Discover the Kilkari Program, India’s free mobile service for mothers, eligibility, states, the ministry, online application, and helpline.
Key Takeaway
Kilkari is a free government mobile service that sends weekly audio messages on pregnancy and childcare to registered women, helping improve maternal and child health across 20+ states—no internet or smartphone needed.
Lets talk about the program in detail.
What is the Kilkari Program?
Kilkari is a mobile-based health education service. It delivers free, weekly audio messages about pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care—customized for pregnant women and new mothers. Messages start in the second trimester and continue until the child turns one.
They arrive via automated calls, so even families without smartphones or literacy can listen and learn.
Kilkari delivers weekly, time-appropriate audio messages about pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare via IVR to women registered in the RCH portal.
Why Was Kilkari Launched?
Kilkari was launched to address two major challenges:
- Limited access to accurate health information
- High maternal and infant mortality rates in rural communities
Key Features of Kilkari
- Weekly, pre-recorded audio messages via mobile calls
- Covers pregnancy care, newborn health, nutrition, and immunization
- Operates without internet—just a basic phone is enough
- Starts in the 2nd trimester and continues until child’s first birthday
- Voice of “Dr. Anita” is used to increase relatability
Kilkari Program Eligibility
Who Can Enroll in Kilkari?
- Pregnant women registered on the Reproductive Child Health (RCH) portal
- Mothers with infants under 12 months
- Must submit valid Last Menstrual Period (LMP) or child’s Date of Birth (DoB)
Documentation Required
- Basic identification and contact details
- LMP or child’s DoB
- Active mobile number linked with RCH portal
Kilkari Program for Girls
- In Bihar’s offline Kilkari educational centers, girls up to 15 years old are accepted
- This is different from the national Kilkari IVR health program
Where is the Kilkari Program Implemented?
List of Participating States/UTs
As of 2024, Kilkari is active in 20 states and union territories, including:
- Assam
- Bihar
- Chhattisgarh
- Chandigarh
- Delhi
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jharkhand
- Madhya Pradesh
- Odisha
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- West Bengal
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Tripura
- Andhra Pradesh
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
Recently Added States
On 7th February 2024, Kilkari launched in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Growth and Expansion
The program continues to grow under the Ministry’s commitment to achieving nationwide maternal health inclusion.
Which Ministry Runs Kilkari?
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, oversees the Kilkari program.
Technology and Infrastructure
- Uses Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology
- Integrated with RCH portal for accurate scheduling
- Centrally hosted to eliminate IT costs for states/UTs
Digital India Connection
Kilkari contributes directly to the Digital India goals for e-Health, making digital information inclusive and accessible.
How to Apply for the Kilkari Program Online
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit your local health center or contact your ASHA/ANM worker.
- Register on the RCH portal with LMP/DoB and your mobile number.
- Kilkari will automatically identify eligibility and start calls.
Note: Direct public online registration is not available yet.
Registration Timings and Fees (State-Specific)
For Bihar’s Kilkari Bal Bhawan:
- In-person registration:
- Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Documents: 2 photos, birth certificate, Rs. 10 fee
Note: These apply to Bihar’s local Kilkari program, not the national MoHFW one.
Common Application Issues
- Mobile number not linked in RCH portal
- Number on DND list—calls blocked
- Wrong LMP/DoB or incorrect region mapping
Kilkari Program Helpline Number & Support
How to Contact Customer Support
- Contact your nearest community health center
- For systemic issues, raise a request with the District Health Officer
- State-specific health portals may provide additional helplines
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Not receiving calls?
- Check phone functionality
- Remove DND settings
- Confirm registration with ASHA worker
Benefits of the Kilkari Program
Health & Social Impact
- Promotes timely antenatal checkups and hospital deliveries
- Boosts understanding of childcare, immunization, nutrition
- Reduces misinformation and superstition
- Scalable—reaches millions of women across India
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kilkari program available in all Indian states?
No, as of 2024, it covers 20 states and UTs.
Do I need internet or a smartphone for Kilkari?
No, only a basic mobile phone is required.
What language are the Kilkari calls in?
Localized languages, depending on your region.
Is Kilkari program free?
Yes—government-funded and free for all users.
Who is “Dr. Anita” in the Kilkari program?
A fictional doctor/narrator who delivers the voice messages to build trust.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Kilkari is more than a government scheme—it’s a lifeline. With one phone call a week, countless mothers gain life-saving pregnancy and childcare knowledge tailored just for them. If you are an expecting mother or new parent in a covered state, talk to your local health worker today and join the Kilkari revolution.
Don’t miss your first caring call—register now!
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