Background: Janani Suraksha Yojana, a maternity-benefit scheme launched by GOI (Government of India) in April 2005 under the National Health Mission aims to lessen maternal and neonatal deaths by promoting institutional birth among underprivileged pregnant women.

Objective: The current research aimed to assess pregnant and post-partum women’s awareness about JSY scheme and to examine how the various components of the scheme were utilized by them.

Methodology: The study followed a cross- sectional approach to collect data through in-person interviews after obtaining informed consent, using a pre-tested predesigned questionnaire. Women who were pregnant or delivered baby after the implementation of JSY were included in the study. Out of the total 85 women interviewed, it was seen that more than half of the women (63.5%) had heard about the JSY programme and their source of information was from ANMs/AWWs (35.8%) followed by radio/T.V. (30.6%). Less than half of the respondents (35.3%) were unaware about cash incentives offered to pregnant women in rural areas. The study also revealed that a high correlation exists between family income and respondent’s awareness about the JSY scheme.

Conclusion: It was concluded from the findings that there is a dire need to improve the awareness about the utilization of JSY scheme among the urban population. Efforts should be enhanced to educate the Health staff, Anganwadi workers and ASHA about the scheme as they are the agents of delivery and social change.

Ritu K Sureka is assistant professor at the department of family and bommunity sciences, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj with a specialization in human development and family studies. Prior to joining Allahabad University she worked in various national and international research projects at the GB Pant Social Science Institute, Prayagraj on Dalit and marginalised communities, Bidesia and migration issues. She completed her PhD on the topic “Combating Domestic Violence against Dalit Women of Prayagraj district: An interventional approach”. A dedicated academician and researcher spanning a period of over fifteen years she has a strong passion for understanding human development across the life span. Her niche areas of research include child development, family relationships, maternal nutrition and postpartum depression among women in addition to working on geriatric population. Her research has been published in reputed national and international journals on varied topics. She is actively involved in mentoring students and promoting academic excellence with a focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real world problems.