{{{!}} {{!}}Objective of the scheme:

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a safe motherhood intervention under the National Health Mission (NHM). Launched with the objective of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) promotes institutional delivery among pregnant women especially with weak socio-economic status i.e. women from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. The scheme, launched in 2005, is under implementation in all states and Union Territories (UTs), with a special focus on Low Performing States (LPS).

The Scheme adopts the following existing approaches/options in implementation to address specific inequalities:

  • The JSY utilizes a multi-pronged approach to improve maternal health and  promotes institutional delivery among pregnant women, including cash assistance for institutional deliveries, incentivizing ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) involvement, and promoting community mobilization. 
  • Criteria of state categorization: States were categorized into Low Performing States and High Performing States on the basis of institutional delivery rate i.e. states having =<25% institutional delivery, were termed as Low Performing States (LPS) and those which have institutional delivery rate more than 25% were classified as High Performing States (HPS) [2005 norms].
  • Financial Assistance to the beneficiaries: Financial assistance under JSY is available to all pregnant women in Low Performing States (LPS), however, in remaining States where the levels of institutional delivery are satisfactory, pregnant women from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Below Poverty Line (BPL) households only are entitled for JSY benefit. These states are categorized as High Performing States (HPS) under JSY.
  • Financial Assistance for home delivery is available only to BPL women who prefer to deliver at home regardless of age and number of children.
  • Subsidizing cost of Caesarean Section: The JSY has a provision to hire the services of a private specialist to conduct Caesarean Section or for the management of Obstetric complications, in the Government Institutions, where Government specialists are not in position.
  • Accrediting private health institutions: In order to increase the choice of delivery care institutions, States are encouraged to accredit at least two willing private institutions per block to provide delivery services. The state and district authorities should draw up a list of criteria/protocols for such accreditation.
  • Incentivized ASHA Involvement: ASHAs play a crucial role in facilitating institutional deliveries by motivating pregnant women. ASHAs serve as a critical bridge between the healthcare system and rural families, guiding and supporting expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey.
  • Community Mobilization: The scheme involves community mobilization efforts to raise awareness about the benefits of JSY, the importance of institutional deliveries, and the need for antenatal and postnatal care.
  • Regular Monitoring and Reporting: Regular monitoring and reporting on the implementation status of JSY are essential to track progress, identify challenges, and make necessary adjustments. The Ministry monitor the implementation of scheme by undertaking periodic Regional/State level review meetings, field visits in various States/UTs, PIP Appraisals, Mid Term Review (MTR) and Common Review Missions (CRMs).

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The scheme currently provides benefit to an average one crore beneficiaries in last few financial years. In FY 2023-24, the number of JSY beneficiaries reported by State/ UTs were 102.55 lakhs.  In current FY 2024-25 (Provisional) the number of JSY beneficiaries reported by States/ UTs are 94.80 lakhs.

Expenditure on the scheme has also increased from Rs.38 Crores ( 44,46,877 USD $) in FY 2005-06 to Rs.1,814 Crores (21,22,79,903 USD $) in FY 2023-24. In current FY 2024-25 (Up to 3rd Quarter, Provisional) the expenditure reported is Rs. 1,164 Crores ( 13,62,14,888 USD $).

Note: USD $ rates as on 29th May, 2025  [@  1 Indian Rupee equals 0.012 United States Dollar

Budget Allocation: Government of India Budget

{{{!}} class="wikitable" {{!}}JSY is implemented through a multi-level governance model, ensuring alignment between national objectives and local implementation:

  • The Central government provides overarching policy direction, financial support, operational guidelines and monitoring and evaluation..
  • States and Union Territories are responsible for program implementation, enabling flexibility to adapt to regional needs and health system capacities.
  • The scheme reflects a decentralized approach, empowering district and block-level health systems to plan and deliver services effectively.
  • Community-level health workers,(AAA (Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), Anganwadi Worker (AWW), and Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)) and CHO (Community Health Officer)), particularly Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), are central to the program. These workers have develop following functions:
    • Identify and mobilize pregnant women for timely antenatal care (ANC).
    • Facilitate and motivate institutional deliveries.
    • Provide health education and act as a vital link between the health system and rural households.
  • The involvement of ASHAs exemplifies community-driven governance, fostering local trust and improving health-seeking behavior.
  • The program also allows collaboration with private sector and accredited facilities, broadening service access in underserved areas including C Section.

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The data is collected through the State/UTs quarterly reports. The data collected is used in regular SPIP (State Program Implementation Plan) Appraisals, Mid Term Review (MTR), and in field visits.


Features & FAQs of the scheme can be accessed here: https://nhm.gov.in/WriteReadData/l892s/97827133331523438951.pdf

{{{!}} class="wikitable" {{!}}Pregnancy is a pivotal period in women's lives and the Government of India has consistently prioritised accessible quality maternal health services, aiming to minimise preventable maternal deaths. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has shown marked and sustained improvement, falling from 254 per 100,000 live births in 2004-06 to 93 per 100,000 live births in 2019-21 according to SRS data; further, recent studies estimate MMR has reached as low as 80 per 100,000 live births in 2023, reflecting a substantial decline of over 78% since 2000 This progressive decline is a direct consequence of India's concerted efforts to ensure safer pregnancies and childbirth, supported by a sharp rise in institutional deliveries—from 38.7% in 2005-06 (NFHS-3) to 88.6% in 2019-21 (NFHS-5)—and improved maternal healthcare utilisation indicators such as antenatal care and skilled attendance at birth.

India's achievement demonstrates strong progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically the target to reduce MMR below 70 by 2030, as well as underscores the effectiveness of programme interventions, particularly the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) under the National Rural Health Mission.evidenec-report.pdfpib

As per concurrent evaluations, including those commissioned by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (with UNFPA, NHSRC, and others), key findings include:

  • Significant increase in institutional deliveries and awareness related to JSY in vulnerable communities across major states.
  • Financial incentives under JSY have substantially driven uptake, though issues of delayed payments and out-of-pocket expenses persist.
  • The role of grassroots health workers, notably ASHAs, has been critical, with most beneficiaries reporting satisfaction with services received.evidenec-report.pdf

The available published studies for monitoring and evaluation of programme design, implementation and for assessing the evidence on the effectiveness and impact of the programme are as follows:


The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India, through The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), commissioned a concurrent assessment of the scheme in large states, namely, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh (MP), Rajasthan, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh (UP). Available at: https://nhm.gov.in/WriteReadData/l892s/78619790621474872646.pdf


The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India, through National Health System Resource Centre  conducted the evaluation of the Janani Suraksha Yojana. Available at: https://nhsrcindia.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/JSY%20Programme%20Evaluation.pdf {{!}}}

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  • JSY significantly improved institutional deliveries, demonstrating the success of targeted incentives — future focus can further strengthen quality of care at facilities.
  • ASHAs have played a crucial role, and continued support through timely payments and capacity building will enhance their effectiveness.
  • Rising service demand shows public trust, and further investments in infrastructure and workforce can maintain momentum.
  • DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) enhances transparency and ensures timely financial support to pregnant women — this shift has strengthened trust in the system

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SDG 1: No Poverty

  • Target 1.3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
    • Indicator 1.3.1 Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims and the poor and the vulnerable.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  • Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition, including addressing the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women.
    • Indicator 2.2.3 Prevalence of anaemia in women aged 15 to 49 years, by pregnancy status (percentage)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well being

  • Target 3.1: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
    • Indicator 3.1.1 Maternal mortality ratio
    • Indicator 3.1.2 Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel
  • Target 3.2 By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
    • Indicator 3.2.1 Under-5 mortality rate
    • Indicator 3.2.2 Neonatal mortality rate
    • Indicator 3.2.1 Under-5 mortality rate
  • Target 3.7 By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes
    • Indicator 3.7.1 Proportion of women of reproductive age (aged 15–49 years) who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods
    • Indicator 3.7.2 Adolescent birth rate (aged 10–14 years; aged 15–19 years) per 1,000 women in that age group

SDG 5: Gender Equality

  • Target 5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
    • Indicator 5.2.1 Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age.

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