The National Maternity Benefit Scheme was introduced in 2001 to provide nutrition support to pregnant women. Under this scheme BPL pregnant women are given a one time payment of Rs. 500/- 8–12 weeks prior to delivery. In the year 2005, the Government of India launched the Janani Suraksha Yojana under the National Rural Health Mission to provide cash incentives for women to have an institutional delivery. The NMBS was merged into the JSY and with the intervention of the Supreme Court the benefits under the NMBS retained, irrespective of place of delivery.
NMBS Court Order Summary
- All BPL pregnant women should be paid Rs. 500/- under NMBS 8–12 weeks prior to delivery for each of the first two births.
- The benefit under NMBS/JSY must be paid irrespective of place of delivery, and also irrespective of age and number of children.
