THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has sanctioned Rs 34.34 crore for the maternity benefit programme for pregnant women and lactating mothers in the state. Health minister K K Shailaja said that mothers on their first delivery would get Rs 5,000 under this scheme and it would benefit 1.42 lakh mothers in the state. The scheme would help them reduce the effects of under-nutrition.The minister said those who have delivered babies after January 1, 2017 will be eligible for the scheme and the amount would be given in three instalments.
The first instalment of Rs 1,000 will be at the time of the registration of the pregnancy. The second instalment of Rs 2,000 will be disbursed after receiving at least one antenatal check-up after six months of pregnancy.
The third instalment of Rs 2,000 will be given after the child birth is registered and given vaccinations. Those who are getting any kind of monetary benefits from other schemes and those who are working in the government, central and public sector undertakings will not be eligible under the scheme. Asha workers, anganwadi workers and helpers will be eligible subject to conditions.