Janani Bal Suraksha Yojana – Empowering Women and Improving Maternal & Child Health in Bihar

The Janani Bal Suraksha Yojana, introduced in Bihar, focuses on women’s empowerment and improving maternal and child health. Through the collaborative efforts of ASHA and MAMTA workers, the scheme has boosted institutional deliveries, raised immunization coverage, and reduced infant and maternal mortality rates across the state.


Key Benefits

  1. Increased Institutional Deliveries
    • From 4% in 2006–07 to 47%, ensuring safer childbirth.
  2. Reduction in Infant Mortality
    • Infant mortality decreased from 61/1000 births (2005) to 35/1000.
  3. Higher Immunization Coverage
    • Immunization rose from 18.6% (2005) to 84% (2018–19), exceeding the national average.
  4. Decrease in Maternal Mortality
    • Maternal mortality declined from 312 (2005) to 165 (2018–19).
  5. Improved Life Expectancy
    • Women’s life expectancy increased from 61.6 years (2006) to 68.5 years (2016).
  6. Women Empowerment
    • Includes 35% reservation for women in police recruitment.
  7. Support for Marginalized Communities
    • Additional benefits for SC/ST women to ensure inclusive healthcare.
  8. Improved Healthcare Access
    • ASHA and MAMTA workers guide pregnant women and nursing mothers for timely care.

Eligibility

  1. Pregnant Woman/Nursing Mother: Must be a resident of Bihar.
  2. Institutional Delivery: Willing to undergo institutional delivery and adhere to health protocols.
  3. Marginalized Community: Women from SC/ST or other deprived communities may receive extra benefits.

Application Process (Offline)

  1. Visit Nearest Health Center/Hospital
    • Consult ASHA or MAMTA worker for assistance.
  2. Document Submission
    • Provide proof of pregnancy, ID proof, residence proof, and any medical records.

Documents Required

  1. Proof of Pregnancy (ultrasound/medical certificate)
  2. Identification Proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, etc.)
  3. Residence Proof (ration card, voter ID)
  4. Medical Documents (from a registered healthcare provider)
  5. Any other relevant documents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is Janani Bal Suraksha Yojana?
    A scheme in Bihar promoting institutional deliveries and better maternal-child health.
  2. Who is eligible for the scheme?
    Any pregnant/nursing mother in Bihar, especially those from marginalized communities, willing to undergo institutional delivery.
  3. What are the key benefits of this scheme?
    Includes increased institutional deliveries, higher immunization coverage, and reduced infant/maternal mortality.
  4. How has the infant mortality rate improved?
    The IMR dropped from 61 to 35 per thousand births under this scheme.
  5. How can one apply?
    Visit the nearest health center/hospital, consult an ASHA or MAMTA worker, and submit required documents.
  6. What documents are required?
    Proof of pregnancy, ID proof, residence proof, and any medical documentation.
  7. What is the current rate of institutional deliveries in Bihar?
    It has increased to approximately 47% since the scheme’s inception.
  8. How does the scheme reduce maternal mortality?
    Through safe, monitored deliveries at healthcare facilities and timely intervention by health workers.
  9. Can a woman from any community apply?
    Yes, although women from SC/ST communities get additional benefits.
  10. What is the role of ASHA and MAMTA workers?
    They guide pregnant/nursing mothers, ensure proper immunization, and facilitate institutional deliveries.

Sources and References

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