Rural Women Miss Out On Benefits: Only 38% Receive Funds After Girl Child’s Birth In Second Delivery

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Despite efforts under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana 2.0, many rural women in Indore district are still being left out.

The scheme, aimed at providing Rs 6k in three instalments to pregnant and lactating mothers, now covers both first and second live births—especially when the second child is a girl. However, only 38.4% of eligible rural women have received benefits for their second delivery, compared to over 100% coverage in urban areas.

The gap is being attributed to lack of awareness, poor outreach and migration for work or childbirth. In contrast, urban areas such as Indore city and Mhow Cantt have surpassed their annual targets, with second-delivery support exceeding 120% in Depalpur and 149% in Indore urban project-3.

According to officials, over 7,700 rural women are eligible for second-delivery aid this year. Collector Asheesh Singh has instructed the Women and Child Development Department to work with anganwadi workers to ensure better access.

The scheme also allows both online and offline applications. Authorities hope that improved coordination will close the gap and deliver timely aid to all deserving beneficiaries, especially those with daughters.