Goa Khabar : Women and child welfare remain central to the progress of any society, and in Goa, targeted programmes and welfare initiatives are steadily strengthening support systems for mothers, children, and families across the state. Through a mix of financial assistance schemes, nutrition programmes, and early childhood education initiatives, the Goa Government has been working to ensure that women and children receive the care, support, and opportunities they deserve.
One of the key initiatives supporting maternal welfare is the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), under which more than 34,000 mothers in Goa have received financial assistance through direct benefit transfers. The scheme aims to provide income support during pregnancy and after childbirth, helping mothers prioritise their health and nutrition during this crucial phase.
Complementing this is the Mamta Scheme, which has benefited crores of mothers over the years by encouraging institutional deliveries and promoting the welfare of the girl child. Through the combined benefits of these programmes, families can receive maternity assistance of up to ₹16,000, providing vital support during the early stages of parenthood.
Early childhood care is another important pillar of the state’s development efforts. Across Goa, 125 Anganwadi centres have been digitised, enabling better monitoring, record-keeping, and delivery of services. These centres play a vital role in early childhood education, nutrition support, and overall development for young children.
The Anganwadi ecosystem is also evolving to provide more holistic learning experiences. Programmes now include nutrition education, yoga sessions, and kitchen garden initiatives, helping children and mothers understand the importance of healthy lifestyles while also promoting sustainable food practices within communities.
Women and child welfare programmes also work closely with Goa’s broader public health initiatives, which are increasingly focused on accessibility, preventive care, and technology-driven systems. The state has achieved 100% family coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, ensuring financial protection for families seeking medical treatment. In addition, more than 8 lakh Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) digital health IDs have been created, allowing patients to maintain digital medical records and enabling smoother coordination between healthcare providers.
Emergency services have also been strengthened through the 108 Emergency Response Service, which now operates 103 ambulances across the state, including cardiac, neonatal, and bike ambulances, ensuring quicker response times during medical emergencies.
These initiatives reflect a broader vision of citizen-centric healthcare and welfare. Speaking about expanding healthcare services across the state, Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has emphasised that the government is working to ensure “access to quality healthcare services” for citizens through initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana awareness drives and wider outreach programmes.
His emphasis on strengthening healthcare systems while expanding support for mothers and children highlights the state’s integrated approach to social welfare. By combining financial assistance, healthcare access, nutrition awareness, and early education programmes, Goa continues to build a support structure that empowers families and nurtures the next generation.
As the state moves forward, these initiatives demonstrate how focused policies and community-based programmes can play a crucial role in creating a healthier, more supportive environment for women and children, laying the foundation for a stronger and more inclusive society.
