Janani Suraksha Yojana

Janani Suraksha Yojana or JSY is an intervention program for pregnant women and new mothers that was launched in the year 2005 by India’s then Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. It is an initiative of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). The aim of this scheme is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by making institutional delivery services affordable and accessible to poor pregnant women in India. 

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is an intervention program for pregnant women and new mothers. It was launched in the year 2005 by India’s then Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. It is an initiative taken by the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). The aim of this scheme is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by making institutional delivery services affordable and accessible to poor pregnant women in India. The Janani Suraksha Yojana is sponsored by the Central Government of India and is implemented in all the states and the union territories of the country with special attention to low performing states. With this scheme, cash assistance is provided with delivery and post-delivery care under supervision from the Ministry of Health and Family. Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) closely works with the JSY scheme and acts as a medium between the government and the poor pregnant women in 10 low performing states. In this article, we will talk about the details of the Janani Suraksha Yojana, its various features, benefits, and more. 

Features of Pradhan Mantri Janani Suraksha Yojana

• The facilities in the healthcare sector under the Janani Suraksha Yojana are applicable across India. However, the states are classified into two categories: Low Performing States (LPSs) and High Performing States (HPSs). This classification is done on the basis of institutional delivery rate.

• The implementation of the JSY scheme is done on the basis of the performance of the states in the health sector. The ten low performing states are Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Rajasthan, Orissa, and Jammu and Kashmir. Other states are classified as high performing states.

• To make sure healthcare services are provided to the beneficiaries even in the areas where the required infrastructural facilities are unavailable, the scheme has tie-ups with private hospitals, nursing homes and clinics.

• There is also a provision to meet administrative expenses as 7% of funds are released to the state and the summation of 4% for the district authorities. These funds are then utilised for administrative expenses that are incurred while implementing the Janani Suraksha Yojana.

• The beneficiaries under this scheme have to get themselves registered with the health workers at the sub-centre or Anganwadi or primary health centres.

READ MORE: Government Health Insurance Schemes in India

Benefits of Janani Suraksha Yojana

• Under the JSY scheme, pregnant women can avail three antenatal checkups and institutional delivery. The cash assistance and disbursement of enhanced benefits are linked to institutional delivery.

• One of the important objectives of the JSY scheme is to promote deliveries at health institutions by qualified health care professionals. The cash assistance is given at a graded scale. To promote institutional delivery, women below the poverty line get cash assistance.

• Incentives are also given to ASHA or equivalent workers. Several traditional birth attendants who are often known as ‘Dai’ are trained under the program. Such workers are then integrated into the delivery care systems.

• For C-section deliveries, professional assistance is provided. In the absence of such government-employed medical specialists during the Caesarean delivery, financial assistance of up to Rs. 1,500 per pregnant woman is given to hire a private expert for performing the surgery at a healthcare institution.

• According to the family welfare scheme, compensation is given to the beneficiary in case a Tubectomy or Laparoscopic surgery is recommended.

• As part of the Janani Suraksha Yojana scheme, an amount of Rs. 5,000 is provided to every Auxiliary Nurse Midwife or health worker. However, this is based on a few terms and conditions.

• The cash assistance structure of the scheme is as follows:

In urban areas, the ASHA package consists of Rs. 200 for ANC components and Rs. 200 for facilitating institutional delivery out of the total Rs. 400.

Janani Suraksha Yojana Eligibility Criteria

You should fulfil the below-mentioned eligibility criteria to avail the benefits offered by Janani Suraksha Yojana:

 

• Pregnant women under the below poverty line (BPL) category, be it rural or urban areas.

• Only those pregnant women who are above 19 years of age can avail the benefits provided under the scheme. Women below 19 years of age cannot register under the Janani Suraksha Yojana.

• Women with only up to two live births are eligible under the scheme.

• Only those pregnant women who have registered under the JSY scheme and have delivered in government hospitals or the selected private medical centres are eligible under the scheme.

Which Documents Are Required For Janani Suraksha Yojana

• Aadhar card

• Delivery certificate

• JSY card

• Mobile number

• Address proof

• BPL Ration Card

• Passport-size photo

• Bank details, etc.

Work Done by PACS Towards JSY Scheme

Following initiatives were undertaken by PACS along with Janani Suraksha Yojana:

 

• Different initiatives were undertaken to improve awareness in the community about the maternal healthcare provided under the scheme and the unique needs of pregnant women.

• To highlight the importance of services under the scheme on the health of to-be mothers, close collaboration with self-help groups was also done.

• It has also worked to increase the representation of socially excluded groups. Special attention was given to women in health committees to push them to voice their concerns.

• Coordinated with members of local medical committees, especially socially excluded groups, to oversee the medical services provided by JSY. It also joined forces with local service providers to improve the institutions and resolve issues related to discrimination and any malpractice.

How to Apply for Janani Suraksha Yojana

By following the simple steps given below, you can register for the Janani Suraksha Yojana:

• Step 1: Go to the official website of the Janani Suraksha Yojana, click on ‘Apply Online’ and access the e-registration form.

• Step 2: You can also do the registration offline by downloading the form. Just click on the ‘Download Offline Form’ link, select the desired language. The form is available in English as well as all local languages.

• Step 3: The form has several sections. Enter the required information like the name of the pregnant woman, age, address, etc.

• Step 4: To ensure your application does not get rejected, enter all the details carefully and correctly.

• Step 5: Attach the relevant documents that are required as proof of mentioned personal details.

• Step 6: If you want the online method, click on ‘Submit’.

• Step 7: A code will be generated that you will have to save for future reference.

 

The details provided will be cross-checked and a JSY card will be sent through post or ASHA workers. To go ahead with the offline method, take the printout of the form and fill it up. Attach the relevant documents and submit the same at ASHA or Anganwadi centre.

 

READ MORE: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

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