Kerala Implements PMMVY to Tackle Declining Sex Ratio: Introduces Rs 6000 Incentive for Second Girl Child Birth

Introduction 

The Kerala government has taken a significant step towards addressing the concerning decline in the female birth rate by implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY). This scheme, initiated by the central government, aims to combat the prevailing trend and promote gender equality by offering a financial incentive of Rs 6000 specifically for the birth of a second girl child. The move reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a society that values and empowers girl children. By implementing the PMMVY, Kerala aims to reverse the declining sex ratio and encourage the birth and well-being of girl children.

Background and Rationale

The decision to implement the PMMVY in Kerala comes in response to alarming statistics that highlight a continuous decline in the sex ratio at birth. The National Family Health Survey reports for 2019-21 reveal a sex ratio of 929 females per 1000 males for children born in the previous five years. This figure represents a slight improvement compared to the ratio of 919 females per 1000 males recorded in the 2015-16 survey. However, the lack of significant progress prompted the central government to introduce targeted initiatives aimed at addressing the issue and promoting the well-being of girl children.

Kerala, known for its progressive social policies and high literacy rates, has also witnessed a decline in the sex ratio at birth. The ratio has dropped from 1047 girls per 1000 boys in 2015-16 to 951 girls per 1000 boys in 2019-21. This decline is a matter of concern and requires urgent attention and intervention. Recognizing the severity of the issue, the Kerala State Directorate of Women and Child Development has taken swift action to implement the PMMVY and provide financial incentives to families with a second girl child.

Implementation and Eligibility Criteria

Under the PMMVY, eligible families in Kerala will receive a monetary grant of Rs 6000 for the birth of their second girl child. However, it is important to note that this incentive is exclusively applicable to families who have a second girl child and does not extend to subsequent births. The scheme is applicable to girl children born on or after April 1, 2022. To avail of the benefits, families must submit their applications by June 30, 2023.

To ensure proper documentation and registration, families are required to register the name of their second girl child in an anganwadi or directly on the official PMMVY portal (http://pmmvy.nic.in) before the child reaches the age of nine months. This step is crucial for families to receive the grants from July 2023 onwards. It underscores the government’s commitment to streamlining the process and ensuring timely disbursement of benefits to eligible families.

It is important to note that employees of the central and state governments, public sector undertakings, and those already receiving similar maternity benefits are not eligible for the benefits under the PMMVY. This restriction aims to target families who may not have access to adequate financial resources and require additional support to ensure the well-being and empowerment of their girl children.

Furthermore, the PMMVY also extends financial support to lactating mothers for the birth of their first child, regardless of the newborn’s gender. A sum of Rs 5000 is provided to eligible mothers upon registering the child’s name in the nearest anganwadi. This component of the scheme aims to support mothers during the crucial postpartum period and ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

Conclusion 

The implementation of the PMMVY in Kerala signifies a progressive step towards addressing the declining sex ratio at birth and promoting gender equality. By offering a financial incentive for the birth of a second girl child, the government aims to dispel the prevailing bias against girl children and foster a society that values their presence and contributions. It is imperative that such initiatives are accompanied by comprehensive awareness campaigns and support systems to address the root causes of gender-based discrimination.

The PMMVY not only provides financial assistance to eligible families but also sends a powerful message about the importance of gender equality and the significance of the girl child. The success of the scheme lies in its effective implementation, ensuring that eligible families are aware of the benefits and the necessary steps to access them. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be established to track the impact of the scheme on the sex ratio at birth and identify areas for improvement.

Moreover, it is crucial to address societal attitudes and prejudices that perpetuate gender-based discrimination. Education and awareness programs should be conducted to challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality from an early age. Collaborative efforts between the government, civil society organizations, and community leaders can play a pivotal role in transforming social norms and attitudes towards girl children.

By prioritizing the well-being and empowerment of girl children, Kerala can set an example for other states in India and contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society. The PMMVY is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and its successful implementation can lead to positive long-term outcomes for gender equality and the overall development of the state.

According to the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Rs 6000 will be provided for the second child, only if the newborn is a girl.