Which one of the following is the main objective of Janani Suraksha Yojana?

1. A

   Reduction in maternal mortality rate only

   Option (a) claims the scheme focuses exclusively on reducing the maternal mortality rate. This is incorrect because the initiative encompasses more than just maternal health.

2. B

   Reduction in neo-natal mortality rate only

   Option (b) claims the objective is restricted solely to the reduction of the neo-natal mortality rate. This ignores the equally vital maternal health component addressed by the program.

3. C

   Reduction in infant mortality rate only

   Option (c) claims the target is limited only to lowering the infant mortality rate. While infant health is connected, the primary scope defined for this intervention is broader.

4. D

   Reduction in maternal and neo-natal mortality rate

   Option (d) claims the main objective is the reduction in maternal and neo-natal mortality rate. This is the correct option because Janani Suraksha Yojana was launched as a safe motherhood intervention under the National Rural Health Mission with the explicit objective of reducing maternal and neo-natal mortality through institutional deliveries.

Summary. Official key is (d) Reduction in maternal and neo-natal mortality rate. Janani Suraksha Yojana is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented to promote institutional delivery among pregnant women. By encouraging hospital births attended by skilled birth attendants, the program directly targets the reduction of both maternal and neo-natal deaths. Options (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect because they restrict the objective to only one of the components rather than recognizing the dual focus mandated by the scheme guidelines.