Empowering Women Beyond Money: Assessing The Impact Of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY 2.0) On Beneficiary Satisfaction

Abstract

Introduction:

Empowering women involves fostering the growth of their self-esteem, their capacity to make independent choices, and their ability to influence social change for themselves and others. Empowering women means offering them more autonomy and sovereignty over their lives (Nayak & Mahanta, 2015; Sharma, 2020). Enhancing women's status in politics, society, business, and health is intrinsically crucial. Moreover, it is essential to accomplishing equitable development (Priyadharshini et al., 2016). In India, the issue of women's empowerment is highly divisive. Nearly half of the population of the World is female, yet India has an uneven gender distribution, meaning there are comparatively fewer women than men (Rani, 2020). Nearly 67.7% of Indians are women and children, according to the 2011 census (Census, 2011). The necessity of women's empowerment is a widely recognized issue in a variety of economic sectors. Without the socioeconomic advancement of women, an economy is unable to endure for an extended period. According to several studies, women's financial security and the health and nutrition of their offspring are related (Grown et al., 2005). It is possible to enhance the general health and well-being of women by giving them access to vital health services including family planning, maternity care, and screenings for conditions like cervical cancer. In addition, educating women about their reproductive rights and health can assist them in making informed decisions regarding their bodies and obtaining the necessary care (Mitroi et al., 2016). At the end of the day, spending money on women's health supports not just the individuals but also their families, communities, and society itself.

Research Methodology

Research Design: A quantitative research approach with a descriptive research design was adopted in the study to quantify the impact of various variables affecting beneficiary satisfaction.

Research Settings: The study was conducted in Haryana, the six selected districts are Rohtak (226), Palwal (150), Karnal (138), Rewari (69), Ambala (61), and Panchkula (45). The reason for selecting this setting was that out of these six districts, Rohtak, Palwal, and Karnal have the highest Maternal Mortality rate (MMR) and rest three Rewari, Ambala, and Panchkula have the lowest MMR in Haryana as per 2018-20 data released by Registrar General of India.

Research Method and Tools: The study used a structured questionnaire consisting of nineteen questions, focusing on eight dimensions: awareness and knowledge, financial security, decision-making power, social mobility, empowerment, local support systems and perceptions, implementation challenges, and access to healthcare. The questionnaire was pilot-tested to ensure clarity and relevance. The data analysis was done using descriptive study, reliability analysis, and multiple regression to better understand eight selected aspects of beneficiary satisfaction with PMMVY.

Population: The target population of the study was the women of the age group (19-42 years) residing in six districts of Haryana. The study was conducted for the period October 2022 to March 2023, especially after PMMVY 2.0.

Sample and sampling technique: The sample consisted of 300 women selected by using the Purposive sampling technique. The method ensures that the sample enhances the relevance and reliability of findings based on the study objective.

Conclusion

The analysis reveals that the satisfaction of the beneficiaries is significantly influenced by factors such as the level of awareness and knowledge, financial security, decision-making power, social mobility, empowerment, local support systems and perceptions, implementation challenges, and access to healthcare