Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is one of the most successful maternal health schemes ever launched by the Government of India. Started in 2005 under the National Health Mission, this scheme has helped lakhs of poor pregnant women deliver their babies safely in hospitals instead of at home.
The main idea is simple: give direct cash help to mothers who choose institutional delivery. This reduces the risk to both mother and child and brings poor families into the formal healthcare system. Till date, more than 10 crore women have received benefits under Janani Suraksha Yojana.
If you are pregnant or have someone pregnant in your family and belong to a low-income household, this scheme can give you financial support of ₹1,000 to ₹6,000 (amount varies by state and area). Read this complete guide to know everything about Janani Suraksha Yojana in simple language.
What is Janani Suraksha Yojana?
Janani Suraksha Yojana is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme that gives cash assistance to pregnant women for delivery in government or accredited private hospitals. It replaced the old National Maternity Benefit Scheme and focuses only on institutional delivery because home deliveries still cause many maternal and infant deaths in India.
The scheme is run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. ASHA workers play the most important role at the ground level – they identify pregnant women, motivate them for hospital delivery, accompany them, and help them get the money.
Objective of the Scheme
The main objectives of Janani Suraksha Yojana are:
- Reduce maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR)
- Promote institutional delivery among poor and rural women
- Provide financial help so that money does not stop women from going to hospital
- Encourage early registration of pregnancy and complete antenatal check-ups
Key Highlights of Janani Suraksha Yojana (2024)
| Category | Rural Area (Mother + ASHA) | Urban Area (Mother + ASHA) | States Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Performing States (LPS) | ₹1,400 + ₹600 | ₹1,000 + ₹400 | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Assam, J&K, Uttarakhand |
| High Performing States (HPS) | ₹700 + ₹300 | ₹600 + ₹200 | All other states & UTs |
| Home Delivery (only LPS) | ₹500 (mother only) | Not applicable | Only if delivery at home by skilled birth attendant |
| C-Section | Cost of C-section reimbursed up to ₹1,500 (government facility) | Same | All states |
Note: ASHA incentive is paid only if she accompanies the woman and stays till delivery.
Benefits of Janani Suraksha Yojana
- Direct cash in mother’s bank account (DBT) within 7–15 days after delivery
- Free delivery and medicines in government hospitals
- Free transport from home to hospital in many states (Janani Express / 102-108 ambulance)
- Covers both normal and caesarean deliveries
- No need to pay anything to get the benefit if all documents are ready
- ASHA worker gets incentive, so she helps you completely free of cost
Eligibility Criteria for Janani Suraksha Yojana
Who can apply?
Low Performing States (LPS):
- All pregnant women (no BPL card required)
- Age 19 years or above
- Up to any number of children (no limit)
High Performing States (HPS):
- Only BPL / SC / ST women
- Age 19 years or above
- Only for first two live births
Exception: In all states, women living in tribal and hilly areas get benefit even for more than two children if they deliver in government hospital.
Required Documents
You need these documents ready before delivery:
- Aadhaar card (mandatory for DBT)
- Bank passbook (account must be linked with Aadhaar)
- MCH Card (Mother & Child Protection Card) given by ANM/ASHA
- JSY Card (issued by ASHA/ANM after registration)
- BPL card (only in HPS states)
- Delivery certificate from hospital (for payment)
Tip: Open a zero-balance Jan Dhan account if you don’t have a bank account.
How to Apply for Janani Suraksha Yojana (Step-by-Step)
The application process is mostly offline, but some states have started online registration.
Offline Process (Works in every village):
- Visit your nearest Anganwadi centre or ASHA worker as soon as pregnancy is confirmed.
- Get antenatal check-up done and fill the registration form.
- ASHA will give you MCH Card and JSY Card.
- In 7th–8th month, inform ASHA about expected delivery date.
- On the day of labour pain, call ASHA or 108 ambulance.
- Deliver in government hospital or accredited private hospital.
- After delivery, hospital staff will fill Part B of JSY card and give you discharge slip.
- ASHA will submit all papers to ANM.
- Money comes directly into your bank account within 7–30 days.
Online Process (Available in some states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand):
- Go to your state NHM portal or Janani Suraksha Yojana tracking portal.
- Register with mobile number and Aadhaar.
- Fill pregnancy details and upload documents.
- Track application status online.
How to Check Janani Suraksha Yojana Status Online 2024
Method 1: PFMS Portal (works for all states)
- Visit pfms.nic.in
- Click on “Know Your Payments”
- Enter bank account number + captcha
- Select scheme “Janani Suraksha Yojana”
- See payment status
Method 2: State NHM Portals
- Uttar Pradesh → upnrhm.gov.in or jsyup.in
- Bihar → jsybihar.in
- Jharkhand → jsy.jharkhand.gov.in
- Madhya Pradesh → nhmmp.gov.in
Method 3: Call Helpline
National Health Mission helpline: 104 (toll-free) or 1800-180-5500
Important Dates
- Launched: 12 April 2005
- Integrated with DBT: 2017 onwards
- Scheme is ongoing – no last date
- Money is transferred throughout the year
Official Website Details
There is no single national JSY portal. Benefits are handled state-wise. Visit your state NHM website or the following:
- National Health Mission → nhm.gov.in
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare → mohfw.gov.in
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not registering pregnancy in first trimester
- Bank account not linked with Aadhaar
- Delivering in non-accredited private hospital
- Not taking JSY card from ASHA
- Giving wrong mobile number (you miss SMS updates)
- Home delivery without skilled birth attendant (no benefit in most cases)
FAQs – Janani Suraksha Yojana
- Can I get JSY money if I deliver in private hospital?
Yes, but only if the private hospital is accredited under JSY. Most big private hospitals are not in the list. - What if money does not come after 30 days?
Contact your ASHA → ANM → Block Medical Officer. Also check PFMS portal. - Is there any benefit for third child?
In Low Performing States – Yes. In High Performing States – No (except tribal areas). - Can I get JSY benefit twice in same year (twins)?
Yes, twins count as one delivery. You get benefit once. - Is Aadhaar compulsory?
Yes, from 2021 onwards Aadhaar is mandatory for DBT payment. - What is the new amount in 2024?
No change. Same amounts continue as shown in the table above. - Can husband collect the money?
No. Money goes only to mother’s bank account.
Conclusion
Janani Suraksha Yojana has saved countless mothers and babies by making hospital delivery free and rewarding. If you or someone in your family is pregnant, contact your ASHA worker today. Early registration is the key to getting full benefit without any tension. Safe motherhood is every woman’s right – Janani Suraksha Yojana helps make it possible.
