14-Dec-2022: PM Cares for Children Scheme to ensure comprehensive care and protection of Children in a sustained manner
PM CARES for Children scheme supports the children who have lost both parents or surviving parent or legal guardian or adoptive parents due to COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the Scheme is to ensure comprehensive care and protection of Children in a sustained manner, and enable their wellbeing through health insurance, empower them through education and equip them for self-sufficient existence with financial support till 23 years of age. The scheme is accessible through an online portal i.e. pmcaresforchildren.in.
A calculated amount has been credited in the account of each identified child in such a manner that the corpus for each child becomes Rs.10 lakhs at the time of attaining 18 years of age. Children are entitled to receive monthly stipend between the age of 18 and 23 years, by investing the corpus of Rs.10 lakhs into Monthly Income Scheme of Post Office. They will receive the amount of Rs.10 lakh on attaining the age of 23 years. Children staying with relatives are receiving Rs.4000/- per month under Mission Vatsalya Scheme. Under the scheme, provision has been made for admission in the nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan/Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya or Private Schools. Further, scholarship of Rs.20,000/- per annum is provided to all school going children of class 1-12. Children are also assisted in obtaining education loan for Professional courses/ Higher Education in India for which interest would be borne by PM CARES Fund. All children have been enrolled under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojna (AB PM-JAY) with a health insurance cover of Rs.5 lakh. The coverage of health insurance would be provided till they attain the age of 23 years.
Children can also avail the benefits of ‘Swanath Scholarship Scheme for Students’ which is implemented by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to study further in AICTE approved Institutions and courses. Under the scheme, Rs.50,000/- per annum is provided to each student for every year of study (i.e. maximum 4 years for first year admitted Degree students and maximum 3 years for Diploma Students) as lump sum amount towards payment of college fee, purchase of computer, stationery, books, equipment, software etc. These children are also covered under the initiative of AICTE, “Kaushal Augmentation and Restructuring Mission of AICTE” (KARMA), for all AICTE approved institutions in the country to overcome the dual challenge of scarcity of skilled manpower in jobs and low skill level of those who are presently in jobs.
29-Jul-2022: PM CARES for Children scheme
The Prime Minister has announced PM CARES for Children scheme to support children who have lost both parents or surviving parent or legal guardian or adoptive parents due to COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the Scheme is to ensure comprehensive care and protection of Children in a sustained manner, and enable their well-being through health insurance, empower them through education and equip them for self-sufficient existence with financial support till 23 years of age. The scheme is accessible through an online portal i.e. pmcaresforchildren.in.
A calculated amount has been credited in the account of each identified child in such a manner that the corpus for each child becomes Rs.10 lakhs at the time of attaining 18 years of age. Children are entitled to receive monthly stipend between the age of 18 and 23 years, by investing the corpus of Rs.10 lakhs into Monthly Income Scheme of Post Office. They will receive the amount of Rs.10 lakh on attaining the age of 23 years. Children staying with relatives are receiving Rs.4000/- per month under Mission Vatsalya Scheme. Under the scheme, provision has been made for admission in the nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan/Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya or Private Schools. Further, scholarship of Rs.20,000/- are provided to all school going children of class 1-12. Children are also assisted in obtaining education loan for Professional courses / Higher Education in India for which interest would be borne by PM CARES Fund. All children have been enrolled under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojna (AB PM-JAY) with a health insurance cover of Rs.5 lakh. The coverage of health insurance would be provided till they attain the age of 23 years.
Children can also avail the benefits of ‘Swanath Scholarship Scheme for Students’ which is being implemented by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to study further in AICTE approved Institutions and courses. Under the scheme, Rs.50,000/- per annum is provided to each student for every year of study (i.e. maximum 4 years for first year admitted Degree students and maximum 3 years for Diploma Students) as lump sum amount towards payment of college fee, purchase of computer, stationery, books, equipment, software etc.
These children are also covered under the initiative of AICTE, “Kaushal Augmentation and Restructuring Mission of AICTE” (KARMA), for all AICTE approved institutions in the country to overcome the dual challenge of scarcity of skilled manpower in jobs and low skill level of those who are presently in jobs.
An amount of Rs.16.84 crore and Rs.4.44 crore has been transferred to 206 and 55 eligible children in the States of Rajasthan and Assam respectively under the PM CARES for Children Scheme.
Under the PM CARES for Children Scheme, the children have been given assistance for self-sustenance, self-belief and motivation. The scheme is implemented nationwide and provides benefits for their comprehensive care and protection and economic independence.
30-May-2022: PM releases benefits under PM CARES for Children Scheme
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released benefits under PM CARES for Children Scheme today via video conference. Union Minister Smt Smriti Irani, many other members of the Council of Ministers, and Chief Ministers were among those connected to the event.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister empathized with the difficulties in the lives of those children who lost their loved ones due to Corona. “Every day's struggle, every day's challenges. It is difficult to put into words the pain of the children who are with us today, for whom this program is happening”, a moved Prime Minister told the children. He told them that he is speaking as a member of the family, not as a Prime Minister.
In such a scenario, the Prime Minister said “PM CARES for Children is a small effort to reduce the difficulties of such corona affected children who lost both their mother and father. PM CARES for children is also a reflection of the fact that every countryman is with you with the utmost sensitivity.” The Prime Minister informed that if someone needs an education loan for professional courses or higher education, then PM-CARES will help in that too. For other daily needs, arrangements have also been made for 4 thousand rupees every month for them through other schemes. Apart from Rs 10 lakh on attaining the age of 23 years the children will be given health coverage through the Ayushman Card and emotional counselling through samvad helpline for psychological and emotional help.
The Prime Minister saluted the children for facing the most painful impact of the pandemic so bravely and said that nothing can compensate for the love of the parents. “Maa Bharati is with all you children in this hour of difficulty”. The nation is trying to meet its responsibility through PM CARES for Children, he said. The Prime Minister recalled the instances of human kindness during the pandemic, especially how people contributed to the welfare of the affected people. The Prime Minister noted that this fund also helped a lot in preparing hospitals, buying ventilators and setting up oxygen plants during the Corona period. Because of this many lives could be saved, and the future of many families could be saved.
The Prime Minister remarked that even in the darkest atmosphere of despair, if we believe in ourselves, then a ray of light is definitely visible. He cited our country itself to be the biggest example of this. The Prime Minister advised the children not to allow despair to turn into defeat. He asked them to listen to their elders and their teacher. He also said that in these difficult times good books can be their reliable friends. He also asked them to stay disease-free and get involved and lead Khelo India and Fit India Movement. He also asked them to participate in the Yoga day also. He said that in that atmosphere of negativity, India relied on its strength. “We trusted our scientists, our doctors, and our youth. And, we came out as a ray of hope, not a worry for the world. We did not become the problem but we came out as the solution giver. We sent medicines, and vaccines to countries around the world. Even in such a big country, we took the vaccine to every citizen”, he said. Our country is moving as the fastest growing economy and the world is looking towards us with new hope and faith, he added.
The Prime Minister expressed happiness that today when his government is completing its 8 years, the confidence of the country, the confidence of the countrymen in themselves is unprecedented. With corruption, scams worth thousands of crores, nepotism, terrorist organizations spreading across the country, and regional discrimination, the country is getting out of the vicious cycle in which it was trapped before 2014. “This is also an example for you children that even the most difficult days too pass”, he said
Referring to the welfare policies like Swachh Bharat Mission, Jan Dhan Yojna or Har Ghar Jal Abhiyan, the Prime Minister said that the government is moving with the spirit of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas. The last 8 years have been devoted to the welfare and service of the poor, he said. “As a member of the family, we have tried to reduce difficulties and improve the ease of living for the poor of the country”, the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister noted that by increasing the use of technology, the government has ensured the rights of the poor. Now the poorest of the poor are confident that they will get the benefit of the government's schemes, they will get it continuously. To increase this trust, our government is now running a campaign of 100% empowerment.
The Prime Minister remarked that the heights that India has achieved in the last eight years, no one could have imagined earlier. Today, India's pride has increased around the world, our India's power has increased in the global forums. He expressed happiness that youth power is leading this journey of India. “Just dedicate your life to your dreams, they are bound to be realized”, the Prime Minister concluded.
22-Feb-2022: PM CARES for Children Scheme Extended up to 28th February, 2022
The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India has extended the PM Cares for Children Scheme till 28th February, 2022. Earlier the scheme was valid till 31st December, 2021. A letter in this regard has been written to all Principal Secretaries/ Secretaries, Women and Child Development, Social Justice & Empowerment Department of all States and UTs with a copy to all District Magistrates/District Collectors for necessary action. (Click here to see letter).
All eligible children can now be enrolled till 28th February, 2022 to avail benefits of PM CARES for Children Scheme. The scheme covers all children who have lost: i) Both parents or ii) Surviving parent or iii) legal guardian/adoptive parents/single adoptive parent due to COVID 19 pandemic, starting from 11.03.2020 the date on which WHO has declared and characterized COVID-19 as pandemic till 28.02.2022. To be entitled to benefits under this scheme Child should not have completed 18 years of age on the date of death of parents.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 29th May, 2021, had announced comprehensive support for children who have lost both their parents due to COVID 19 pandemic. The objective of the scheme is to ensure comprehensive care and protection of children who have lost their parent(s) to COVID pandemic, in a sustained manner, enable their wellbeing through health insurance, empower them through education and equip them for self-sufficient existence with financial support on reaching 23 years of age. The PM CARES for children scheme inter-alia provides support to these children through convergent approach, gap funding for ensuring education, health, monthly stipend from the age of 18 years, and lump sum amount of Rs. 10 lakhs on attaining 23 years of age.
The scheme is accessible through the online portal https://pmcaresforchildren.in . All States/UTs have now been asked to identify and register the eligible children on the portal till 28th February, 2022. Any Citizen can inform the administration regarding a child eligible for support under this scheme through the portal.
7-Oct-2021: Government Issues Guidelines For PM Cares For Children Scheme
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has issued the detailed guidelines for PM CARES for Children Scheme. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 29th May, 2021 had announced comprehensive support for children who have lost both their parents due to COVID 19 pandemic. The objective of the scheme is to ensure comprehensive care and protection of children who have lost their parent(s) to COVID pandemic, in a sustained manner, enable their wellbeing through health insurance, empower them through education and equip them for self-sufficient existence with financial support on reaching 23 years of age.
The PM CARES for children scheme inter alia provides support to these children through convergent approach, gap funding for ensuring education, health, monthly stipend from the age of 18 years, and lump sum amount of Rs. 10 lakh on attaining 23 years of age.
The eligible children shall be enrolled from 29.05.2021 which is the date of announcement by the Prime Minister to 31.12.2021 to avail benefits of PM CARES for Children Scheme. The Scheme is expected to continue till the year when every identified beneficiary shall turn 23 years of age.
The eligibility criterion for the scheme will cover all children who have lost i) Both parents or ii) Surviving parent or iii) legal guardian/adoptive parents/single adoptive parent due to COVID 19 pandemic, starting from 11.03.2020 the date on which WHO has declared and characterized COVID-19 as pandemic till 31.12.2021, shall be entitled to benefits under this scheme. iv) Child should not have completed 18 years of age on the date of death of parents.
The Entitlements under the scheme include:
- Support for Boarding and Lodging:
- Efforts will be made by the District Magistrate with the assistance of Child Welfare Committee (CWC) to explore the possibility of rehabilitating the child within her/his extended family, relatives, kith, or kin.
- If the extended family, relatives, kith or kin of the child are not available/not willing/not found fit by CWC or the child (aged 4 -10 years or above) is not willing to live with them, the child should be placed in foster care, after due diligence as prescribed under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and rules made thereof as amended from time to time.
- If the Foster family is not available/not willing /not found fit by CWC, or the child (aged 4 -10 years or above) is not willing to live with them, the child 1Beneficiary/ Beneficiaries means eligible child beneficiaries under the PM CARES for Children Scheme. 3 should be placed in age appropriate and gender appropriate Child Care Institution (CCI).
- Children more than 10 years old, not received by extended families or relatives or foster families or not willing to live with them or living in child care institutions after the demise of parents, may be enrolled in Netaji Subhash Chand Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Eklavya Model Schools, Sainik School, Navodaya Vidyalaya, or any other residential school by the District Magistrate, subject to the respective scheme guidelines.
- It may be ensured that the siblings stay together, as far as possible.
- For non-institutional care, financial support at the prevailing rates prescribed under the Child Protection Services (CPS) Scheme shall be provided to Children (in account with guardian). For child in institutional care, a maintenance grant at the prevailing rates prescribed under the Child Protection Services (CPS) Scheme shall be given to Child Care Institutions. Any provision for subsistence support under the State scheme may also be provided additionally to the children.
- Assistance for Pre-school and School Education
- For children below 6 years of age Identified beneficiaries will receive support and assistance from the Anganwadi services for supplementary nutrition, pre-school education/ ECCE, immunization, health referrals, and health check-up.
- For children below 10 years of age
- Admission shall be provided in any nearest school as a day scholar i.e. Government/ Government aided School/ Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs)/ Private Schools.
- In Government Schools, two sets of free uniform and textbooks shall be provided, under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, as per the scheme guidelines.
- In private schools, tuition fees shall be exempted under section 12(1)(c) of RTE Act.
- Under circumstances where child is unable to receive above benefits, the fees, as per the RTE norms, will be given from the PM CARES for Children scheme. The Scheme will also pay for expenditure on uniform, textbooks, and notebooks. A matrix of such entitlements is detailed out in Annexure-1.
- For children between 11-18 years of age
- If the child is living with the extended family, then admission in the nearest Government/ Government aided School/ Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs)/ Private Schools as a day scholar may be ensured by the DM.
- The child may be enrolled in Netaji Subhash Chand Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya/ Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya/ Eklavya Model Schools/Sainik School/ Navodaya Vidyalaya/ or any other residential school, by the DM, subject to the respective scheme guidelines.
- The DM may make alternative arrangements for accommodation of such children during vacations at CCIs or any appropriate place.
- Under circumstances where child is unable to receive above benefits, the fees, as per the RTE norms, will be given from the PM CARES for Children scheme. The scheme will also pay for expenditure on uniform, textbooks, and notebooks. A matrix of such entitlements is detailed out in the detailed annexure.
- Assistance for Higher Education:
- The child will be assisted in obtaining education loan for Professional courses /Higher Education in India
- Under circumstances where beneficiary is unable to avail interest exemption from extant Central and State Government scheme, then the interest on the educational loan will be paid from PM CARES for Children Scheme.
- As an alternative, scholarship as per the norms will be provided to the beneficiaries of the PM CARES for Children Scheme from the schemes of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and Department of Higher Education. Beneficiaries will be assisted through National Scholarship portal for availing such entitlements. The scholarship awarded to the beneficiaries will be updated on the PM CARES for Children portal.
- Health Insurance:
- All children will be enrolled as a beneficiary under Ayushman Bharat Scheme (PM-JAY) with a health insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakhs.
- It shall be ensured that the child identified under PM CARES for Children scheme receives benefits under PMJAY.
- The details of benefits available to children under the scheme are at Annexure.
- Financial Support:
- The lump sum amount will be transferred directly in the post office account of beneficiaries upon opening and validation of the account of the beneficiaries. A pro-rata amount will be credited upfront in the account of each identified beneficiary such that the corpus for each beneficiary becomes Rs. 10 lakhs at the time of attaining 18 years of age.
- Children will receive monthly stipend once they attain 18 years of age, by investing the corpus of Rs 10 lakhs. The beneficiary will receive stipend till they attain 23 years of age.
- They will receive an amount of Rs. 10 lakh on attaining 23 years of age.
2-Aug-2021: PM CARES for Children Scheme
The PM CARES for Children Scheme was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 29th May, 2021 to support children who have lost both the Parents or legal Guardian or Adoptive Parents or Surviving Parent to COVID-19 pandemic during the period starting from 11th March 2020. The objective of the Scheme is to ensure comprehensive care and protection of Children in a sustained manner, and enable their wellbeing through health insurance, empower them through education and equip them for self-sufficient existence with financial support on reaching 23 years of age.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development shall be the nodal Ministry for execution of the scheme at the central level. Department of the State/UT government dealing with the Juvenile Justice set up in the State shall be the nodal agency at State level. The District Magistrates shall be the nodal authority at District level for execution of the scheme.
The scheme is accessible through an online portal i.e. https://pmcaresforchildren.in. The portal has been introduced to all the States and UTs on 15.07.21 and the States/UTs have been asked to identify and register the eligible children on the portal. Any Citizen can inform the administration regarding a child eligible for support under this scheme through the portal.
9-Dec-2022: Progress under “Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan” (PMSMA)
Government of India launched “Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan” (PMSMA) with an aim to provide fixed-day, free of cost, assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care on the 9th day of every month universally to all pregnant women in their 2nd / 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Since inception, more than 3.6 crore pregnant women have received comprehensive ANC under this programme across all States and UTs. The State/UT-wise fund approvals have been given towards Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) activities during the last three years.
As per the report of National Family Health Survey (NFHS), the percentage of mothers who had at least 4 antenatal care visits has increased from 51.2 % in NFHS-4 (2015-16) to 58.1% in NFHS-5 (2019-21) and the percentage of pregnant women with institutional births in public facility has increased from 52.1 % in NFHS-4 (2015-16) to 61.9% in NFHS-5 (2019-21). One of the key focus areas during Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) is to generate demand through Information Education & Communication (IEC), Inter-personal Communication (IPC) and Behavior Change Communication (BCC) activities. Extensive use of audio-visual and print media in raising mass awareness is an integral part of IEC/BCC campaign. Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) and Anganwadi Worker (AWW) play a pivotal role in mobilization of the community and potential beneficiaries in both rural and urban areas for availing of services during the PMSMA.
26-Jul-2022: Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides a fixed day, free of cost assured, comprehensive and quality Antenatal Care
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides a fixed day, free of cost assured, comprehensive and quality Antenatal Care on the 9th day of every month to pregnant women in their 2nd / 3rd trimesters of pregnancy at designated government health facilities. Under PMSMA Program, private medical practitioners are also encouraged to offer voluntary services at government health facilities. A total of 2937 volunteers are offering PMSMA services to pregnant women including poor pregnant women as well as farmer families on 9th of every month (source: PMSMA Portal). The Government honours such private medical practitioners with ‘IPledgeFor9’ Achievers Awards.
29-Jun-2018: 'IPledgefor9' Achievers and MMR Reduction Awards
‘IPledgefor9' Achievers Awards were given to the individuals and teams of doctors from the private sector and States for their exemplary services, outstanding support of institutions and commitment from support partners in achieving the mission’s objectives of safe motherhood to every woman in the country. Shri J P Nadda also conferred awards to the States that have shown an exemplary decline in MMR as per the recently released SRS data.
India has made substantial progress on several indicators in spite of its huge numbers and challenging topography. India has shown impressive gains with 22% reduction in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) since 2013. “Uttar Pradesh with 30% decline has topped the chart in the reduction of maternal deaths”.
Providing quality services to over 2 crore pregnant women in India required amalgamation of far reaching vision, policy and implementation at the ground level. One of our biggest achievements is that the program has been successful in reaching out to difficult and some of the remotest areas of the country. Of 1.3 crores medical check-ups conducted as part of the campaign, more than 25 lakh were in the high-priority districts identified by the Health ministry for focused attention.
States joined this programme with equal vigour and Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and other states have been able to improve their MMR. Also, India succeeded in achieving MDG 4 and MDG 5.
Since its launch, over 1.30 crore antenatal checks ups have been conducted by public sector obstetrician- gynecologists and voluntary participation of over 5000 private and in rural, urban and hard to reach government health facilities. This has resulted in identifying more than 6,50,000 high risk pregnancies, considered to be a major contributor in preventable maternal deaths. Strengthening the mission’s objectives, around 13000 government healthcare facilities like PHCs, CHCs and District Hospitals are providing PMSMA services on 9th of every month. The mission is proving to be a successful scalable effort by government to facilitate positive engagement between public and private health care providers to achieve the SDG targets.
According to a special bulletin on “Maternal Mortality Ratio in India 2014-16” by Sample Registration System, the maternal mortality ratio has declined to 130 in 2014-16 from 167 in 2011-13. Furthering the gain, the government’s ambitious programme for improving maternal care, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) launched in 2016 is a mission in advancing India’s course of achieving Sustainable Development Goals for MMR below 70 by 2030.
Prime Minister of India in the 31st July 2016 episode of “Mann Ki Baat”, urged private sector doctors to dedicate 12 days in a year to safe motherhood and provide voluntary services under PMSMA on the 9th of every month. He envisaged that 9th of every month symbolizing 9 months of pregnancy should be dedicated to addressing gaps in maternal health services particularly in hard to reach and rural areas. The mission ensures that every pregnant woman registered under PMSMA receives free, comprehensive and quality antenatal care services in their second and third trimesters across India.
India has made impressive progress in reducing maternal deaths and achieving the targets of MDG 5. Nearly 1000 fewer women are now dying of pregnancy related complications each month as compared to 2013. The government's efforts at improving access to maternal health services leading to increase in institutional births has significantly contributed to groundbreaking reduction in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) by 22 percent from 2013 levels. Emphasis on mitigating the social determinants of maternal health like increase in girl’s education and reduction in child marriages are other enabling factors that contributed to this notable success.
19-Jan-2018: Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan crosses 1 crore mark.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) programme has crossed one crore mark in antenatal check-ups. The PMSMA programme was launched in 2016 to fulfil his vision and ensure comprehensive and quality antenatal checkups to pregnant women across India. “More than one crore antenatal check-ups have been conducted under the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), which has provided quality antenatal checkups to pregnant women on the 9th of every month. 9th of every month, symbolizing the 9 months of pregnancy, is dedicated to pregnant women. Now safe pregnancy has become a social movement in our country.
The programme has been successful in reaching out to the difficult and remote areas of India, since out of the 1 crore checkups across the country, more than 25 lakh check-ups were conducted in high priority districts identified by the Health Ministry for focussed attention. “While all States/ UTs have made significant efforts to reach out to pregnant women, Maharashtra has reported the largest number of check-ups among the Non-Empowered Action Group (EAG) States and Rajasthan has reported the largest number of check-ups among the Empowered Action Group States. All pregnant women visiting the PMSMA sites are examined by an obstetrician/ physician and appropriately investigated.
In the 31st July 2016 episode of Mann Ki Baat, Hon’ble Prime Minister had urged private sector doctors to dedicate 12 days in a year to this programme and provide voluntary services under PMSMA on the 9th of every month. There are more than 12,800 government health facilities across States/ UTs where PMSMA sessions are conducted on the 9th of every month and pregnant women receive fixed-day assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care in their second and third trimesters. More than 4,800 private sector doctors have pledged to provide voluntary service under PMSMA. More than 385 private sector volunteers have provided services in the high priority districts such as Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh. Several of these volunteers have provided free services at nearby government health facilities more than 10 times in the past months.
Comprehensive and quality ANC, and identification and follow-up of high risk pregnancies are critical components of the Abhiyan. In order to enable early detection of high risk pregnancies, 84 lakh haemoglobin tests, 55 lakh HIV tests, 41 lakh tests for gestational diabetes, 33 lakh tests for syphilis and more than 15 lakh ultrasounds have been conducted under the programme based on the individual requirements of pregnant women. Based on the clinical conditions and investigations, over 5.50 lakh pregnant women were identified as high risk pregnancies and referred to a specialist or a higher health facility for appropriate care. Identifying high risk pregnancies is the first step towards saving mothers and infants from preventable deaths.
India is committed to reducing preventable maternal deaths through concerted efforts and public –private partnership. The PMSMA has reached one crore mark with the commitment from doctors in the government sector across States/ UTs and with the help of the large number of private sector doctors who have voluntarily pledged for this initiative.
7-Dec-2022: 758 One Stop Centres (OSCs ) approved for setting up in 734 districts across the country
Ministry of Women and Child Development has approved 758 One Stop Centres (OSCs) for setting up in 734 districts across the country, out of which 730 OSCs have been operationalized in 36 States/ UTs that have assisted over 6.22 lakh women till September, 2022. The OSCs has provisions for providing temporary shelter upto 5 days to the distressed women.
The guidelines of Mission Shakti provide the eligibility for engagement of manpower under the OSC component. The guideline does not debar any eligible victim or survivor of violence, rape and acid attack from engagement in these centres for psycho-social support and counselling.
29-Jul-2022: One Stop Centres
The Government of India has launched “Mission Shakti”- integrated women empowerment programme, as umbrella scheme for safety, security and empowerment of women for implementation during the 15th Finance Commission period 2021-22 to 2025-26. The “Mission Shakti” consists of two sub-schemes – ‘Sambal’ and ‘ Samarthya’. The One Stop Centre (OSC) is a component of ‘Sambal’ sub-scheme under umbrella scheme of “Mission Shakti. The One Stop Centre has been designated as the mainstay of the Sambal sub-scheme at District level.
The scheme of OSC is implemented with effect from 1st April 2015 to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence and in distress, both in private and public spaces under one roof and provide an integrated range of services including medical aid, legal aid and advice, temporary shelter, police assistance, psycho-social counselling to needy women.
The setting up of OSCs from the year 2015 onward, at district level, has provided a dedicated platform to women affected by violence and who are in distress to get necessary help and assistance, which was not available earlier.
Presently, 758 OSCs have been approved for 734 districts across the county, out of which 708 OSCs have been operationalized in 35 States/ UTs, which have assisted over 5.40 lakh women till March 2022.
Based on encouraging results of this initiative and benefits to women, the Government has decided to open 300 more OSCs under Mission Shakti, in the districts having higher rate of crime against women or having bigger geographical area, preferably in aspirational districts.
20-Jul-2022: Increasing budget allocation for Sakhi-One Stop Center and Swadhar Greh Scheme
Government of India has launched “Mission Shakti”- an integrated women empowerment programme as umbrella scheme for the safety, security and empowerment of women for implementation during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. “Mission Shakti” consists of two sub-schemes – ‘Sambal’ and ‘Samarthya’. The One Stop Centre (OSC) is a component of ‘Sambal’ sub-scheme whereas Swadhar Greh is a now a part of Shakti Sadan component of ‘Samarthya’ sub-scheme under “Mission Shakti". Budget allocation for components under 'Sambal' sub-schemes of 'Mission Shakti' for 15th Finance Commission (FC) period is Rs. 2943 crore as against actual expenditure of Rs. 1002 crore during 14th FC period. Similarly, budget allocation (central share) for components under 'Samarthya' sub-scheme of 'Mission Shakti' for 15th Finance Commission period is Rs. 12,318 crore as against actual expenditure of Rs. 6634 crore during 14th FC period.
Age-wise data of the women assisted under these schemes are not maintained.
The large number of women assisted through these schemes reveals that there is awareness among general public about these schemes. Further, for increasing awareness about schemes of the Ministry and other measures undertaken by the Government for welfare and development of women, National, State and District Level Hubs for Empowerment of Women (HEW) have been approved under the Umbrella Scheme, with the aim to facilitate inter-sectoral convergence of schemes and programs meant for women at different levels with the mandate to create an environment in which women realize their full potential. The support under the HEW component is available for guiding, linking and hand holding women to various institutional and schematic set-up for their empowerment and development including equal access to healthcare, quality education, career and vocational counselling/ training, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, backward and forward linkages, health and safety for workers, social security and digital literacy at various levels across the country.
The Ministry has also undertaken awareness campaign through conferences, seminars, meetings etc. with stakeholders from time to time. Recently, in the month of April, 2022, the Ministry organised 5 Zonal meetings with States/ UTs, Implementing Agencies and other stakeholders including Civil Society Organisations before finalising the guidelines of umbrella schemes at Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Mumbai and Bhubaneshwar. Further, the Ministry also organised 10 regional/ sub-zonal conferences at different locations in the country during the month of June - July, 2022 for awareness generation amongst stakeholders about the three Missions of the Ministry as well as about initiatives of the Government pertaining to women and children.
30-Mar-2022: Setting up of Sakhi Kendra for women
The Government implements the One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme, popularly known as Sakhi One Stop Centres, across the country with effect from 1st April 2015 under Nirbhaya Fund with the objective to provide integrated support and assistance under one roof with a range of services including police facilitation, medical aid, legal aid and counselling, psycho-social counselling to women affected by violence and in distress, both in private and public spaces. Under the scheme, Central Government provides 100% financial assistance directly to districts for setting up and management of OSCs. As of now, 733 OSCs have been approved for setting up in 36 States /UTs, out of which 704 are operational in 35 States /UTs, which have assisted over 4.93 lakh women across the country. In the State of Uttarakhand, 13 OSCs are operational in 13 districts, which have assisted 5032 women since inception.
11-Feb-2022: One Stop Centre
The Government of India is implementing One Stop Centre (OSC) scheme with effect from 1st April, 2015. OSCs provide a range of integrated services under one roof including police facilitation, medical aid, legal aid and counseling, psycho-social counseling and temporary shelter to women affected by violence or in distress. As on date, 733 OSCs have been approved for 730 districts across the country, out of which 704 OSCs have been operationalised in 35 States/ UTs, which have assisted over 4.50 lakh women. The setting up of OSCs from the year 2015 onward, at district level, have provided a dedicated platform to women facing violence and who are in distress to get necessary help and assistance, which was not available earlier. The OSCs have been set up in different phases in different districts, and over half of them have been operationalised in the past three years. This clearly shows that the scheme is moving in the right direction to achieve the envisaged goals and objectives.
The OSCs have assisted more than 4.5 lakh women as on 30.09.2021.
In different phases, proposals for setting up 37 OSCs from State of Maharashtra and 03 OSCs from the UT of Andaman and Nicobar Islands were received in the Ministry. All these centres were approved by the Programme Approval Board (PAB) of the Ministry and are functional as on date. In addition, Ministry has recently received a proposal on 02.12.2021 for setting up one additional OSC in Thane district of Maharashtra.
As on date, an amount of Rs. 29.39 crore has been released under the scheme to the State of Maharashtra, out of which Utilisation Certificates (UCs) for an amount of Rs. 5.03 crore have been received. In case of UT of Andaman and Nicobar Island, against a total release of Rs. 1.88 crore, UCs have been received for an amount of Rs. 1.24 crore.
As per the scheme guidelines, district/ State authorities are mandated for monitoring, coordinating and mid-course correction for effective implementation of the scheme. The Ministry at various levels also reviews, from time to time, for effective implementation of the scheme and functioning of these centres by issuing advisories to States Governments/ UT Administrations and conducting meeting, video conferencing etc. with all concerned functionaries. Further, an online platform namely Sakhi Dashboard is also available for monitoring of its implementation.
29-Jul-2021: Sanctioned and Operational One Stop Centres
The One Stop Centre scheme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development is being implemented since 1st April, 2015. Till date, 733 One Stop Centres (OSCs) have been sanctioned across the country, out of which 704 OSCs have been operationalised in 35 States/ UTs. One Stop Centres provide a range of integrated services under one roof including police facilitation, medical aid, legal aid and legal counselling, psycho-social counseling and temporary shelter to women affected by violence or distress.
The Government has taken fresh steps to provide speedy assistance and services at OSCs to women facing violence and distress. In this direction, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has decided to implement the umbrella scheme for safety, security and empowerment of women as an integrated women empowerment programme under the name ‘Mission Shakti’, including components of One Stop Centres, Women Helpline, women’s homes and hostels etc. For providing speedy assistance and services to distressed and violence affected women at OSCs, the Ministry has decided to set up more OSCs in areas which are distant from district headquarters or are having high rates of crime against women, to enhance the costing provisions for OSCs, and to further enhance the synergy and coordination of OSCs with the other initiatives of the government, including those under Nirbhaya Fund and under Mission Shakti.
22-May-2021: Over 3 Lakh Women Provided Assistance Through 701 One Stop Centres in 35 States/Uts
One Stop Centre Scheme (OSCs) being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development has provided assistance to over 3 lakh women so far. The scheme is being implemented across the country since 1st April, 2015 through State Governments/ Union Territory (UT) Administrations to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence and in distress, both in private and public spaces, under one roof and facilitate immediate, emergency and non-emergency access to a range of services including police, medical, legal aid and counseling, psychological support to fight against any forms of violence against women. Till date, 701 OSCs in 35 States/UTs have been operationalised.
In the prevalent situation created due to Covid pandemic, women who are in distress situation or affected by violence may contact the nearest OSCs for speedy assistance and services. The WCD Ministry has directed the Chief Secretaries/Administrators of all States/UTs and DC/DM of all Districts to keep One Stop Centres operational during the lockdown period with availability of all the basic material required for fighting COVID-19 like Sanitizers. Soaps, Masks etc.
As per scheme guidelines, for smooth functioning of the centres, the responsibility of appointment/ recruitment/ selection of empanelled agencies/ individuals to provide legal counselling/ Medical aid/ psycho-social counselling etc. lies with the district administration of the respective States/ UTs.
19-Mar-2021: One Stop Centres
Government has approved 733 One Stop Centre (OSC) across the Country, out of which 700 are operational. The OSCs provide a range of services such as police facilitation, legal aid, psycho-social counselling, medical aid and temporary shelter in an integrated manner, under one roof, for violence affected women and women in distress.
Under the scheme, funds are directly released to Districts upon approval of proposal. The Ministry of Women and Child Development regularly follows up with the District Administration and the State Governments through formal communications, e-mails, phone calls, virtual meeting through Video Conference etc. for speedy implementation of the scheme for the benefit of women.
In the Budget 2021-22 for 'Sambal' (which includes One Stop Centre (OSC), Mahila Police Volunteers (MPV), Women Helpline (WHL), Swadhar, Ujjwala, Widow Homes) under Mission Shakti, provision of Rs. 587.00 crores has been made.
5-Feb-2021: Sakhi/One Stop Centres
733 One Stop Centres (OSCs) have been approved for 730 districts, out of which. 700 have become operational in 35 States/ UTs. As per the Scheme guidelines, the women affected by violence and in distress are provided with a range of integrated services under one roof including police facilitation, medical aid, legal aid and legal counseling, psycho-social counseling and temporary shelter at these centres. As per scheme guidelines, for smooth functioning of the centres, the responsibility of appointment/ recruitment/ selection of empanelled agencies/ individuals to provide legal counselling/ Medical aid/ psycho-social counselling etc. lies with the district administration of the respective States/ UTs.
6-Mar-2020: Funds Allocated Under One Stop Centres
The One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme is approved since 1st April, 2015 by Government of India under Nirbhaya Fund to be set up across the country for women affected by violence. The OSC scheme aims to facilitate women affected by violence with a range of integrated services under one roof including police facilitation, medical aid, psychological counselling, legal support and temporary shelter. Under the OSC Scheme, 100% funds are disbursed to districts for setting up and running of OSCs. Till date 728 OSCs have been approved by Government of India in 724 districts. Out of these, 680 OSCs are operational and have addressed more than 2.5 lakh cases of women.
To upgrade the quality of OSCs, training and capacity building initiatives are undertaken for OSC functionaries through various trainings and capacity building programmes at the National, Regional and State levels. Further, monitoring of OSC is undertaken from time to time at various levels through visits, review meetings, video conferences, inspection reports etc. An online tool of Sakhi Dashboard has also been developed by Government of India for capturing data about OSCs regarding details of cases as well as the facilities and services provided to violence affected women coming to OSCs.
The total fund released under OSC Scheme during the year 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 is Rs.229.61 crore, total utilisation of fund is Rs.61.34 crore and total unutilized fund is Rs.168.27 crore. The States/UTs and district authorities undertake the implementation of OSC Scheme. Government of India undertakes review meetings with the officers of State Government through video conferencing and meetings from time to time at various levels for proper implementation of the scheme.
In Gujarat 33 OSCs have been approved by Government of India in 33 districts which have been operationalised by the State.
18-Jul-2019: One Stop Crisis Centre
One Stop Centre (OSC) at the district level maintains the record of complaints received from women affected by violence. Ministry of Women and Child Development reviews the functioning of OSCs from time to time.
As per the guidelines, OSCs are required to have the facility for temporary stay up to 5 days with 5 beds. To address the complaints of aggrieved women, the Scheme of One Stop Centre is to provide for a range of services for violence affected women including police facilitation, legal counselling, psycho-social counselling, medical aid and temporary shelter in an integrated manner under one roof.
Under the scheme, OSCs are required to have a centre administrator, case workers, medical personnel, police facilitation officer, psycho-social counsellor, legal counsellor, security guard, IT staff and multi-purpose workers. Capacity building of OSC functionaries are undertaken through National, Regional and State trainings and workshops to improve the responsiveness of OSC staff. OSCs are also integrated with Women Helpline to improve the functioning and responsiveness of OSC staff.
Media and publicity campaigns are undertaken to increase awareness about OSCs at district level.
7-May-2018: 100 additional One Stop Centres(OSCs) approved
In the Programme Approval Board (PAB) meeting of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, 100 additional One Stop Centres have been approved in the States of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
The Ministry of Women & Child Development has set up 182 Centres till date under the scheme of One Stop Centres (OSCs) for women affected by violence since April, 2015. Over 1.3 lakhs such women affected by violence have been assisted at these centres till date in 33 States/UTs.
The purpose of these OSCs is to facilitate integrated services for women affected with violence such as police assistance, medical aid, psycho-social counselling, legal aid/counselling, temporary stay for 5 days etc. such that aggrieved women can avail services under one roof and The OSCs are established in existing buildings and in new constructed buildings in a standard format. The OSC at Raipur, Chhattisgarh that is functional as the premier constructed building has received the Hon’ble President’s award on 8th March, 2018, International Women’s Day.
As per the Cabinet Decision in the meeting dated 21st April,2018 it was decided that in the coming years every district will be covered by one OSC and each OSC will be strengthened with an additional annual grant of Rs. 50,000 for immediate assistance for first aid.
Also, the scheme of Universalization of Women's Helpline (181) of the Ministry that was also started in April, 2015 has now become operational in 30 States/UTs. Every OSC is integrated to this Women Helpline. The Helplines have assisted over 16.5 lakh women so far.