Nilanjan
Madhya Pradesh is a state in central India that is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and agricultural prosperity. But did you know that it is also the state where thousands of pregnant women were cheated and deprived of their rights by a massive scam in the name of Prasuti Sahayata Yojana? Yes, you read that right. In this blog, we will expose the shocking truth behind the Prasuti Sahayata Yojana scam in Madhya Pradesh that you need to know.
What is Prasuti Sahayata Yojana and why is it important?
Prasuti Sahayata Yojana (PSY) is a scheme that provides financial assistance of Rs 16,000 to pregnant women of the unorganized labor sector in Madhya Pradesh. It is part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which is hailed as the world’s largest government-sponsored health insurance scheme.
The scheme is important because it aims to improve the maternal and child health outcomes in the state by ensuring that pregnant women have access to quality antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care services. The scheme also empowers women by giving them financial independence and autonomy to make decisions regarding their health and well-being.
Under the scheme, the beneficiary receives Rs 16,000 in four installments as follows:
- Rs 4,000 after registration at an empanelled hospital or health center
- Rs 4,000 after delivery at an empanelled hospital or health center
- Rs 4,000 after completion of four antenatal check-ups
- Rs 4,000 after completion of immunization of the child
The beneficiary can use the money for any purpose related to her pregnancy and childbirth such as transportation, nutrition, medicines, etc.
How did the scam happen and who were involved?
The scam happened by registering fake beneficiaries under the PSY scheme and siphoning off the money meant for them. The scam was carried out by a nexus of health workers, middlemen, bank officials, and politicians who exploited the loopholes and weaknesses in the system.
The scam was exposed in 2022 when it was found that forgery was done in the assistance amount of Rs 16,000 per pregnant woman who receives the PSY scheme in Dindori district. It was observed that paperwork was being registered for fake women with different IDs and bank accounts and Rs 16,000 were credited to their accounts.
The scam was also confirmed during the administration’s investigation, but no one managed to catch the fraudsters. A committee led by the District Panchayat CEO was formed by the Collector to look into this matter at the Vikrampur Community Health Centre, but it hasn’t been able to finish its work as of yet.
The scam has caused a stir in Dindori’s health department and raised questions on the implementation and monitoring of the PSY scheme in Madhya Pradesh. It has also pointed to a larger fraud that may be happening in other districts and states under the guise of PSY.
What are the impacts and implications of the scam?
The scam has had several impacts and implications for the women as well as the state. Some of them are:
- Loss of money and rights: The scam has robbed thousands of pregnant women of their money and rights that they deserved under the PSY scheme. It has also deprived them of the benefits and services that they needed for their health and well-being.
- Loss of trust and confidence: The scam has eroded the trust and confidence of the women in the PSY scheme and the government. It has also created a sense of fear and insecurity among them about their safety and privacy.
- Loss of reputation and credibility: The scam has tarnished the reputation and credibility of the PSY scheme and the AB-PMJAY scheme. It has also damaged the image and goodwill of Madhya Pradesh as a progressive and welfare state.
What are the solutions and suggestions for preventing such scams?
The scam has exposed the need for urgent reforms and actions to prevent such scams from happening again. Some of them are:
- Strengthening the verification and validation process: The verification and validation process for identifying and enrolling beneficiaries under the PSY scheme should be strengthened by using biometric authentication, Aadhaar linkage, cross-checking with other databases, etc.
- Strengthening the audit and monitoring mechanism: The audit and monitoring mechanism for tracking and evaluating the performance and outcomes of the PSY scheme should be strengthened by using digital platforms, real-time data, feedback systems, etc.
- Strengthening the grievance redressal and accountability mechanism: The grievance redressal and accountability mechanism for addressing and resolving the complaints and issues of the beneficiaries and stakeholders under the PSY scheme should be strengthened by using toll-free numbers, online portals, social media, etc.
- Strengthening the awareness and sensitization campaign: The awareness and sensitization campaign for informing and educating the beneficiaries and stakeholders about the features and benefits of the PSY scheme should be strengthened by using mass media, community mobilization, behavior change communication, etc.
Conclusion
The PSY scam in Madhya Pradesh is a shocking and shameful incident that has violated the rights and dignity of thousands of pregnant women in the state. It is a wake-up call for the government and the society to take swift and stern action against the culprits and to ensure that such scams do not happen again. It is also a reminder for the women to be vigilant and aware of their rights and entitlements under the PSY scheme and to demand them from the authorities.
I hope you found this blog useful and informative. If you have any feedback or suggestions for me, please let me know. I would love to hear from you.
