New Delhi, Oct 24 (NationPress) The Ministry of Women and Child Development announced a revised toll-free helpline number for the POSHAN and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) on Friday.

The updated number aims to enhance ease of remembrance and access to support services for citizens.

According to the Ministry, the new helpline number 1515 will be operational starting November 1, replacing the previous number 14408.

This modification is designed to facilitate easier recall and improve accessibility for beneficiaries seeking help under the POSHAN and PMMVY initiatives.

The Ministry acknowledged that as the integration occurs, users may encounter a brief transition phase.

During this period, if callers find it challenging to reach the new number 1515, they are encouraged to continue using the old number 14408.

The POSHAN Abhiyaan was initiated in 2018 to tackle the escalating issue of malnutrition among pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children.

Significantly, the Poshan Maah initiative, a component of the POSHAN Abhiyaan, has made substantial progress in combating malnutrition in India. It has been instrumental in fostering a healthier, stronger nation through improved nutrition and reducing stunting rates among children.

Conversely, the PMMVY scheme, which began in 2010 and was rebranded in 2017, provides financial support to promote nutritious diets and enhance health-seeking behaviors among pregnant women and nursing mothers, while also encouraging positive attitudes toward the girl child.

The PMMVY delivers cash incentives as partial compensation for wage loss, allowing mothers to rest before and after the birth of their first child.

This centrally sponsored initiative falls under the Mission Shakti sub-scheme 'Samarthya', providing direct financial assistance via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method.

Under PMMVY, a cash incentive of Rs 5,000 is granted in two installments for the first child, while Rs 6,000 is given in one installment post-birth for the second girl child.

The Ministry emphasized its commitment to ensuring seamless communication and uninterrupted support for all beneficiaries nationwide, stating that the new helplines will continue to act as a singular point of contact for inquiries, information, and assistance related to POSHAN and PMMVY.