The Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Government of Punjab, administers the Mata Khivi Ji Scheme (Poshan Sahayata Yojana) to improve the health and nutritional status of pregnant women and nursing mothers. Named in honor of Mata Khivi Ji, who symbolizes the spirit of community service (langar) in Sikh history, this initiative aims to eradicate maternal and child malnutrition.
Under this welfare scheme, eligible pregnant women and lactating mothers receive nutritional support and direct financial grants (Direct Benefit Transfer - DBT) credited straight into their verified bank accounts.
Mata Khivi Scheme: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Scheme Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mata Khivi Ji Poshan Sahayata Scheme (ਮਾਤਾ ਖੀਵੀ ਜੀ ਪੋਸ਼ਣ ਸਹਾਇता ਯੋਜਨਾ) |
| Administering Department | Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab |
| Target Beneficiaries | Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and newborns in Punjab |
| Assistance Nature | Nutritional support and cash grant for healthcare and diet |
| Disbursement Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT via Aadhaar-seeded bank account) |
| Registration Center | Local Anganwadi Centre (AWC) / Primary Health Centre (PHC) |
| Official Portals | connect.punjab.gov.in / sswcd.punjab.gov.in |
Core Objectives & Key Benefits
In low-income households, lack of proper nutrition during pregnancy often leads to low birth weights and maternal anemia. The Mata Khivi Scheme ensures structured support:
- Malnutrition Eradication: Provides essential macro and micro-nutrients, iron-folic acid supplements, and food support to mothers before and after delivery.
- Institutional Deliveries: Encourages safe deliveries across certified government health institutions through conditional cash incentives.
- Reduced Mortality Rates: Ensures timely antenatal care (ANC) checkups and compulsory infant immunizations.
- Transparent Transfers: Eliminates intermediaries by routing financial assistance directly to the beneficiary's bank account.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following conditions to qualify for the nutrition assistance scheme:
- State Domicile: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab.
- Early Registration: Pregnancy must be registered within the first trimester (3 to 4 months) at a recognized Anganwadi or health facility.
- Age Threshold: The pregnant woman must be at least 19 years of age or older in compliance with legal marriage norms.
- Antenatal Checkups: Must undergo scheduled clinical health checkups and vaccinations at authorized government hospitals.
- Socio-Economic Focus: Priority is extended to families belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), BPL cardholders, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Backward Classes (BC).
- Exclusions: Regular government employees or public sector workers receiving paid maternity leave benefits are not eligible.
Required Documents
Keep self-attested photocopies of the following credentials ready during registration:
- Mother & Child Protection (MCP) Card: Official health card issued by the hospital or Anganwadi worker.
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card or Voter ID card of both the mother and spouse.
- Proof of Residence: Punjab Domicile Certificate or Digital Ration Card.
- Income Verification: Family income declaration certified by local authorities or a sarpanch/councillor.
- Bank Passbook Copy: Personal savings bank account passbook in the mother's name (Aadhaar and NPCI mapped).
- Photographs: 2 passport-sized color photographs of the beneficiary.
- Active Mobile Number: Phone number linked to Aadhaar for official SMS alerts.
Registration & Application Procedure
Step 1: Anganwadi Centre Registration
Upon confirmation of pregnancy, visit your local Anganwadi Worker (AWW) or ASHA worker to record your details in the pregnancy tracking register.
Step 2: Securing the MCP Card
Visit the nearest Primary Health Centre (PHC) to undergo initial screening, receive your MCP health card, and begin your immunization schedule.
Step 3: Document Submission
Submit your completed application form along with copies of your Aadhaar card, bank passbook, and MCP card to the Anganwadi worker or Child Development Project Officer (CDPO).
Step 4: Verification & Disbursement
After health department verification, installment amounts are disbursed directly into the beneficiary's registered bank account.
How to Track Application Status
- Visit the official citizen portal at
connect.punjab.gov.in. - Navigate to the Women & Child Welfare department section or DBT benefit tracker.
- Enter your Application Reference Number or registered mobile number.
- View real-time updates regarding application approval, verification stages, and bank credit status.
Verified Official Portals & Direct Links
Access official guidelines, beneficiary portals, and department circulars using the verified links below[cite: 3]:
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