Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Dec 22:

Odisha Government today added 25 lakh new beneficiaries under the Mamata Yojana that provides Rs 5,000 financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women in rural areas of the state.

naveen

According to a press notification issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the government today electronically transferred Rs 1,100 crore to the bank accounts of these beneficiaries.

Addressing a meeting at the Jayadev Bhawan to mark the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik highlighted the role of the scheme in empowering rural women.

“The Mamata scheme has been very helpful in making sure that the mothers are not only healthy, but also self-dependent and empowered. This programme – aimed at the pregnant and expectant mothers -- has reached a pinnacle by adding so many beneficiaries.”

He further thanked the Anganwadi workers, Anganwadi assistants, Asha workers and the mothers for the success of the programme.

Besides, the Chief Minister also announced a onetime incentive of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 for Anganwadi workers, Anganwadi assistants and Asha workers respectively to promote the scheme. This incentive will benefit 70,000 Anganwadi workers, 60,000 Anganwadi assistants and 48,000 Asha workers, said the release from CMO.

He also inaugurated the Mamata software that will transfer Rs 3,000 to enrolled pregnant women in the first phase at six months of pregnancy and Rs 2,000 in the second phase at the tenth month of pregnancy.

Under the Mamata Scheme, the government provides Rs. 5,000 to pregnant and lactating women in rural areas. It was launched by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in October 2011. This has become the largest Direct Benefit Transfer programme in the country aimed at pregnant and expectant mothers, according to the CMO.