Gujarat’s new maternity support scheme, launched on June 15, 2025, aims to empower women with financial aid, healthcare access, and nutritional support during pregnancy and postpartum. Targeting low-income families, it offers ₹15,000 cash assistance, free medical check-ups, and subsidized nutrition kits. The initiative has been hailed as a step toward improving maternal health and reducing financial burdens.
Gujarat’s Maternity Scheme: A Boost for Women’s Welfare
On June 15, 2025, the Gujarat government rolled out a groundbreaking maternity support scheme designed to uplift women from economically weaker sections during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The initiative, announced by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, seeks to address maternal health challenges and financial insecurities faced by expectant mothers, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
The scheme provides a direct cash benefit of ₹15,000 to eligible women, disbursed in three installments: ₹5,000 during the first trimester, ₹5,000 in the third trimester, and ₹5,000 post-delivery. This financial aid aims to ease the economic strain of medical expenses and ensure access to quality healthcare. Additionally, the program includes free medical check-ups at government hospitals and primary health centers, covering prenatal and postnatal care.
To tackle malnutrition, a critical issue affecting maternal and infant health, the scheme offers subsidized nutrition kits. These kits, distributed through anganwadi centers, contain essential supplements like iron, calcium, and protein-rich foods tailored for pregnant and lactating mothers. The government has allocated ₹500 crore for the scheme’s first phase, targeting 5 lakh beneficiaries in 2025-26.
Eligibility is restricted to women from families with an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh, with a focus on those in Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Applicants must register through a dedicated online portal or at local health centers, providing Aadhaar and income certificates. The scheme also integrates with existing programs like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana to avoid duplication and ensure wider coverage.
Health experts have praised the initiative, citing its potential to reduce Gujarat’s maternal mortality rate, which stood at 87 per 1,00,000 live births in 2023, according to the Sample Registration System. By combining financial support with healthcare and nutrition, the scheme addresses multiple facets of maternal well-being. However, some activists have raised concerns about implementation challenges, such as delays in fund disbursement and accessibility in remote areas.
The government has partnered with local NGOs and ASHA workers to raise awareness and assist with registrations. District-level monitoring committees will oversee the scheme’s rollout, ensuring transparency and timely delivery of benefits. Chief Minister Patel emphasized that the initiative reflects Gujarat’s commitment to women’s empowerment and aligns with the state’s broader vision of inclusive development.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official announcements, government reports, and credible news sources as of June 15, 2025. Information is subject to change as the scheme progresses. Readers are advised to verify details through official government portals.