What this scheme offers
Named after Dr. S. Muthulakshmi Reddy, India's first woman medical graduate from a men's college and a pioneer of maternal health in Madras, this scheme compensates poor pregnant women for wages lost around childbirth and supports their nutrition. Assistance is paid in instalments tied to antenatal check-ups, institutional delivery and child immunisation, which also nudges mothers toward safe care. It's widely reported as ₹18,000 per pregnancy for the first two deliveries, split between cash and nutrition kits — we couldn't confirm the current cash/kit split from an official source, so check with your PHC. Over ₹4,042 crore has been disbursed to 34.4 lakh women. Registration through the PICME system is required.
Who is eligible
- Pregnant woman resident in Tamil Nadu, aged 19 or above.
- First two deliveries (conditions apply for subsequent pregnancies).
- Registered for antenatal care with a PICME number early in the pregnancy.
- From a low-income household (as per scheme criteria).
Documents required
- PICME registration number
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account details (Aadhaar-seeded)
- Antenatal care card / MCH card
- Ration card
How to apply
- Register the pregnancy early at your nearest Primary Health Centre or government hospital — you'll receive a PICME number.
- Attend the scheduled antenatal check-ups; instalments are linked to them.
- Deliver at a government or accredited institution where possible.
- Instalments and nutrition kits are released as each condition is met; track status via your PHC or the PICME portal.