The Mahtari Vandana Yojana is a landmark welfare scheme aimed at empowering women and improving maternal and child health in India, especially for economically weaker sections. As of 2025, the scheme has successfully reached its 16th installment (kist), delivering consistent financial support to eligible beneficiaries across various states.
The release of the 16th kist under this scheme has brought relief and encouragement to millions of mothers and expectant women who rely on the scheme for essential support during and after pregnancy.
In this detailed blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the 16th installment – including payment details, how to check your status, eligibility criteria, documents needed, and benefits.
🔍 What is Mahtari Vandana Yojana?
The Mahtari Vandana Yojana, also known as Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) in some areas, is a central government-supported maternity benefit program. Under this scheme, eligible pregnant and lactating women receive financial assistance in installments to support their nutritional and medical needs during pregnancy and early motherhood.
The objective is to:
- Reduce maternal mortality
- Improve child nutrition
- Promote institutional deliveries
- Support women during pregnancy-related leave
The scheme ensures that women are not forced to work during the final stages of pregnancy or immediately after childbirth and can focus on recovery and infant care.
📅 Mahtari Vandana Yojana 16th Kist – What’s New in 2025?
The 16th installment of Mahtari Vandana Yojana has officially been released in multiple states, and beneficiaries are now receiving payments directly into their linked bank accounts or Jan Dhan accounts.
Key Highlights:
- Payment Amount: ₹1,000 to ₹6,000 depending on the state and phase of pregnancy
- Payment Date: Most states have started disbursing the 16th kist from May 15, 2025, onwards
- Transfer Mode: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked accounts
- Applicable Beneficiaries: All those registered under the scheme who have fulfilled the documentation and health criteria for the 16th kist
✅ Eligibility Criteria for 16th Installment
To receive the 16th kist under Mahtari Vandana Yojana, beneficiaries must meet the following conditions:
- Women must be pregnant or lactating, and the child must be under 2 years of age.
- Must have already registered under the scheme and received earlier installments.
- Institutional delivery must be confirmed.
- Must have completed vaccination check-ups for the child (depending on the phase).
- Health check-up documentation (like ANC visits) should be submitted.
- Aadhaar card and bank account should be linked for DBT transfer.
📄 Documents Required
Here’s a list of important documents required for receiving the 16th installment:
- Aadhaar Card of the mother
- Husband’s Aadhaar (in some cases)
- Pregnancy certificate or Maternal Health Card
- Birth certificate or immunization record of the child
- Jan Dhan/Bank Account details
- Passbook copy
- Ration Card (optional, depending on state)
- Mobile number for OTP and SMS alerts
💰 How Much Amount Is Given in 16th Installment?
The scheme provides financial assistance in phased installments, and the 16th kist typically follows the same model:
| Installment | Condition | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Pregnancy registration | ₹1,000 |
| 2nd | 1st ANC check-up | ₹2,000 |
| 3rd | Childbirth in hospital + immunization | ₹2,000 |
| 4th-16th | Follow-ups + child care updates | ₹1,000 each |
Note: The amount can vary slightly based on the state government contribution and health program phase.
🔎 How to Check Mahtari Vandana Yojana 16th Kist Payment Status?
Checking your payment status is easy and can be done online or offline:
🔹 Online Method:
- Visit your respective state’s Women & Child Development Department website.
- Look for the Mahtari Vandana Yojana or PMMVY status check section.
- Enter your Aadhaar number or registration ID.
- Click on “Track Payment” or “Check Beneficiary Status.”
- The screen will display payment details including the date of release, installment amount, and account credited.
🔹 Offline Method:
- Visit your nearest Anganwadi center or ASHA worker.
- Ask them to verify your status using your registration number.
- They can also help you update missed documentation to ensure future kist payments.
🏥 What If You Haven’t Received the 16th Installment Yet?
If you haven’t received your payment yet, don’t worry. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Verify Documents: Ensure all health check-up records and documents are uploaded and validated.
- Link Aadhaar and Bank: Double-check if your bank account is active and Aadhaar-linked.
- Check Beneficiary List: Visit the website to see if your name is on the latest beneficiary list.
- Contact Local Authorities: Visit your local Anganwadi or health center for further assistance.
- Wait for Processing Time: Sometimes, payments are delayed due to backend verification.
🌟 Benefits of the Mahtari Vandana Yojana
- Financial Support During Pregnancy
- Encourages Institutional Delivery
- Promotes Child Immunization
- Helps in Nutritional Needs
- Reduces Infant and Maternal Mortality
- Boosts Awareness About Maternal Health
- Empowers Rural Women Economically
📢 Government’s Focus on Expanding the Scheme in 2025
In 2025, the government has:
- Increased coverage to include more women from remote and tribal areas.
- Made the registration process easier with mobile-based apps.
- Ensured better coordination between health workers and Anganwadi centres.
- Introduced digital monitoring dashboards to ensure transparency and speed in payments.
✍️ Conclusion
The 16th installment of Mahtari Vandana Yojana 2025 is a testament to the government’s ongoing commitment toward maternal and child welfare. With timely disbursals, improved documentation, and seamless bank transfers, the scheme continues to make a significant difference in the lives of women, especially in rural and underdeveloped regions.
If you or someone you know is eligible but hasn’t yet received the 16th kist, follow the verification steps mentioned above or visit the nearest Anganwadi center for help. Ensuring correct documentation and health check-ups is the key to continued benefits under this empowering scheme.