. It offers an interest rate of 8.5%, which is relatively high compared to other government schemes. One can deposit every month or annually for 15 years from the account opening date. The option of partial withdrawal is allowed when the child reaches 18 years, subject to certain conditions. This scheme is beneficial for young parents who are worried about their daughter’s future.

What is Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan?

It is a scheme launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) in India. The main goal of this scheme is to deliver free quality antenatal care to women in their pregnancy stage of the 2nd/ 3rd trimester. These medical services, including free check-ups, will be available at designated government healthcare facilities on the 9th of every month. It is available for women staying in under-served, semi-urban, poor, and rural areas. It is one of the government schemes for pregnant ladies that save a family from the cost burden of maternity care.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity scheme that the Government of India introduced. The program is designed to provide financial support to pregnant and lactating mothers for the second childbirth (boy). Aimed at reducing maternal and baby mortality rates, the program offers cash incentives of ₹5,000 to eligible women. The PMMVY yojana is a step towards ensuring adequate nutrition and maternal and infant care during critical phases, including ante-natal, delivery, and breastfeeding. This program also benefits women who work in the unorganised sector and/or lack access to maternity breaks. The scheme is pivotal in promoting deliveries and vaccination for newborns, bridging the healthcare gaps that impact maternal and child health significantly.

Kishori Shakti Yojana

Launched under the umbrella of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the Kishori Shakti Yojana is a flagship program that empowers adolescent girls in India. The scheme focuses on improving the health, nutritional status, and social competence of girls aged 11-18, particularly those in underprivileged communities. Moreover, it addresses challenges like malnutrition and illiteracy among girls, encouraging them to lead healthier lives. The program brings the plan into action with life-skills training, training on nutrition, and access to supplementary nutrition. In addition to that, the scheme also integrates awareness about reproductive health, hygiene and family life to prepare young girls for their future roles.

Scheme for Relief and Rehabilitation of Women Acid Victims

Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Scheme for Relief and Rehabilitation of Women Acid Victims provides comprehensive support to female acid attack survivors in India. The program ensures instant financial relief to aid medical treatment and surgical intervention required to address injuries caused by acid. Rehabilitation support is provided in the form of skill development, counselling, and financial assistance to help survivors live with dignity. Apart from that, the scheme provides employment opportunities and also works towards the societal standing of acid attack survivors to make sure they do not face any stigma.

Why Should Women Consider Buying Individual Health Insurance?

The government offers maternity benefits for pregnant women. Even working women in private companies are entitled to maternity leave under the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961, a full-paid absence from work to care for a newborn baby. 

The government schemes for health care and savings are quite beneficial for women from low-income families. In India, women have a greater need for quality medical care. It is particularly true when we see how women's health issues, such as anaemia, malnutrition, and breast cancer, are quite prevalent.

This fact is one aspect of the bigger picture. Even women from urban areas are equally prone to health risks. It is mainly because of several environmental and lifestyle factors apart from family medical history. Ailments such as diabetes and hypertension have affected millions of people.

While working women living in big cities are busy fulfilling their goals and responsibilities towards their families, they tend to ignore their health. Medical treatment costs in India are continually rising; if one estimates future medical expenses, it could be staggering. The government schemes, as mentioned above, offer significant financial aid for women. At the same time, those women who have to meet hefty healthcare expenses should invest in a separate medical insurance policy with a higher sum insured. Having a health policy is vital support for medical emergencies as it would cover a host of medical expenses due to various illnesses.

>>Read More: Things to know about Maternity Health Insurance

Final Word

Many women depend on their Employer's Mediclaim Policy. However, such policies would not be valid once a person leaves the company. So, it is wise to get an individual health insurance policy that would cover expenses such as hospital bills, and pre-and-post hospitalisation medical expenses, etc. Besides, with specific pregnancy cover such as ‘Joy’ by Care Health Insurance, a woman can avail of quality maternity care without even worrying about the costs. 

Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for Maternity expenses is subject to policy terms and conditions.