North News
Chandigarh, December 18
Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, has ordered the immediate disbursal of Rs 28 crore to approximately 70,000 pregnant women and lactating mothers. The funds aim to boost maternal nutrition and health under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana. Dr. Kaur highlighted that in October 2024, ₹22 crore was transferred to 65,478 beneficiaries for their first child and for the birth of a girl as the second child. Under the scheme, women aged 19 and above receive Rs 5,000 in two installments for their first child, while Rs 6,000 is allocated for a girl as the second child.
The initiative seeks to address malnutrition, enhance maternal health, and improve the state’s declining sex ratio. Beneficiaries must have Aadhaar-linked accounts, with applications processed through Anganwadi centers. Dr. Kaur urged officials to ensure all eligible women benefit and advised the public to contact Anganwadi centers or district offices for further details. She emphasized the government’s commitment to maternal and child health under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership.
