Namo Shri Scheme Benefits 3.11 Lakh Mothers in Gujarat

Gandhinagar : The Gujarat government’s “Namo Shri” scheme, launched statewide in April 2024, has emerged as a transformative initiative for pregnant and lactating mothers. Within just nine months, the scheme has provided financial assistance of over ₹71 crore to 3.11 lakh beneficiaries, ensuring better health and nutrition for both mothers and newborns.

Under this scheme, ₹12,000 is disbursed in phases through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to eligible women. Payments are made after registration of pregnancy, six months into pregnancy, at the time of institutional delivery, and after the completion of the child’s vaccination schedule. The scheme is exclusively available for first and second pregnancies, targeting women who meet criteria such as SC, ST, NFSA, and PM-JAY beneficiaries.

The initiative aims to address critical issues such as maternal and infant mortality by providing enhanced nutrition and health protection. The Gujarat government has prioritized this noble mission as part of its broader efforts to improve the health and well-being of women and children across the state.

Key Impact Areas

The program has seen significant adoption in Gujarat’s major districts. Ahmedabad leads the way with ₹7.35 crore disbursed to 31,918 mothers, followed by Surat with ₹6.24 crore benefiting 27,353 mothers, and Rajkot with ₹4.78 crore supporting 20,517 mothers. Dahod and Banaskantha districts have also seen strong participation, with ₹4.04 crore and ₹3.53 crore disbursed to 18,394 and 15,761 beneficiaries, respectively.

The state government estimates that approximately 12 lakh newborns are born annually in Gujarat. With this initiative, they aim to ensure that mothers and children receive adequate nutrition and healthcare, reducing preventable mortality and enhancing overall health outcomes.

Comprehensive Health Support

Pregnant women enrolled in the Namo Shri Scheme benefit not just from financial aid but also from integrated healthcare services. The funds help mothers access better nutrition, promoting healthier pregnancies and reducing the risk of complications. Additionally, the scheme incentivizes institutional deliveries, ensuring safer childbirth practices.

To facilitate enrollment, pregnant mothers can register through their nearest government health centers, ASHA workers, or female health workers. The government has worked to simplify the process, ensuring that eligible women can easily access the benefits.

Promising Results and Future Goals

The scheme aligns with Gujarat’s broader vision of enhancing “Ease of Living” for its citizens. By ensuring timely financial support and better healthcare access, the Namo Shri Scheme is reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, improving health standards, and empowering women in underserved communities.