The scheme “Janani Suraksha Yojana” was launched on 12th April 2005 (Note: Original text says 2025, context suggests 2005) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The scheme aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional delivery among poor pregnant women, and making available medical care during pregnancy, delivery, and post-delivery periods. The scheme provides 100% centrally sponsored cash assistance integrated with delivery and post-delivery care, focusing on increasing institutional and safe deliveries for Below Poverty Line families, and includes assistance for Caesarean sections or obstetric complications up to ₹1,500/- per case for hiring specialists.

The applicant must meet specific eligibility criteria related to the state type (Low Performing State or High Performing State), Below Poverty Line or Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe status, and deliver in a government health center or an accredited private institution for institutional delivery benefits. Applications are accepted through registration for antenatal care, typically facilitated by ASHA workers.

Benefits

1. One-Time Cash Assistance for Institutional Delivery (Mother’s Package)

• In Low Performing States (LPS): ₹1,400/- for rural areas and ₹1,000/- for urban areas.
• In High Performing States (HPS): ₹700/- for rural areas and ₹600/- for urban areas.
• North-Eastern States & Tribal Districts: ₹700/- (Mother’s package).

*Disbursement details: Entire cash entitlement should be disbursed in one installment at the health institution. For private accredited institutions, at least three-fourths is paid at delivery. Payments must be made to the beneficiary. All payments made before or after seven days of delivery are considered illegitimate.

2. Cash Assistance for ASHA Package

• ₹600/- for rural areas (₹300/- antenatal + ₹300/- delivery facilitation).
• ₹400/- for urban areas (₹200/- antenatal + ₹200/- delivery facilitation).
• Referral transport earmark: ~₹250/-.

3. Cash Assistance for Home Delivery

• ₹500/- per delivery for BPL pregnant women, regardless of age and number of children. Disbursement is done at delivery or ~7 days before.

4. Assistance for Caesarean Section or Obstetric Complications

• Up to ₹1,500/- per delivery to the institution to hire specialists.

5. Comprehensive Maternal and Newborn Care (JSSK Objectives)

• Free and Cashless Delivery (Normal & C-Section).
• Free Drugs, Diagnostics, Blood, and Diet.
• Free Transport (To/From facility and drop-back).

6. Additional Services

• Compensation for Sterilization (if chosen post-delivery).
• Antenatal Care (ANC): Identification, 3 check-ups, TT injections, IFA tablets.
• Postnatal Care (PNC): Visit within 7 days, breastfeeding counseling.
• Newborn Immunization: Including BCG.

Eligibility

Institutional Delivery (General)

• Delivery must be in a government health centre (Sub-centre, PHC, CHC, District/State Hospitals) or accredited private health institution.

Specific to LPS

• All pregnant women are eligible if delivering in government/accredited private facilities. No BPL certification needed for institutional delivery.

Specific to HPS

• Must be from a BPL household OR be an SC/ST woman.

Accredited Private Institutions (Both LPS & HPS)

• Must be BPL or SC/ST. Must produce certificate and carry referral slip/MCH card.

Home Delivery

• Must be from a BPL household and provide certificate.

Application Process (Offline)

Step 1: Identification: ASHA/ANM/Anganwadi worker registers the pregnant woman 20-24 weeks before the expected date of delivery.
Step 2: MCH Card: Card is filled in duplicate (one for mother, one for worker).
Step 3: Planning: Information about ANC check-ups and TT injections is provided; health center for delivery is identified.
Step 4: Proof Collection: Workers help collect BPL or SC/ST certificates within 2-4 weeks of registration.
Step 5: Verification: Card is submitted to the Medical Officer of the PHC.

Receiving Benefits:

• Access: Woman proceeds to the pre-determined institution for delivery.
• Disbursement: Cash benefit should be received immediately upon arrival/registration for delivery.
• PNC visit: ASHA conducts a visit within 7 days post-delivery.

Status Tracking: A list of beneficiaries and disbursement dates must be displayed on notice boards at all health centers and updated monthly.

Documents Required

• During Application: BPL Certificate (HPS and Home Delivery), SC/ST Certificate (for private institutions), MCH Card.
• During Disbursement: JSY Card, Referral Slip, Admission Slip for Delivery, Vouchers.