The Ministry of Women and Child Development is committed to nurturing a society where women and children are empowered, protected, and given equal opportunities to thrive. Through various welfare schemes, policies, and initiatives, it addresses issues related to women’s empowerment, child protection, and gender equality. Stay informed about government programs aimed at promoting the health, education, and socio-economic well-being of women and children across India. From ensuring access to education and healthcare to preventing child labor and violence against women, the ministry works tirelessly to create a safer and more equitable society for all. Join hands with the Ministry of Women and Child Development to champion the rights and dignity of every woman and child in the nation.
Poshan Vatikas or Nutri-gardens
- Poshan Vatikas or Nutri-gardens are initiatives being established across the country with the aim of providing easy and affordable access to fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, and herbs. Here’s more about them:
- What is a Nutri-garden?
- A Nutri garden is an advanced form of a kitchen garden where fruits and vegetables are grown not only as a source of food but also for income generation.
- These gardens play a crucial role in providing the right kind of nourishment.
- Under POSHAN Abhiyaan:
- Poshan Vatikas or Nutri-gardens are established as part of the POSHAN Abhiyaan.
- They are designed to offer convenient and cost-effective access to locally produced fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, and herbs, particularly for women and children, directly from a Nutri garden located at or near an Anganwadi Centre.
- Benefits:
- Enhancing Dietary Diversity: Poshan Vatikas contribute to dietary diversity by providing essential micronutrients through locally grown fruits and vegetables.
- Promoting Self-Reliance: They reduce dependency on external sources and empower communities to take charge of their nutritional security.
- About POSHAN Abhiyaan:
- Launched in 2018, POSHAN Abhiyaan is a nationwide initiative with the objective of improving nutritional outcomes for children, adolescents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
- It’s a part of Mission Poshan 2.0, which aims to address malnutrition challenges through strategic shifts in nutrition content and delivery, creating a convergent ecosystem for promoting practices that foster health, wellness, and immunity.
- Poshan Maah:
- “Poshan Maah” is celebrated in September and involves community mobilization and Jan Andolan for activities like setting up Nutri-gardens or retrofitting Poshan Vatikas with backyard poultry or fishery units at Anganwadi centres.
- Nodal Ministry:
- The initiative is under the purview of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- These Nutri-gardens serve as an important intervention in promoting a diverse and nutritious diet, especially for vulnerable groups like women and children, contributing to their overall health and well-being.
Mission Vatsalya Scheme
- The Mission Vatsalya Scheme is a comprehensive initiative designed to address child development and protection priorities, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here are the key aspects of this scheme:
- Aim and Emphasis: The scheme focuses on promoting child rights, advocacy, awareness, and strengthening the juvenile justice care and protection system, with the overarching goal of ensuring that no child is left behind.
- Legal Framework: The scheme is guided by the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. These laws form the foundation for the implementation of the Mission.
- Funding and Implementation: Funds under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme are allocated based on the requirements and requests made by the States and Union Territories (UTs).
- The scheme is executed as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, with the active involvement of State Governments and UT Administrations.
- Fund Sharing Pattern: The funding arrangement is in the ratio of 60:40 between the Central Government and State/Union Territories with the Legislature.
- In specific cases, such as the North Eastern States, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and UT of Jammu and Kashmir, the sharing ratio is different, with a higher share from the Central Government.
- Non-Institutional Care under Private Aided Sponsorship: This aspect of the scheme involves the provision of support to children in difficult circumstances through non-institutional care, facilitated by interested sponsors. These sponsors can be individuals, institutions, companies, banks, industrial units, trusts, etc.
- Role of District Magistrates: District Magistrates play a vital role in encouraging and facilitating individuals and public/private sector organizations to sponsor a child, a group of children, or an institution.
- The Mission Vatsalya Scheme represents a significant step towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of children, providing them with the necessary support and protection, and fostering a nurturing environment for their overall development.
FAQs
Q. What is the role of the Ministry of Women and Child Development?
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is tasked with formulating and implementing policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare, rights, and empowerment of women and children in India. It addresses various issues related to women and child development, including education, health, nutrition, protection, and gender equality.
Q. What are the key objectives of the Ministry of Women and Child Development?
The Ministry of Women and Child Development works towards ensuring the holistic development and well-being of women and children by promoting their rights, dignity, and equality. Its objectives include enhancing access to education, healthcare, and nutrition for women and children, preventing gender-based violence and exploitation, promoting gender mainstreaming in policies and programs, and empowering women economically and socially.
Q. What initiatives has the Ministry of Women and Child Development undertaken to address issues of women’s empowerment?
The Ministry implements various initiatives and schemes to empower women economically, socially, and politically. These include Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child), Mahila Shakti Kendra, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and the National Mission for Empowerment of Women. These initiatives focus on promoting education, healthcare, skill development, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities for women.
Q. How does the Ministry of Women and Child Development work to ensure the protection and welfare of children?
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is committed to ensuring the protection, welfare, and rights of children through various initiatives and schemes. These include Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan), Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and Childline 1098 helpline. These initiatives aim to address issues such as malnutrition, child labor, child marriage, trafficking, and abuse.
Q. How does the Ministry of Women and Child Development collaborate with other stakeholders to achieve its objectives?
The Ministry of Women and Child Development collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, academia, and international partners, to design and implement programs and policies for women and child development. It fosters partnerships for advocacy, capacity-building, research, and resource mobilization to address the diverse needs and challenges faced by women and children in India.
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