Government SCHEMES /PROGRAMMES FOR EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

The Ministry of Women and Child Development implements schemes to empower women and integrate them into all sectors. Details are below:

Empowering Women: Key Initiatives by the Ministry of Women and Child Development 

One Stop Centre and Universalization of Women Helplines

One Stop Centre and Women Helplines are funded by the Nirbhaya Fund. One Stop Centres, called Sakhi Centres, offer integrated services for women facing violence. Services include police assistance, medical aid, legal support, counselling, and temporary shelter. Women Helplines provide 24/7 emergency and non-emergency support. They link women to police, hospitals, and legal services. Women can dial 181 for assistance. Rescue vans and counselling are also available. Information about welfare schemes is provided.

Swadhar Greh Scheme

The Swadhar Greh Scheme supports women in difficult circumstances. It offers institutional rehabilitation to help them live with dignity.

Ujjawala Scheme

The Ujjawala Scheme prevents trafficking. It rescues, rehabilitates, and reintegrates victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

Working Women Hostel

Working Women Hostels provide safe accommodation. Daycare facilities for children are available where possible. These hostels are located in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas with job opportunities for women.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) was launched on January 22, 2015. It addresses the declining Child Sex Ratio and empowers girls and women. The scheme ensures the survival, protection, and education of girls. It also prevents gender-biased sex selection.

Mahila Shakti Kendra

Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) was approved in November 2017. It empowers rural women through community participation. The scheme promotes convergence of programs for women. It is implemented by State Governments and UT Administrations. Funding is shared 60:40 between the Centre and States, except in North East and Special Category States, where it is 90:10. Union Territories receive 100% central funding.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a cash transfer scheme. It provides maternity benefits to pregnant and lactating women. Exclusions apply to those in government jobs or receiving similar benefits. Eligible women receive Rs. 5,000 in three installments. Additional benefits under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) bring the total to Rs. 6,000.

Mission Shakti

Recently, the Ministry launched Mission Shakti. This umbrella scheme strengthens women’s safety, security, and empowerment. It promotes women-led development by addressing life-cycle issues. The scheme ensures convergence across ministries and governance levels. It involves Panchayats, local bodies, and public participation. Digital infrastructure is enhanced for better service delivery tracking.