Study on the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) in Tumkur District, Karnataka

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a safe motherhood intervention under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) being implemented with the objective of reducing maternal and neo-natal mortality by promoting institutional delivery among the poor pregnant women. The Yojana, launched on 12th April 2005, by the Hon'ble Prime Minister, is being implemented in all states and UTs with special focus on low performing states. JSY is a 100 per cent centrally sponsored scheme and it integrates cash assistance with delivery and post-delivery care. The success of the scheme would be determined by the increase in institutional delivery among the poor families. The Yojana has identified ASHA, the accredited social health activist as an effective link between the Government and the poor pregnant women. The study has clearly shown that Institutional deliveries increasing by JSY by covering majority (91.02%) of the eligible pregnant women and reducing maternal and neo-natal mortality rate. Majority (>71%) of the JSY beneficiaries were happy with the ASHA motivation to JSY and attitude, whereas, 36 per cent JSY beneficiaries were unhappy with Health Staff attitude. Majority (>62%) of the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) beneficiaries were not happy with the Hygiene, Cleanness, Health services and after care in Government health centres.