The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a flagship scheme by the Government of India that focuses on reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional deliveries among low-income families.
Introduced under the National Health Mission (NHM), this scheme provides financial incentives to pregnant women to encourage them to opt for safe, institutional deliveries instead of home births. JSY particularly targets economically disadvantaged sections, including those living in rural areas, and is instrumental in improving maternal and child health across India.
What is Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)?
The Janani Suraksha Yojana was launched in April 2005 as part of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and now functions under the umbrella of the National Health Mission (NHM). The primary goal of JSY is to lower maternal and infant mortality rates by providing financial assistance to expectant mothers, enabling them to access safe, institutional healthcare facilities. By targeting vulnerable populations, particularly low-income women and those residing in rural areas, JSY strives to make quality maternal healthcare accessible for all.
Objectives of Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
- Reduce Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): JSY aims to lower the MMR by encouraging women to opt for institutional deliveries in hospitals and health facilities.
- Improve Infant Health: Institutional deliveries also reduce the risk of neonatal deaths, contributing to the reduction of Infant Mortality Rate (IMR).
- Promote Healthcare Access in Rural Areas: With a focus on rural regions, JSY ensures that economically disadvantaged women can access free and quality healthcare.
- Encourage Antenatal Care: By offering financial incentives, the scheme promotes regular antenatal care visits to monitor the health of both the mother and the unborn child.
Benefits of Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
1. Financial Assistance for Institutional Deliveries
One of the primary benefits of JSY is the financial support provided to pregnant women for institutional deliveries. The cash incentive varies based on location and category, ensuring affordability and encouraging safe childbirth practices.
2. Free or Subsidized Maternal Health Services
In addition to cash incentives, JSY ensures free or low-cost antenatal check-ups, delivery, and postnatal care at government hospitals. This includes necessary medications, tests, and vaccinations for both mother and child.
3. Reduces Maternal and Neonatal Mortality
JSY has contributed significantly to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates by promoting healthcare practices that ensure safer deliveries, reducing complications associated with home births.
4. Encourages Postnatal Care
The program encourages regular postnatal check-ups, which are essential for monitoring the health of both mother and child after delivery.
5. Community Support through ASHAs
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) play a vital role in JSY by guiding expectant mothers through the program, assisting with healthcare appointments, and facilitating the use of institutional delivery services.
Eligibility Criteria for Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
The eligibility for availing benefits under JSY is based on certain criteria:
- Pregnant Women from Low-Income Families: Economically disadvantaged women, especially those below the poverty line (BPL), are eligible.
- Age Requirement: Only women above 19 years of age are eligible for the financial assistance.
- Number of Births: The scheme applies only for the first two live births.
- Rural and Urban Division: While both rural and urban residents are eligible, rural women receive higher cash incentives.
Advantages of Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
1. Accessibility of Healthcare for Economically Disadvantaged Women
JSY enables low-income women to access healthcare services, thereby ensuring that socio-economic barriers do not hinder them from receiving maternal care.
2. Reduction in Home Births
By promoting institutional deliveries, JSY reduces the number of home births, which often involve higher risks for both the mother and the child.
3. Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Awareness
JSY, with the support of ASHAs and other healthcare workers, spreads awareness about the importance of maternal and child health, promoting healthy practices in communities.
4. Increased Postnatal Care Engagement
Through incentives and ASHA support, the program ensures regular follow-up check-ups for both mother and child, thus enhancing overall healthcare outcomes.
Disadvantages of Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
1. Uneven Access in Remote Areas
Despite efforts, some remote and isolated regions may still face challenges in accessing institutional healthcare facilities, limiting the program’s reach.
2. Dependence on ASHAs
The scheme’s success relies heavily on ASHAs, who may be overburdened or under-resourced, which can impact service delivery.
3. Limited Financial Incentives
Although JSY provides financial assistance, the incentives may not fully cover all delivery-related costs, especially in areas where transportation or other service charges are high.
4. Potential Delays in Receiving Benefits
In some cases, eligible mothers may experience delays in receiving cash incentives due to administrative processes or fund availability issues.
How to Apply for Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to access benefits under the Janani Suraksha Yojana:
Step 1: Contact the Local ASHA or ANM
Expectant mothers can begin the process by contacting the nearest Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) or Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), who will provide guidance and support throughout the registration process.
Step 2: Register at the Health Facility
The ASHA or ANM will assist the applicant in registering for JSY at the local Primary Health Center (PHC), Community Health Center (CHC), or government hospital. This is typically done during antenatal check-ups.
Step 3: Provide Required Documentation
Submit required documentation to verify eligibility, such as:
- Proof of Age (for age verification)
- Proof of BPL status (if applicable)
- Identification Documents
Step 4: Attend Regular Antenatal Check-ups
Regular antenatal check-ups are essential under JSY. ASHAs help ensure that pregnant women attend these check-ups, where healthcare providers monitor the health of the mother and child.
Step 5: Opt for Institutional Delivery
Upon reaching the due date, the ASHA will assist the woman in making arrangements for institutional delivery at the nearest government hospital or health facility. All expenses related to delivery are covered by JSY.
Step 6: Receive Cash Incentive
Following a successful institutional delivery, eligible mothers will receive a cash incentive as per the scheme’s provisions. The incentive is often disbursed through the hospital or health center.
The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a crucial program in India’s public health sector, aimed at empowering expectant mothers from disadvantaged backgrounds to seek safe, institutional delivery options. With incentives for both antenatal and postnatal care, JSY reduces maternal and infant mortality rates and promotes healthy practices across communities. However, there are challenges, such as logistical limitations in remote areas, but the scheme remains an essential step toward inclusive healthcare access.
For more information, visit the official National Health Mission (NHM) website.
