Abstract
Maternal health inequities in India remain a pressing concern, particularly in Bihar, where socio-economic and geographical disparities affect access to maternity benefit schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). This study investigates how income, education, caste, and rural–urban location influence enrollment and utilization of maternity benefits. A total of 100 respondents were selected through stratified sampling from two rural high-performing districts (Rohtas, Muzaffarpur) and two urban low-performing districts (Patna, Vaishali). Data was collected using structured surveys and in-depth interviews with frontline health workers. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and multiple regression, revealed that higher income (p<0.001) and education (p=0.032) significantly increase scheme access, while marginalized groups—Scheduled Castes and Muslims—exhibit lower enrollment rates (60% and 55%, respectively). Rural areas showed better access (70%) compared to urban slums (50%) due to effective community mobilization, despite infrastructural limitations. The findings highlight persistent socio- economic and geographical inequities in maternity benefit utilization, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions that enhance awareness, reduce financial barriers, and ensure equitable access for marginalized populations.
Keywords: JSY, Maternal Health Inequity, PMMVY, Rural–Urban Access.