The Government of Tamil Nadu has announced the continuation of the Muthulakshmi Reddy Scheme for 2026, providing essential financial and nutritional support to pregnant women in the state. First launched in 1989 by the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, this initiative aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by addressing the nutritional and financial challenges faced by expecting mothers.
The Muthulakshmi Reddy Scheme offers a dual package of support for pregnant women:
Nutritional Kits: Pregnant women are provided with nutritional kits worth INR 4,000, which contain essential items such as iron syrup, dry dates, a cotton towel, and a plastic basket. Additionally, the kit includes an albendazole deworming tablet to promote maternal health.
Financial Assistance: A total financial aid of INR 18,000 is disbursed in three installments:
First installment (4th month of pregnancy): INR 6,000
Second installment (4th month after delivery): INR 6,000
Third installment (9th month after delivery): INR 2,000
The total amount will be directly credited to the beneficiary's bank account in installments.
The main goal of the Muthulakshmi Reddy Scheme is to provide pregnant women in Tamil Nadu with the necessary financial and nutritional support during one of the most critical periods of their lives. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that mothers and infants have access to the resources needed to promote good health and reduce the risks associated with pregnancy, such as malnutrition and lack of proper medical care.
By providing both financial aid and health supplements, the government hopes to address the socioeconomic challenges faced by many pregnant women, thereby contributing to better maternal and infant health outcomes across the state.
To benefit from the Muthulakshmi Reddy Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age: Women must be between 18 and 55 years of age.
Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
Aadhar-linked Bank Account: Applicants must have a valid Aadhar card linked to a bank account for the direct transfer of benefits.
Pregnancy: Only pregnant women are eligible for the scheme. They must also be registered for antenatal care (RCH ID) and undergo regular medical checkups.
Certain women are excluded from the scheme, including:
Women from high-income families.
Those who fail to register at the time of pregnancy.
Women who do not deliver in government hospitals or fail to attend mandatory medical checkups.
Pregnant women wishing to apply for the Muthulakshmi Reddy Scheme can follow these simple steps:
Visit the PICME website (https://picme3.tn.gov.in/api/react2/) to start the registration process.
On the homepage, click on the Self Registration for RCH ID option.
Enter your mobile number for Aadhar verification.
Complete the application form with accurate details and submit all necessary documents, such as Aadhar card, bank account details, and income certificate.
Once all information is entered, submit the application for approval.
Applicants need to provide the following documents for successful registration:
Aadhar card
Residence certificate
Birth certificate
Bank account details
Income certificate
RCH ID (for antenatal care)
Passport-size photograph
Mobile number for communication
Apart from the state-funded benefits, eligible women will also receive support from the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandan Yojana (PMMVY), a central government initiative that provides additional financial aid during pregnancy and childbirth.
For further inquiries or assistance with the application process, applicants can contact the helpline at:
Phone: 044-22280920 / 9489048910
The Muthulakshmi Reddy Scheme is an important step in ensuring that pregnant women in Tamil Nadu receive the support they need during pregnancy. By offering both financial assistance and nutritional kits, the scheme aims to improve maternal health, reduce infant mortality, and empower women across the state during this crucial phase of life. Expecting mothers are encouraged to apply and take advantage of the benefits available to them through this initiative.