Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a central government maternity scheme providing cash support to poor pregnant women across India to push institutional deliveries and improve maternal and newborn health. The scheme continues to run under the National Health Mission (NHM) in 2026, and registration is open for eligible women through their local health workers. The benefit amount is now paid directly to the bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Janani Suraksha Yojana is a centrally sponsored scheme from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It gives cash help to pregnant women from poor families who deliver in a government hospital or an NHM-approved private hospital. The idea is simple: when a woman delivers in a hospital with proper medical care, the chances of mother and baby facing problems come down sharply. The scheme also removes the age limit for women, and the benefit is available for up to two live births per woman.
Janani Suraksha Yojana - Introduction
Janani Suraksha Yojana was launched on 12 April 2005 by the Prime Minister. It is under implementation in all states and Union Territories, with a special focus on Low Performing States (LPS) where fewer women deliver in hospitals. The Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) worker acts as the link between the government and pregnant women. She helps register the woman, arranges check-ups, and supports her during delivery.
The cash benefit under JSY is given separately to the mother and to the ASHA worker. Both amounts are paid through DBT after the delivery certificate is submitted, and neither amount is taken from the other. In most districts the payment reaches the bank account within 7 to 10 days of documents being submitted. Women in Low Performing States get a higher amount, while those in High Performing States (HPS) get a lower amount.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) |
| Launched By | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
| Launch Date | 12 April 2005 |
| Beneficiaries | Pregnant women from poor, SC and ST families |
| Benefit Amount | ₹700 to ₹1,400 to the mother plus ASHA incentive |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank account |
| Application Mode | Through ASHA worker and nearby health centre |
| Official Website | nhm.gov.in |
Benefits
The cash help under JSY depends on which state the woman lives in and whether the area is rural or urban. The mother receives her amount in a single payment when she delivers in a government health centre. If she chooses an accredited private hospital, she should get at least three-fourths of the amount at the time of delivery.
| Region | Rural Benefit | Urban Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Low Performing States (LPS) | ₹1,400 | ₹1,000 |
| High Performing States (HPS) | ₹700 | ₹600 |
For North-Eastern states and rural areas of tribal districts, the benefit is ₹700. The ASHA worker also gets her own incentive of ₹600 in rural areas and ₹400 in urban areas for supporting the delivery. If a Caesarean section or specialist care is needed, the government gives up to ₹1,500 to the health institution to cover the extra cost. For home deliveries, eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) women get ₹500.
JSY also works together with the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK). Under JSSK, the woman gets free and cashless delivery (including Caesarean section), free medicines, free diagnostics, free diet, and free transport from home to hospital and back. This means the delivery itself does not cost money, and the cash from JSY is extra support for the family.
Eligibility
Eligibility depends on the state of residence. There is no age limit since the age condition was removed under updated NHM rules, and the benefit is given for up to two live births.
- Low Performing States (LPS): Any pregnant woman delivering in a government or accredited private health institution is eligible, without the need for a BPL certificate.
- High Performing States (HPS): The woman should belong to a BPL household or be a Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) woman.
- Home Delivery: A valid BPL certificate is required to receive the home delivery incentive in any state.
- Private Institution Delivery: The woman must be from a BPL category or belong to SC or ST, and should carry a valid referral slip from the local health worker.
Some states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh add their own top-up amount from the state budget over the central JSY amount. The exact state figure can change every year, so it is best to check with the local Primary Health Centre (PHC) for the current amount.
Application Process
JSY does not have a single national online form. Registration happens through the ASHA worker and the local PHC. Follow these steps to get the benefit.
STEP 1 - Register with the ASHA worker as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed, ideally within the first 12 weeks. The ASHA will register the woman at the nearest sub-centre or PHC and issue a JSY card.
STEP 2 - Attend at least three antenatal check-ups during the pregnancy. These check-ups are required, and missing them can delay the payment.
STEP 3 - Make sure the Aadhaar number is linked to the bank account. If it is not linked, the DBT payment will fail. A bank account can be opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana with zero balance if needed.
STEP 4 - Tell the ASHA worker about the expected delivery date at least two weeks in advance so that transport and hospital referral can be arranged.
STEP 5 - Deliver at a government hospital, CHC, PHC, or an NHM-approved private hospital. Carry the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) card and the referral slip. After delivery, the hospital issues a discharge card and delivery certificate.
STEP 6 - Submit the delivery certificate and discharge slip to the JSY desk at the hospital or through the ASHA worker. The payment is then processed to the bank account through DBT.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before registration so that the process goes smoothly.
- Government photo ID: Aadhaar card is preferred, or a voter ID.
- BPL certificate or SC/ST caste certificate: Needed for eligibility under HPS and for home delivery.
- Bank passbook: The first page is enough, and the account must be Aadhaar-linked.
- Maternal and Child Health (MCH) card: Issued at the first antenatal visit.
- JSY card: Issued by the ASHA worker at the time of registration.
- Referral slip: Required for delivery in a private hospital.
References
Official Janani Suraksha Yojana page on National Health Mission
Official JSY Features and FAQs
Government Order on removal of conditionalities
FAQ's
How do I know if my JSY payment is processed?
You can check the notice board at your nearest government hospital or Primary Health Centre, where beneficiary lists are updated each month. In many states, payment status can also be checked on the state NHM portal by entering the JSY card number or Aadhaar number.
Are there any charges for delivery?
No. Under JSSK, delivery in a government facility is free and cashless, including free medicines, diagnostics, diet, and transport for both the mother and the newborn. The cash from JSY is an extra benefit for the family.
What should I do if my payment is delayed?
First check with the ASHA worker and the PHC medical officer about the DBT status. If the issue is not fixed, contact the Block Chief Medical Officer in writing. If it is still not resolved after 60 days, file a complaint on the NHM toll-free helpline 1800-180-1104, or raise a grievance on the CPGRAMS portal at pgportal.gov.in.
Can I get both JSY and PMMVY?
Yes. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) gives ₹5,000 in three installments to a woman for her first live birth. JSY and PMMVY are separate schemes, so a woman who meets the conditions for both can receive benefits from both at the same time.