Janani Suraksha Yojana: Features, Benefits, and Application Process

In a nation where economic inequality is alarmingly high, getting good healthcare support during pregnancy and delivery time is not easy for all. While healthcare facilities and experts are easily accessible in the developed cities, the population living in underprivileged areas and villages still struggle to get good care and safe childbirth. 

“As per the Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality in India 2018-20, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) estimate for India is 97. (Ref: SRS_MMR_Bulletin_2018_2020)

As per the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2020, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) was 28 deaths per 1000 live births, and the Under 5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) was 32 per 1000 live births in 2020. (Ref: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1861710)”

The Government of India keeps bringing initiatives to reduce the maternal and child mortality rate and, in a row, has sponsored the Janani Suraksha Yojana Scheme under the National Rural Health Mission (NHRM) to address these issues and provide a facility for institutional deliveries. 

Let’s look at the Janani Suraksha Yojana scheme in detail. 

What is Janani Suraksha Yojana?

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a health scheme introduced by the Government of India to address the dual challenges of maternal mortality and financial barriers to healthcare access. The scheme is a significant initiative to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. JSY focuses on providing financial assistance to underprivileged pregnant women and encouraging them to shift from home births to institutional deliveries. 

So far, the Janani Suraksha Yojana scheme has effectively promoted safe motherhood of pregnant women residing in economically disadvantaged rural and urban areas and ensured good health of mothers and children during childbirth. 

What Are the Objectives of the Janani Suraksha Yojana?

Janani Suraksha Yojana is driven to achieve many milestones to improve mother and child health in India. The main objectives of JSY are highlighted below:

Reduce Maternal Mortality: By promoting institutional deliveries and ensuring skilled care during childbirth, Janani Suraksha Yojana aims to decrease maternal deaths and complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Reduce the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Health during pregnancy and health conditions at the time of delivery impact the baby. Janani Suraksha Yojana aims to provide pre- and post-natal care to the mother, which ultimately improves the health of the child. 

Increase Institutional Deliveries: Home deliveries are risky and can lead to crucial conditions if not handled carefully. To shift to institutional deliveries, Janani Suraksha Yojana incentivizes pregnant women. Thus, JSY ensures access to safe delivery practices, skilled healthcare professionals, and emergency obstetric care.

Improve Access to Maternal Healthcare: The scheme focuses on enhancing access to antenatal, intranatal, and postnatal care services, especially for women from marginalized and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Provide Financial Support: Janani Suraksha Yojana offers cash assistance to pregnant women upon institutional delivery, eradicating financial barriers and encouraging them to seek timely and appropriate maternal healthcare.

Empower Women: JSY prioritizes the maternal health and well-being of pregnant women from underprivileged areas, which empowers them to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Enhance Newborn Care: In addition to maternal health, Janani Suraksha Yojana also emphasizes essential newborn care interventions, ensuring the well-being and survival of newborns during the critical early stages of life.

Eligible and Requirements to Apply for Janani Suraksha Yojana 

Pregnant women should adhere to the following eligibility criteria and restrictions to be eligible to apply for the Janani Suraksha Yojana:

Below Poverty Line (BPL) Category: The scheme mainly aims to empower pregnant women from underprivileged rural and urban areas. 

Relaxation for SC and ST Category: For the SC and ST category, any pregnant woman, including Non-BPL, can gain the benefits of JSY. 

Age Restriction: Pregnant women 19 years of age or older are eligible to register and receive benefits under Janani Suraksha Yojana. 

Number of Live Births: Pregnant women with a maximum of two live births can benefit from JSY. A woman with three or more children cannot receive the incentives. 

Place of Delivery: The pregnant woman registered to gain benefits under the Janani Suraksha Yojana should give birth to the child in a government hospital or selected private clinics. If the delivery happens at home, Rs. 500/—should be given as an incentive. 

In Low-Performing States: Pregnant women residing in low-performing states who deliver in government health centres, state hospitals, or accredited private institutions are eligible for benefits.  

Availability of Janani Suraksha Yojana

Janani Suraksha Yojana is available in all the states and UTs with a special focus on the low-performing states. Pregnant women can benefit from JSY by giving birth to the child in the following places: 

• All the sub-centres
• Primary health centres
• Rural hospitals
• Community health centres
• District and sub-district hospitals
• Accredited hospitals
• Hospitals under medical colleges
• Municipal corporation hospitals
• Government granted hospitals
• Corporation hospitals

How Much Do I Get if I Register for Janani Suraksha Yojana?

Janani Suraksha Yojana is a big step taken by the government to provide financial assistance and benefits to pregnant women, ASHA workers, and healthcare professionals. If registered for the JSY scheme, the following assistance is provided:

Cash Assistance: Pregnant women and ASHA receive cash incentives and important maternal healthcare services. The amount they receive varies depending on where they live. 

For Low Performing States (LPS):

For High Performing States (HPS):

Financial Assistance for C-Section Deliveries: If the pregnant woman requires a C-section delivery and finds no government doctors, they get the financial help of Rs. 1,500 that can be utilized to hire a private expert to perform the delivery at a hospital. 

Compensation for Family Planning Treatment: If a woman opts to undergo a Tubectomy or Laparoscopic Surgery for family planning, she receives compensation under the family welfare scheme.

What Are Janani Suraksha Yojana Benefits?

By registering under the Janani Suraksha Yojana scheme, the following maternal and child healthcare benefits can be availed:

Check-Ups During Pregnancy and Safe Delivery: Pregnant women registered under the Janani Suraksha Yojana can have three check-ups, allowing for early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications. They are encouraged to have childbirth in a hospital or accredited clinic to ensure a safe delivery.

Access to Skilled Care: By promoting institutional deliveries, the JSY ensures pregnant women can access skilled healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and midwives, who provide comprehensive maternal and newborn care services.

Reduction in Maternal Mortality: By encouraging institutional deliveries and improving access to skilled care, Janani Suraksha Yojana aims to reduce maternal mortality rates and prevent pregnancy-related complications.

Postnatal Care: The JSY scheme emphasizes postnatal care for both mothers and newborns, including breastfeeding support, immunizations, and monitoring for any postpartum complications.

Support and Training to Healthcare Workers: Healthcare workers who help women with safe deliveries are recognized and appreciated for their hard work. Also, the birth attendants in villages called ‘Dai’ are trained to improve their skills to make childbirth safer.

Financial Help for Weaker Sections: Financial support is offered under the Janani Suraksha Yojana, depending on the family's financial status. Also, if a woman needs C-section delivery and a healthcare specialist is absent, funds are provided for a private expert. 

Support Family Planning: Family planning is also encouraged under the Janani Suraksha Yojana. 

How to Apply for Janani Suraksha Yojana Online? 

Eligible pregnant women can enrol on the Janani Suraksha Yojana scheme and avail of the benefits by following the given steps: 

Step 1: Go to the official website of Janani Suraksha Yojana. Click the ‘Apply Online’ option to access the e-registration form. 

Step 2: For offline registration, download the form from the website. To do so, go to the ‘Download Offline Form’ option and select your preferred language to download the form. 

Step 3: Fill out the required information in the fields, such as the name of the pregnant woman, address, and other details.

Step 4: Double check all the information to avoid the chances of rejection. 

Step 5: Attach all the supporting documents mentioned in the registration form. 

Step 6: Once you have checked all the information, click ‘Submit’ to complete the online registration process. For offline submission, fill out the form and all the documents and submit them at the ASHA or Anganwadi Centre. 

Step 7: In case of online submission, a code is generated that you need to save for future reference and know the status of the JSY application process. 

Step 8: Once the application is reviewed, the JSY card is sent through post or to ASHA workers. 

What Documents are Required to Apply for Janani Suraksha Yojana?

Prepare the below documents to get the benefits of Janani Suraksha Yojana:

• Aadhaar card
• Proof of address
• Delivery certificate
• BPL ration card
• Bank details of the woman
• Mobile number
• Passport sized photograph

How to Avail Benefits Under Janani Suraksha Yojana?

The general process to avail of the benefits of Janani Suraksha Yojana can include the given steps:

1. Registration and Enrollment: Pregnant women must register for JSY at the nearest government health facility or designated registration centres. During registration, provide necessary personal details and undergo an assessment of eligibility criteria.

2. Antenatal Check-ups: After registration, pregnant women are encouraged to attend regular antenatal check-ups at the designated healthcare facility to monitor any complications and ensure appropriate medical care.

3. Completion of Delivery in Healthcare Facility: To qualify for Janani Suraksha Yojana benefits, the pregnant woman must deliver her baby to a government-approved healthcare facility centre.

4. Verification and Documentation: After the delivery, healthcare providers verify the delivery and complete the necessary documentation, including filling out JSY claim forms. During the process, the delivery details, including the date, place, and mode of delivery, are recorded for verification purposes.

5. Claim Submission: The completed Janani Suraksha Yojana claim forms and relevant documents are submitted to the appropriate authorities or designated offices responsible for processing JSY claims. These documents typically include proof of the woman's identity, proof of registration under JSY, delivery-related documents, and any other required paperwork.

6. Verification and Approval: The concerned authorities verify the submitted JSY claims to ensure compliance with program guidelines and eligibility criteria. Once verified, the claims are approved for processing.

7. Disbursement of Benefits: Upon approval, the cash assistance or benefits under the Janani Suraksha Yojana are disbursed to the eligible woman through the designated mode of payment. The payment mode can be a direct bank transfer or cash payment at the healthcare facility.

8. Postnatal Follow-up: After receiving JSY benefits, postnatal follow-up care is provided to the mother and newborn to monitor their health and well-being. This helps address any postnatal complications and provides necessary support and guidance.

* Note that the process can vary depending on the state’s rules and regulations.

What is the Impact of Janani Suraksha Yojana?

There has been a good impact of Janani Suraksha Yojana since its launch, including the below key developments:

1. Increased Institutional Deliveries: According to government reports, JSY has significantly increased institutional deliveries in India, indicating the program's success in promoting skilled care during childbirth.

2. Reduction in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): There’s been a decline in maternal mortality rates in states where the Janani Suraksha Yojana has been effectively implemented. 

3. Improved Access to Antenatal Care: JSY has been instrumental in improving access to antenatal care services for pregnant women, leading to increased utilization of antenatal check-ups and essential maternal health interventions. 

4. Financial Empowerment of Women: Cash incentives provided through Janani Suraksha Yojana have helped raise financial barriers to institutional delivery, especially for marginalized and economically disadvantaged women. 

5. Community Awareness and Engagement: JSY has fostered community awareness about the importance of maternal and child health, encouraging families to prioritize institutional deliveries and access timely healthcare services. 

Final Words

Janani Suraksha Yojana has shown good results in reducing the maternal and infant mortality ratios in India. It has also been a lifeline for many pregnant women belonging to underprivileged communities and areas, enabling them to avail of multiple healthcare facilities during and after the pregnancy. JSY has also played a vital role in empowering women to make informed decisions related to their health and family planning.  

* Disclaimer: The content published in this article is intended solely for the reader's informational purposes and should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions. It is advisable to seek advice from a qualified professional regarding specific concerns. The details provided regarding the plan are for reference purposes only. Visit the official website for the latest updates on the plan. The Company does not guarantee the suitability, reliability, timeliness, or accuracy of the information, services, or any other aspects mentioned in this regard for any purpose. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Janani Suraksha Yojana

What amount is provided under the Janani Suraksha Yojana?

1. The JSY scheme provides Rs. 1,400 (rural) to Rs. 1,000 (urban) as monetary help for institutional delivery in low-performing states and Rs. 700 (rural) and Rs. 600 (urban) for high-performing states. For home delivery, Rs. 500 is provided as financial help. 

What is the main aim of the Janani Suraksha Yojana?

1. The key objective of Janani Suraksha Yojana is to shift from traditional childbirth to institutional childbirth and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. The scheme also focuses on providing healthcare facilities during pregnancy and financial assistance after childbirth.

Can a woman below 19 years of age apply for the Janani Suraksha Yojana?

1. No, only a pregnant woman of 19 years or above can register for the Janani Suraksha Yojana. 

How to check Janani Suraksha Yojana application status?

1. Follow the given instructions to check the status of the Janani Suraksha Yojana:

• Visit the official website of Janani Suraksha Yojana.
• On the homepage, click the option to ‘Check the Application Status’.
• A new window will appear, and you must enter your registration number. 
• Verify the captcha code and click on the search button.
• Now, the Janani Suraksha Yojana application status will appear on the screen.

Does Janani Suraksha Yojana provide any assistance with after-delivery care?

1. Yes, Janani Suraksha Yojana ensures that the registered beneficiaries receive postnatal care and financial assistance during and after pregnancy for the better health of mother and child. 

Do ASHA workers also get financial assistance under JSY?

1. Yes, ASHA and equivalent healthcare workers are incentivized to promote institutional deliveries and maternal healthcare.

Can women living in urban areas apply for Janani Suraksha Yojana?

1. Yes, pregnant women living in urban areas can also apply for JSY.

Which states are termed low-performing under the Janani Suraksha Yojana?

1. The following states are listed under the low-performing states:

• Jammu and Kashmir
• Assam
• Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Madhya Pradesh
• Jharkhand
• Orissa
• Chattisgarh
• Rajasthan

In the case of the death of the child after receiving the financial benefit, are JSY benefits provided for the next delivery?

1. Yes, proper records of the death should be maintained, and financial assistance can be gained for the next child's birth. 

Who is eligible for Janani Suraksha Yojana?

1. Pregnant women of 19 years or above from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in rural and urban areas can benefit from the JSY scheme. The benefit is available for up to two live births.

How can I register for Janani Suraksha Yojana?

1. You can register at your nearest Anganwadi Centre (AWC) or government health facility with the help of an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) worker.

Can I get JSY benefits for a third child?

1. Generally, Janani Suraksha Yojana is for up to two live births only. However, there might be exceptions in some states. We suggest you check with your local health authorities for more details.