Maternal health and infant mortality remain critical markers of public health in India. Recognising the need for systematic tracking, support, and intervention, the Tamil Nadu government implemented PICME — the Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring & Evaluation scheme. Providing monitoring from early pregnancy through to the child’s infancy, offering financial support, and linking with health services, it plays a vital role in reducing both Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR).
This article explains why it matters, how it works, who benefits, what obligations there are, how to register, and some outcomes to date.
Information Table For PICME
| Full Form | Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring & Evaluation |
| Implemented By | Government of Tamil Nadu – Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine |
| Official Website | https://picme.tn.gov.in |
| Purpose | Track and support pregnant women and infants to reduce maternal and infant mortality |
| Target Beneficiaries | All pregnant women residing in Tamil Nadu |
| Key ID Issued | RCH ID (12-digit Reproductive and Child Health ID) |
| Linked Scheme | Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme |
| Financial Benefit Amount | ₹18,000 (in phased instalments) |
What is Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring & Evaluation?
It stands for Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation. It is an online health tracking system launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu to register, monitor, and support pregnant women from the early stages of pregnancy through childbirth and into the infant’s first year.
Key Goals Of the PICME Programme
- Track every pregnant woman in the state
- Ensure regular health check-ups (antenatal care)
- Promote safe institutional deliveries
- Monitor the health and vaccinations of infants
- It helps to reduce Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
- Provide financial assistance to the mothers. (e.g. under the Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme)
- For agriculture-related schemes, admissions, and updates in Tamil Nadu, you can also visit the TNAU Agri Portal for detailed information.
Who is Eligible For the PICME Programme
Here are the eligibility criteria given for the scheme:
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
- Applicant must be pregnant at the time of registration.
- There is no age limit, but typically, 18 years and above is expected.
- Applicable for all pregnancies, including first-time and multiple-time mothers.
Step-by-Step Guide for Online PICME Registration
Step 1: Visit the official picme tn gov in.
Step 2: Now navigate to Pre Registration by the public option available on the homepage.
Step 3: Now, a registration form will appear on your screen. Fill out the form and click on the submit button.
Step 4: After submitting the form, you will receive a pre-registration ID. Your VHN/UHN will contact you, verify your pregnancy, and generate a 12-digit RCH ID (Reproductive and Child Health ID).
Note: This RCH ID is essential to track your health records and to apply for the ₹18,000+ maternity benefit under the Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy Scheme.
Also Read: Bhoomi Online
Steps To Register Offline in PICME
- Visit your nearest Primary Health Centre (PHC), Village Health Nurse (VHN), or Urban Health Nurse (UHN).
- Inform the nurse that you wish to register under the portal.
- Provide your personal and pregnancy details to the nurse.
- Now submit the required documents.
- The VHN/UHN will enter your details into the portal on your behalf.
- You will receive a pre-registration number immediately or via SMS.
- After verification, you will be issued a 12-digit RCH ID (Reproductive and Child Health ID).
- The nurse will guide you through:
- Antenatal check-up schedule
- Eligibility for Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme
- Dates to receive Amma nutrition kits
- Child vaccination follow-ups
- Keep your number and RCH ID safe — they are needed for tracking benefits and issuing the birth certificate later.
PICME Login Procedure
Here is the PICME 3.0 login procedure:
- Visit the official picme 3.0 tn gov in login
- Click on the Login option on the homepage and picme login 3.0 login.
- Enter your User ID (usually RCH ID or Health Worker ID)
- Enter your Password and the Captcha code displayed
- Click the Login or Submit button to access your dashboard
- If you forgot your password, use the Forgot Password option to reset it
- Ensure your internet connection is stable and your browser is up to date
- If the site is down or login fails, try again later or contact your local health nurse or support centre
- Health workers mainly use PICME 3.0; pregnant women may only need pre-registration or status tracking
- For registration tracking, use the “Pre-registration by Public” link on the homepage to check status with your Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring & Evaluation number or RCH ID.
Benefits Of PICME (Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring & Evaluation)
Health Monitoring & Maternal Care
- Early registration of pregnancy ensures regular check-ups and timely care of the mother.
- Tracking of high-risk pregnancies by health workers (e.g. anaemia, hypertension, gestational diabetes).
- It ensures that mothers receive at least four antenatal care visits.
- Promotes safe institutional deliveries in government hospitals.
- Monitors post-pregnancy care and infant vaccinations for the better health of mother and baby.
Financial Assistance Under the Scheme
| Component | Amount (₹) | Remarks |
| 1st Instalment (Cash) | ₹4,000 | Given during the 4th month of pregnancy |
| 2nd Instalment (Cash) | ₹4,000 | Given after delivery in a recognised hospital |
| 3rd Instalment (Cash) | ₹6,000 | Given four months after delivery |
| 4th Payment (Cash) | ₹2,000 | Given nine months after delivery, after the MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccination |
| Amma Nutrition Kits | ₹4,000 (₹2,000 x 2) | One in the 3rd month, another in the 6th or later month |
| Total Value of Benefits | ₹20,000 | Includes ₹16,000 cash + ₹4,000 in-kind (nutrition kits) |
FAQs
To apply for a number online, visit click on “Pre-Registration by Public,” and fill in your details, including name, address, and mobile number. After submitting the form, you will receive a number via SMS, and a health nurse will contact you to issue your RCH ID.
Visit & click on Pre-registration Application ID Status on the homepage. Enter your Pre-registration ID and the captcha code, then click “Submit” to view your application status.
PICME Number is a temporary ID received after registration on the portal, used to track your application before verification. RCH ID is a 12-digit permanent ID issued after verification by a health nurse, used for accessing maternity benefits, health services, and getting a birth certificate.


