THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SIXTH REPORT Demands for Grants 2021-22 of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (Presented to the Rajya Sabha on16 th March, 2021) (Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on16 th March, 2021) PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, WOMEN, CHILDREN, YOUTH AND SPORTS Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi March, 2021 /Phalguna, 1942 (Saka) REPORT NO. 326
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THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SIXTH
REPORT
Demands for Grants 2021-22 of the
Ministry of Women and Child Development
(Presented to the Rajya Sabha on16th March, 2021)
(Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on16th March, 2021)
PARLIAMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE
ON EDUCATION, WOMEN, CHILDREN, YOUTH AND SPORTS
Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi
March, 2021 /Phalguna, 1942 (Saka)
REPORT NO.
326
PARLIAMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE
ON EDUCATION, WOMEN, CHILDREN, YOUTH AND SPORTS
THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SIXTH REPORT
Demands for Grants 2021-22 of the
Ministry of Women and Child Development
(Presented to the Rajya Sabha on16th March, 2021)
(Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on16th March, 2021)
Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi
March, 2021 /Phalguna, 1942 (Saka)
Hindi version of this publication is also available
C O N T E N T S
PAGES
1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE …........................................................... (i)-(ii)
2. INTRODUCTION. ........................................................................................................... (iii)-(v)
3. ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................. (vi)-(vii)
4. REPORT
CHAPTER I OVERVIEW OF THE MINISTRY 1-6
CHAPTER II OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF THE DEMANDS FOR 7-11 GRANTS OF THE MINISTRY
CHAPTER III SCHEMES/POLICIES OF THE MINISTRY 12-19
Saksham Anganwadi
Suposhit Bharat
Legislation for curbing trafficking of women and
children
Safety of women
Missing Children
Implementation of laws relating to child marriage and
child labour
Vacancy position in the Ministry and organisations
under its ambit
Prevention of Sexual Harassment in Corporate World
Rescue and Rehabilitation of Children
NIPCCD to take consultancy and impact assessment
study
Interface of Universities with NCW, NCPCR AND
NIPCCD
Issue of Pornography on social media and its effect o
children
Simplifying the procedure under Juvenile Justice (Care
and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
Closure of Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), Central
Social Welfare Board (CSWB) and Rashtriya Mahila
Kosh (RMK) 5. OBSERVATIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE - AT A GLANCE 20-23
6. MINUTES…........................................................................................... …............. 24-30
COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE
(Constituted w.e.f. 13th September, 2020)
1. Dr. Vinay P. Sahasrabuddhe - Chairman
RAJYA SABHA
2. Ms. Arpita Ghosh
3. Shri. Bhubaneswar Kalita
4. Shri Vishambhar Prasad Nishad
5. Dr. Sasmit Patra
6. Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
7. Shri Gopal Narayan Singh
8. Shri Akhilesh Prasad Singh
9. Dr. M. Thambidurai
10. Shri G.K. Vasan
LOK SABHA
11. Shri Rajendra Agrawal
12. Shri D. M Kathir Anand
13. Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen
14. Shri Santokh Singh Chaudhary
15. Shri Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu
16. * Shri Rajveer Singh (Raju Bhaiya)
17. Shri Sangamlal Kadedin Gupta
18. Shri Sadashiv Kisan Lokhande
19. Dr. Jaisiddeshwar Shivacharya Mahaswamiji
20. Shri Asit Kumar Mal
21 Shri Anubhav Mohanty
22. Shri Balak Nath 23. Shri Chandeshwar Prasad
24. Shri T. N. Prathapan
25. Shri Ratansinh Magansinh Rathod
26. Shri Jagannath Sarkar
27. Shri Vishnu Dutt Sharma
28. Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma
29. Shri Dharambir Singh
30. Shri S. Venkatesan
31. Shri Ashok Kumar Yadav
* Nominated w.e.f. 30.12.2020
(i)
SECRETARIAT
Dr. Shikha Darbari, Joint Secretary and Financial Advisor
Shri Ashok Kumar Sahoo, Director
Ms. Chitra G., Deputy Secretary
Shri K. Sudhir Kumar, Deputy Director
Shri Mohit Misra, Committee Officer
Smt. Suman Khurana, Committee Officer
Smt. Reyana Lourembam, Assistant Committee Officer
(ii)
INTRODUCTION
I, the Chairman of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, having been authorized by the
Committee to submit the Report on its behalf, do hereby present this Three Hundred and
Twenty-sixth Report on the Demands for Grants (2021-22) pertaining to the Ministry of
Women and Child Development.
2. Consequent upon the re-naming of the Ministry of Human Resource Development
as the Ministry of Education by amending the Government of India (Allocation of
Business) Rules, 1961 vide the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Three
Hundred and Fifty Sixth Amendment Rules, 2020, as notified in the Gazette of India
dated 17th August, 2020, the name of the Committee was revised from the Committee on
Human Resource Development to Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth
and Sports w.e.f. 8th October, 2020 by making amendments in the Third Schedule to the
Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) by
the Chairman, Rajya Sabha in consultation with the Speaker, Lok Sabha in accordance
with the proviso to sub-rule (2) of Rule 268 of the ibid Rules. This was notified in the
Rajya Sabha Parliamentary Bulletin Part-II No 60287 dated 6th November, 2020.
3. In accordance with the constitutional requirement under Article 113, the estimated
expenditure of the Ministries/Departments of the Government of India projected under
various Demands for Grants for the upcoming financial year needs to be voted by
Parliament. As a sequel thereto, Demands for Grants of the relevant
Ministries/Departments stand referred to concerned Department-related Parliamentary
Standing Committee to make a close scrutiny thereof under Rule 270 of rules of
Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States. While making scrutiny of
the Demands for Grants, the Committee has made an appraisal of the performance,
programmes, schemes and policies of the Ministry of Women and Child Development
vis-a-vis expenditure made out of Consolidated Fund of India in the current Financial
Year.
4. The Budget allocations of the Ministry of Women and Child Development have
been sought under Demand No. 100. In this Report, a scrutiny of Demand No. 100
pertaining to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, for the Financial Year
2021-22, has been made by the Committee.
(iii)
5. The Report has been divided into four Chapters – Chapter I provides an Overview
of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Chapter II makes an Overall
Assessment of the Demands for Grants of the Ministry and Chapter III makes an
appraisal of the various Schemes/Policies being implemented by the Ministry.
6. During the course of examination of the Demands, the Committee heard the views
of the Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development; Chairperson, National
Commission for Women; Chairman, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
and the representatives of National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child
Development and Central Adoption Resource Authority in its sitting held on 23rd
February, 2021.
7. The Committee, while making its observations/recommendations, has mainly
relied upon the following:-
(i) Budget Speech of the Finance Minister on 1st February, 2021;
(ii) Detailed Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Women and Child
Development for the year 2021-22;
(iii) Detailed Explanatory Notes on the Demands for Grants (2021-22) received
from the Ministry and the agencies/organizations of Ministry of Women
and Child Development;
(iv) Output Outcome Framework 2021-22, Ministry of Women and Child
Development;
(v) Annual Report of the Ministry of Women and Child Development for the
year 2020-21, and the latest available Annual Reports of the
agencies/organizations of the Ministry;
(vi) Presentation made by the Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child
Development;
(vii) Presentations made by the heads/representatives of organizations/agencies,
namely, National Commission for Women (NCW), National Commission
for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), National Institute of Public
Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) and Central Social
Resource Authority (CARA) under the Administrative Control of the
Ministry of Women and Child Development;
(viii) Written replies furnished by the Ministry of Women and Child
Development on the Questionnaires (Issues and Schemes & Budgetary
Allocations) prepared by the Secretariat;
(iv)
(ix) Written clarification furnished by the Ministry of Women and Child
Development to the points/issues raised by Members in the meeting of the
Committee; and
(x) Crime in India (2019)
8. The Report is based on facts, figures and submission (both oral and written)
tendered by Ministry of Women and Child Development and Organisations under the
Ministry, to the Committee.
9. The Committee wishes to express its thanks to the Secretary and officers of the
Ministry of Women and Child Development as well as Heads/Officers of the
organizations/agencies under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women and
Child Development for appearing before the Committee and furnishing the requisite
information in connection with the examination of Demands for Grants of the Ministry.
10. The Committee considered and adopted the Report at its sitting held on 15th
March, 2021.
11. For the facility of reference and convenience, the observations and
recommendations of the Committee have been printed in bold letters in the body of the
Report.
NEW DELHI
15th March, 2021
Phalguna 24 ,1942 (Saka )
Dr. Vinay P. Sahasrabuddhe
Chairman
Department-related Parliamentary
Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports
(v)
ACRONYMS
AWC Anganwadi Centre
AWH Anganwadi Helper
AWW Anganwadi Worker
BBBP Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
BE Budget Estimates
CARA Central Adoption Resource Authority
CCI Child Care Institution
CPS Child Protection Services
CSWB Central Social Welfare Board
CWC Child Welfare Committee
DBT Direct Benefit Transfer
DCPU District Child Protection Unit
DLCW District Level Centre for Women
ECCE Early Childhood Care and Education
EFC Expenditure Finance Committee
EWRs Elected Women Representatives
FNB Food and Nutrition Board
IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
ICDS Integrated Child Development Services
JJB Juvenile Justice Board
MHA Ministry of Home Affairs
MoU Memorandum of Understanding
MPV Mahila Police Volunteer
MWCD Ministry of Women and Child Development
NCPCR National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
NCW National Commission for Women
NEP National Education Policy
NHFS National Family Health Survey
NIPCCD National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development
OSC One Stop Centre
(vi)
PAB Project Approval Board
PMMVY Pradhan Mantri MatruVandana Yojana
PW&LM Pregnant Women and Lactating Mother
RE Revised Estimates
RMK Rashtriya Mahila Kosh
SAG Scheme for Adolescent Girls
SCPCR State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights
SoE Statement of Expenditure
SRCW State Resource Centre for Women
UC Utilization Certificate
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
UT Union Territories
VO Voluntary Organization
WHL Women Helpline
(vii)
1
CHAPTER – I
OVERVIEW OF THE MINISTRY
1.0. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is responsible for holistic
development/socio-economic empowerment of women and children and to formulate plans,
policies and programs, enact/amend legislations, guide and coordinate the efforts of both
governmental and non-governmental organizations. The Ministry was upgraded from the
Department of Women and Child Development with effect from 30th January, 2006. The
Ministry is concerned, amongst others, gender equality, empowerment of women, nutrition of
women and children, pre-primary education, adoption and juvenile justice.
The Ministry is the nodal Ministry for the following legislations:-
i) The Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles & Infant Foods (Regulation
of Production, Supply & Distribution) Act, 1992
ii) The Women‟s & Children‟s Institutions (Licensing) Act, 1956
iii) The Orphanages & other Charitable Homes (Supervision & Control) Act,
1960
iv) The Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005
v) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012
vi) The Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015
vii) The National Commission for Women Act, 1990
viii) The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
ix) The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
x) The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
xi) The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1986
xii) The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
xiii) The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
xiv) The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition
& Redressal) Act, 2013
Organisations under the aegis of the Ministry
The following bodies are associated to implement mission, mandate and vision of the Ministry:-
i. National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development
(NIPCCD)
ii. Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)
iii. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
iv. National Commission for Women (NCW)
v. Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB)
vi. Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK)
2
A. National Commission for Women (NCW)
In pursuance of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, the National Commission for
Women (NCW) was constituted on 31st January, 1992 as a statutory body to safeguard and
promote the rights and interests of women. The Commission has been mandated to investigate
and examine the legal safeguards provided to women under the Constitution and other laws and
recommends to the Government, the measures for their effective implementation. The
Commission is also mandated to review the existing provisions of the Constitution and other laws
affecting women and recommend amendments to meet any lacunae, inadequacies or
shortcomings in such laws; to look into complaints and take suo-moto notice on matters relating
to deprivation of women‟s rights, etc. and take up issues with appropriate authorities; take up
research studies on issues of relevance to women, Gender Sensitisation for Police Officers;
participate and advise in the planning process for socio-economic development of women;
evaluate socio-economic progress, inspect jails, remand homes, etc. where women are kept under
custody and seek remedial action wherever necessary.
B. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), a statutory body, was set up
in March, 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005. The
Commission‟s mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programmes and administrative
mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution
of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The functions of the
Commission are to study and monitor all matters relating to constitutional and legal rights of
children; to examine and review the safeguards provided by any law for the protection of child
rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation in the best interest of the
child; to review the existing laws and suggest amendments therein, if considered necessary; to
look into complaints of take suo-motu notice of the cases involving the violation of constitutional
and legal rights of the children and to monitor implementation of laws and programmes relating
to the survival, welfare and development of children.
As on 15th July, 2020, 7275 Child Care Institutions are reported to be registered under the JJ Act
by States/UTs. Out of these, 2178 Child Care Institutions have been supported under Child
Protection Services so far in all States and UTs with 76591 children residing in these homes as
on 31st January, 2021. The existing facilities have been created to cater 88085 children in these
homes against which 76591 children are housed as reported by States/UTs during FY 2020-21.
C. Central Adoption Research Authority (CARA)
Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), earlier an autonomous agency, became a
statutory body of the Government of India under the provisions of Section 68 of the Juvenile
Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, w.e.f. 15th January, 2016. It functions at the
National level, under the aegis of Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), as the
3
nodal body for promoting and regulating adoption of Indian children. As per the provisions of
Section 68 of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, CARA has been
mandated to undertake the promotion of in-country adoptions and to facilitate inter-state
adoptions in coordination with State Agencies; regulating inter-country adoptions; framing
regulations on adoption and related matters from time to time, as may be necessary; and carrying
out the functions of the Central Authority under the Hague Convention on Protection of Children
and Cooperation in respect of inter-country adoption.
D. National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development
National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development, is an autonomous organisation
devoted to promotion of voluntary action and research, training and documentation in the
overall domain of women and child development. The objectives of the Institute are to: develop
and promote voluntary action in social development; take a comprehensive view of child
development and to promote and develop relevant need-based programmes in pursuance of the
National Policy for Children; National Policy for Empowerment of Women and other related
policies affecting women and children; develop measures for coordination between
governmental and voluntary action in social development; evolve framework and perspective
for organising programmes related to women and children through governmental and voluntary
efforts; and establish liaison with international and regional agencies, research institutions,
universities and technical bodies engaged in activities similar to those of the Institute.
E. Food and Nutrition Board (FNB)
The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) was set up in 1964 under the Ministry of Agriculture
(Department of Food) and was transferred to the Ministry of Women and Child Development in
1993 with all powers of a Central Government Department. Food and Nutrition Board is a
technical wing of the Ministry with a countrywide set-up at the Centre having four Regional
Offices and four Quality Control Laboratories located at Faridabad, Mumbai, Kolkata and
Chennai with 43 Community Food and Nutrition Extension Units (CFNEUs) located in 30
States/UTs.
F. Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB)
The Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) was set up by a Resolution of Government of India
on 12th August, 1953 with the objective of promoting social welfare activities and implementing
welfare programmes for women and children through voluntary organizations. The Board
was registered as a Charitable Company in 1969 under the Companies Act, 1956 (now under
Companies Act, 2013). During the year 1954, the State Social Welfare Boards were set up in all
States and Union Territories to work together with Central Social Welfare Board as well as State
Governments for implementing programmes of the Board across the country. The Board is
functioning as an interface between government and the voluntary sector for more than six
decades, having a country-wide infrastructure to promote social welfare activities, respond to
changing needs of society by developing new programmes, conducting trainings, implementation
4
and monitoring the programmes/ schemes of the Government being implemented by the
voluntary organizations.
G. Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK)
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh was set up by the Government of India in 1993 as a national-level
organization under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. RMK is a society registered
under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. RMK was initially set up with a corpus fund of ₹ 31
Crore in 1993 to meet out the credit needs of poor and asset less women in the informal sector.
The initial corpus fund of ₹ 31 Crore has grown over to ₹ 312.06 Crore (including reserves and
surplus etc.) as on 31st March, 2020 due to additional budgetary allocation of ₹ 69 Crore which
includes allocation of ₹ 10 Crore in 2006-07; ₹ 12 Crore in 2007-08; ₹ 31 Crore in 2008-09 and
₹ 16 Crore in 2009-10; ₹ 212.06 Crore being reserve and surplus generated from internal sources
via credit, investment and recovery management.
The Ministry has informed that the aforesaid three bodies, viz., FNB, CSWB and RMK are
proposed to be closed. The Committee observes that the Ministry should conduct an impact
assessment of these three bodies and devise a mechanism to see that manpower of these bodies
are not impacted by their closure by integrating them into the Ministry or other
bodies/organizations.
Schemes of the Ministry
The following schemes are undertaken by the Ministry:-
i) Saksham Abhiyaan and POSHAN 2.0: A new Scheme, Saksham Anganwadi and
POSHAN 2.0 has been launched for Financial Year 2021-22 by re-grouping some schemes
which were under Umbrella Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), such as Anganwadi
Services, Poshan Abhiyaan, Scheme for Adolescent Girls and National Creche Scheme.
a) Anganwadi Services (Erstwhile Core ICDS):The scheme provides a package of
six services, viz., supplementary nutrition, non-formal pre-school education, nutrition and
health education, immunization, health check-up and referral services.
b) POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission): The Government of India
has set-up POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) which was launched by the
Hon‟ble Prime Minister on 8th March, 2018 from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. With an overall
budget of ₹ 9046.17 Crore (50% from Government source and 50% from International
Bank for Reconstitution and Development), the programme through use of technology, a
targeted approach and convergence strives to reduce the level of stunting, under-nutrition,
anemia and low birth weight in children, as also, focus on adolescent girls, pregnant
women and lactating mother, thus holistically addressing malnutrition. The programme
aims to ensure service delivery and interventions by use of technology, behavioural
change through convergence and lays-down specific targets to be achieved across
5
different monitoring parameters over the next few years. To ensure a holistic approach,
the scheme is being implementing in all 36 States and UTs including all districts of the
country.
c) Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG): Government is implementing Scheme for
Adolescent Girls to improve the nutritional and health status of out of school adolescent
girls of age 11-14 years and to upgrade their skills. In addition to providing nutritional
support to the adolescent girls, the scheme aims to motivate out of school girls to go back
to formal schooling or vocational /skill training.
d) National Creche Scheme: The Scheme aims to provided day care facilities to
children (age group of 0-6 years) of working mothers and other deserving women
belonging to families whose monthly income is not more than ₹ 12,000/- per month. The
Scheme provides supplementary nutrition, health care inputs like immunization, polio
drops, basic health monitoring, sleeping facilities, early simulation (below 3 yrs), pre-
school education for 3-6 years and emergency medicine.
ii) Mission VATSALYA: A new Mission VATSALYA has been formulated by clubbing
Child Protection Services and Child Welfare Services and announced in this year‟s Budget.
e) Child Protection Services: The Ministry is implementing this Centrally
Sponsored Scheme with a view to create a safe and secure environment for
comprehensive development of children who are in need of care and protection, children
in conflict with law and other vulnerable children. The scheme is being implemented
from the financial year 2009-10. The Committee observes that children are the most
vulnerable section of the society. Protecting and nurturing them is a social responsibility.
Hence, the Committee appreciates the steps taken by the Ministry in revamping the
scheme so that the benefits reach the targeted beneficiaries even at the grass root level.
However, the Ministry has not given any data on what programmes/activities are
envisioned under Child Welfare Services.
iii) Mission Shakti: The Ministry has introduced an umbrella scheme for safety and
empowerment of women named as „Mission Shakti‟ with its 2 Sub-schemes „Sambal‟ and
„Samarthya‟ by subsuming all the existing sub-schemes and by introducing new components.
A) SAMBAL clubs together existing schemes, such as One Stop Centre, Mahila Police
Volunteers, Women‟s Helpline, Swadhar Greh, Ujjawala, Widow Homes, etc.and this
sub-scheme would take care of the safety and security requirements of women.
f) One Stop Center: One Stop Centre is exclusively designed to provide support
and assistance to women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces,
including in the family, community, workplace,etc. under one roof. The scheme aims to
facilitate access to an integrated range of services including medical aid, police
assistance, legal aid/ case management, psychosocial counselling and temporary support
service to women affected by violence.
6
g) Mahila Police Volunteers (MPVs): The Ministry of Women and Child
Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs have started the
engagement of Mahila Police Volunteers in States/UTs who will act as a link between
police and community and facilitate women in distress.
h) Women Helpline (181): The Women Helpline (WHL) will provide 24 hours
emergency response to all women affected by violence both in public and private sphere.
i) Swadhar Greh: Swadhar Greh Scheme aims to target the women victims of
difficult circumstances who are in need of institutional support for rehabilitation so that
they could lead their life with dignity. It envisages that shelter, food, clothing and health
as well as economic and social security are assured for such women.
j) Ujjawala: This is a comprehensive scheme for prevention of trafficking and aims
at rescue, rehabilitation, re-integration and repatriation of victims of trafficking for
commercial sexual exploitation.
k) Homes for Widows: A Home for Widows, namely Krishna Kutir fully funded by
Govt. of India, Ministry of Women and Child Development with a capacity of 1000
inmates has been constructed at Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh to provide the
widows a safe and secure place of stay, nutritious food, health services, legal and
counseling services. It has facilities to make it old age friendly like ramp, lifts and
provision for physiotherapy.
B) SAMARTHYA clubs together the existing schemes, such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Gender Budgeting and Research, Skilling/Training, etc.
and is aimed at empowering the women with necessary training, skills and infrastructural support
to enable them to participate in economic activities as well as to make them aware about their
rights and entitlements.
l) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative of
Government aims to address the issue of declining in child sex ratio through a mass
campaign across the country and focused intervention and multi sectoral action in 161
selected districts low in Child Sex Ratio (CSR). The expansion of BBBP Scheme has
been approved by the cabinet covering all the 640 districts, as per census 2011 in the
country, through Multi sectoral interventions in 405 districts and Alert District Media &
Advocacy outreach in 235 districts.
m) Pradhan Mantri Matru Vanadna Yojana (PMMVY): PMMVY is a Centrally
Sponsored Scheme for pregnant women and lactating mothers (PW&LM) under which
the grant-in-aid is being released to States/UTs in cost sharing ratio between the Centre
and the States & UTs with Legislation 60:40, for North-Eastern States & Himalayan
States it will be 90:10 and 100% for Union Territories without Legislation. The
objectives of the scheme are providing partial compensation for the wage loss in terms of
cash incentive so that the woman can take adequate rest before and after delivery of the
first child and lead to improved health seeking behavior amongst the PW&LM.
7
CHAPTER-II
OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF THE DEMANDS FOR GRANTS OF THE MINISTRY
The Committee considered the Demands for Grants (2021-22) of the Ministry of Women and
Child Development in its meetings held on the 23rd February, 2021.
The Demands for Grants (2020-21) of the Ministry have been presented to Parliament under
Demand Number 100.
For 2021-22, the total Outlay in BE (2021–22) for the Ministry is ₹ 24435.00 Crore and
percentage of the total budgetary allocation to all the Ministries is 0.70%.The following table
gives the actual expenditure for the financial year 2018-19, BE and RE for the financial year
2020-21, BE for the financial year 2021-22, projection made to the Ministry of Finance for the
financial year 2021-22 and the actual expenditure of the Ministry as on 31st January, 2021.
Table I
Budgetary Allocation for the financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22
(Figures in Crore )
Actuals
2019-20
BE
2020-21
RE
2020-21
BE
2021-22
Projection
made to the
MoF for
2021-22
Actuals as
on
31.01.2021
23164.67 30007.10 21008.31 24435.00 32919.86 14694.12
Detailed break-up of allocations under Scheme and Non-Scheme Heads and in Revenue and
Capital headings in BE and RE (2020-21) and BE (2021-22) is given in the table below:-
Table II
Revenue and Capital-Scheme and Non-Scheme wise Allocations
(Figures in Crore)
Variation BE 2020-21 RE 2020-21 BE 2021-22 (Percentage)
Actuals
Schemes Non-
Scheme
s
Schemes Non-
Schem
es
Schemes Non-
Schemes
RE
2020- 21 &
BE 2020- BE 21 & BE 2021- 2021-22 22
Revenue 22679.60 29720.37 286.72 20759.31 244.00 24157.00 273.00 -18.59 16.31
Capital 0.23 0.01 0.00 5.00 0.00 5.00 0.00 49900.00 0.00
Total 22679.83 29720.38 286.72 20764.31 244.00 24162.00 273.00 -18.57 16.31
8
The Committee has been informed that the Ministry had requested funds to the tune of ₹
32919.86 Crore (i.e. increase of 9.7 per cent over BE 2020-21) at the time of Pre-budget
discussion with Secretary, Expenditure. However, Ministry of Finance has allocated ₹ 24435.00
Crore only in BE 2021-22, i.e., 18.57 per cent less than BE 2020-21. On a query of the
Committee regarding the reasons for the decreased allocation for the Financial Year 2021-22, the
Ministry of Women and Child Development replied that the Ministry of Finance allocates funds
on the basis of trends of expenditure and availability of resources against ₹ 21008.31 Crore in
RE 2020-21, the Ministry had requested funds to the tune of ₹ 30007.10 Crore, against which ₹
24435.00 Crore has been earmarked in BE 2021-22. The Ministry stated that provisions under
RE 2021-22 will be sought if and as required in order to ensure adequate budgetary allocation for
all schemes of the Ministry.
The Committee is of the view that there has been a constant decrease in the budget estimate of
the Ministry vis-à-vis the Government of India Budget. RE 2020-21 has also been significantly
reduced as compared to BE 2020-21. The Committee recommends that though the Ministry
has re-vamped a lot of the schemes into new missions, the allocation in BE 2021-22 has
been reduced significantly which might hamper implementation of the new missions. The
Ministry should, therefore, make an in-depth analysis of the new missions and schemes
thereunder and seek additional funds from the Ministry of Finance at RE stage, if
required.
The following table gives the details of projections of funds made under various
Organization/Institution/Bodies under the Ministry of Women and Child Development to the
Ministry of Finance and amount allocated in BE (2021-22) and percentage change/variations
over BE/RE (2020-21).
Table III
Organisation/Institution Bodies-wise Projections, Allocations and variations
(Figures in Crore)
SI.
No.
Name of the
Organisation/Institution
Actuals
2019-20
BE
2020-21
RE
2020-
21
Projection
s to MoF
for BE
2021-22
BE
2021-
22
Variation (in
percentage)
BE
2021-
22
over
RE
2020- 21
BE
2021-
22
over
project
ions to MoF
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1
National Instiute of Public
Cooperation and Child
Development (NIPCCD)
55.48 70.00 53.80 65.80 60.00 11.52 -8.81
9
2
Central Adoption
Resource Agency)
8.94 17.00 8.10 15.35 10.00 23.46 -34.85
3
National Commission for
Protection of Child Rights
(NCPCR)
15.86 18.00 17.00 21.78 18.00 5.88 -17.36
4
National Commission for
Women (NCW)
23.37 26.00 21.88 28.61 27.00 23.40 -5.63
5
Central Social Welfare
Board (CSWB)
74.89 80.00 69.67 89.02 73.00 4.78 -18.00
Total 178.54 211.00 170.45 220.56 188.00 10.30 -14.76
The Committee finds that BE 2021-22 of all the bodies are less as compared to the projections
made by the Ministry of Finance. Hence, more funds must be provided to these bodies so as
to enable them to discharge their mandate to the fullest extent.
The following table shows the details of projections of funds made and amount allocated in BE
(2021-22) for schemes/projects under the Ministry and percentage change/variations over BE/RE
(2020-21).
Table IV
Scheme-wise Projection, Allocation, Utilization and Variations
(Figures in Crore)
SI.
No.
Name of the
Scheme(s)
Actuals
2019-20
BE
2020-21
RE
2020-21
Projection
s to MoF
for BE
2021-22
BE
2021-22
Variation
(in
percentag
e)
BE 2021-
22 over
RE 2020- 21
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1
*Anganwadi Services
16893.55
20532.38
17252.31
20532.38
20105.00
12.21
2
*National Nutrition
Mission
1880.09
3700.00
600.00
3700.00
3
*Scheme for
Adolescent Girls
105.46
250.00
50.00
250.00
4
*National Creche
Scheme
47.77
75.00
15.00
75.00
5
#Child Protection
Services
865.83
1500.00
821.00
1500.00
900.00
9.62
* Re-grouped under Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 # Re-grouped under Mission VATSALYA (Child Protection Services and Child Welfare Services)
10
6 ^Swadhar Greh 25.49 50.00 25.00 50.00
587.00
77.90
7 ^Ujjawala 9.35 30.00 8.00 30.00
8 ^Women Helpline 11.34 30.00 24.96 30.00
9 ^One Stop Centre 137.59 385.00 170.00 385.00
10
^Mahila Police
Volunteers
1.14
5.00
2.00
5.00
11 ^Home for Widows 0.00 5.00 5.00 5.00
12
@Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
85.78
220.00
100.00
220.00
2522.00
79.76
13
@Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana
Yojana
2238.97
2500.00
1300.00
2500.00
14
@Gender Budgeting and Research,
Publication and Monitoring
2.83
8.00
3.00
8.00
15
Mahila Shakti
Kendra
23.97
100.00
15.00
100.00
16
Information and
Mass communication
72.68
100.00
50.00
100.00
17
Working Women
Hostel
32.55
150.00
20.00
150.00
Total 22434.43 29720.38 20764.31 29720.38 24162.00 15.83
The Committee observes that ₹ 20105.00 Crore is sought under BE (2021-22) for the newly re-
structured scheme of Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0. However, total BE (2020-21) of
all the schemes clubbed together under this Head is found to be ₹ 24560.38 Crore. Further no
separate head for Child Welfare Services is available in BE (2020-21) and no funds has been
allocated in BE 2021-22 for the Scheme of Working Women Hostel. The
Committee feels that allocation of funds for the Ministry and its various schemes has been
greatly reduced for this Financial Year. The Committee recommends that more funds should be
allocated at the RE stage for the smooth functioning of the schemes.
The Committee, in its deliberation, noted that a new trend of „savings‟ in the Demand for Grants
documents of the Ministry, for instance, in 2019-20, ₹1500 Crore were „saved‟ in Poshan
Abhiyaan scheme, for One Stop Centre scheme, ₹274 Crore were provided and approximately
₹136 Crores i.e., 50% of the fund allocated were „saved‟; in Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, ₹280
Crore were provided, and ₹194 Crore „saved‟. The Committee is of the opinion that the
government is underutilizing its schemes and no results of these schemes were seen at the ground
level. The Committee recommends that in view of the gross under utilisation of funds
under important schemes like POSHAN Abhiyaan, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana
Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao etc,. the benefits often do not reach the intended
^ Re-grouped under SAMBAL @ Re-grouped under SAMARTHYA
11
beneficiaries, and therefore, the Ministry should utilise the funds allocated under various
Heads to the fullest extent and strive to achieve results at the grass-root level. The outlook
of the Ministry needs to change from outlays to outcomes and Ministry should be able to
spend, execute and give measurable outcome driven results, in the upcoming Financial
Year.
12
Saksham Anganwadi
CHAPTER III
SCHEMES/POLICIES OF THE MINISTRY
The Anganwadi Services, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, is being implemented through the
State Governments/UT Administrations. The Scheme aims at holistic development of children
below 6 years of age and pregnant women & lactating mothers. It provides a package of six
services comprising of (i) supplementary nutrition; (ii) pre-school non-formal education; (iii)
nutrition and health education; (iv) immunization; (v) health check-up; and (vi) referral services.
The Ministry has stated that the Scheme operates through a network of 7075 fully operational
Projects and 13.87 lakh AWCs, as on September, 2020. The services are currently being
provided to 894.80 lakh beneficiaries of which 722.87 lakh are children under six and 171.92
lakh are pregnant women & lactating mothers. 195.05 lakh children of 3-6 years are being
provided pre-school education of which 100.36 lakh are boys and 94.68 lakh are girls.
The Committee recommends that the Ministry should chalk out a blue print in
coordination with the Ministry of Education to modernise Anganwadis and strengthen
them as early-childhood education institutions in line with the over-arching goal of
ensuring universal access to high-quality Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) as
envisaged in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, latest by 30th June, 2021. Suitable
training to Anganwadi workers/teachers for this increased responsibility needs to be
imparted in a time bound manner.
On a query of the Committee regarding the total number of Anganwadi Centre (AWC) buildings
in the country, the Ministry has replied that as on 30th September, 2020, there are 13,85,203
AWC buildings in the country. 6,48,560 AWCs have their own building and 7,38,430 AWCs do
not have their own building. Also, 246563 AWCs are operational in Aspirational Districts.
The Committee recommends that the Ministry should make concerted efforts to provide
well constructed, well-ventilated buildings with piped potable water supply for drinking
and cooking purposes and tap water in toilets to all Anganwadi Centres and devise a
mechanism to constantly monitor and conduct inspection of Anganwadi Centres to curtail
administrative and financial mismanagement at the grass root level during Financial Year
2021-22.
The Committee also recommends that computerized data relating to learning outcomes and
health parameters of all the children registered in “Saksham Anganwadis” be maintained
for early identification so that timely remedial measures for children requiring special
attention are taken. This data should be uploaded on the website of the Ministry and
regularly updated.
Regarding the remuneration/honorarium paid to the AWWs/AWHs, the Ministry has stated that
presently AWWs at main AWCs are paid ₹ 4,500/- per month; AWWs at mini- AWCs
13
₹ 3,500/- per month and AWHs are paid ₹ 2,250/- per month. Also, performance linked incentive
of ₹ 250/- per month is paid to AWHs. In addition, States/UTs are also paying additional
monetary incentives/honorarium to these functionaries from their own resources. It was last
revised on 01.10.2018. The Committee recommends that the amount of honorarium given to
Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) may be considered for
enhancement to provide better service conditions to them.
Suposhit Bharat
Goal of POSHAN (PM‟s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) Abhiyaan is to achieve
improvement in nutritional status of children of 0-6 years aged, adolescent girls, pregnant
women and lactating mothers in a time bound manner by the year 2022.
In order to eradicate child malnutrition and maternal under-nutrition, the Ministry is moving
towards Mission Poshan 2.0 which was announced under the Budget 2021-22. The following
announcement pertaining to Ministry of Women & Child Development was made by the
Hon‟ble Finance Minister in the current budget speech:
"Nutrition
31. To strengthen nutritional content, delivery, outreach, and outcome, we will merge the
Supplementary Nutrition Programme and the Poshan Abhiyan and launch the Mission
Poshan 2.0. We shall adopt an intensified strategy to improve nutritional outcomes
across 112 Aspirational Districts."
Poshan 2.0 is a strategic shift in the overall approach and delivery mechanisms based on the
learnings of Poshan Abhiyaan. This endeavours to converge the nutrition related initiatives of
MWCD and strengthen convergence with other concerned Ministries like Health, Ayush, Rural
Development, Panchayati Raj and Environment and Forests to improve and strengthen
nutritional security and outcomes in a holistic manner. Under Mission Poshan 2.0, the movement
is towards greater transparency, accountability and quality in nutrition service delivery.
The Committee recommends that the Ministry should take the following actions in respect
of Poshan Abhiyaan:-
(i) Key Performance Indicators should be constantly monitored & uploaded on
the website.
(ii) National Nutrition Park on the lines of the one created near the Statue of
Unity, Kevadia, Gujarat, be created across the country with the involvement
of Anganwadi Workers.
(iii) Generate awareness about the uses of Ayurvedic Plants for Health and
Nutrition.
For improving governance mechanisms, the POSHAN Tracker is being introduced (through
NeGD) to replace the existing ICT system (ICDS-CAS). Technology under Poshan
14
Tracker is being leveraged last mile tracking of nutrition service delivery. The POSHAN Tracker
will enable real-time monitoring and tracking of all AWCs, AWWs and beneficiaries on defined
indicators for prompt supervisions. For Take Home Rations (THR), QR Code based check will
be introduced while distributing packets and maintaining inventory. To tackle pilferages,
inefficiencies, need for quality and testing, streamlined guidelines dated 13.1.2021 have been
issued to States/UTs.
The Committee recommends that, in view of the increased cases of stunting, underweight
and anemia among children and women in a number of States, POSHAN Abhiyaan should
be taken up on a war footing with active involvement and convergent action by different
Ministries like Women and Child Development, Rural Development, Jal Shakti and Health
and Family Welfare to ensure concrete action on the ground, by identifying the maximum
malnourished districts of the country and establishing a 'Malnutrition Eradication
Authority', latest by 30th June, 2021.
Supplementary nutrition is an important component of the Anganwadi Services scheme. Focus
under the scheme has been driven by calorie intake rather than on the need for balanced diets to
address chronic micro-nutrient malnutrition. Quality and diversity of diets and behavioural
change towards better nutrition have been neglected. A critical challenge faced is poor
implementation with absence of last mile tracking. This has resulted in less than optimum
benefits reaching intended beneficiaries with compromised quality. As a result, growth of human
capital and health and nutrition indicators are not showing improvements nor leading to the
envisaged time-bound outcome achievement.
The Committee recommends that the Ministry should set up a vigilant monitoring
mechanism to ensure that food packets for pregnant women and lactating mothers as well
as targeted meals for highly undernourished children reach the intended beneficiaries at
the ground level. Active involvement of Anganwadi workers need to be ensured for
successful implementation of the scheme.
The Committee also recommends that to ensure effective implementation of the new
POSHAN tracker application, the Ministry should maintain a State-wise progress of the
implementation status so that identification of those deprived of the benefits can be made
on real time basis for timely remedial measures.
Legislation for curbing trafficking of women and children
As per data relating to “Human trafficking” available in “Crime in India” published by National
Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), 2854, 2278 and 2260 cases have been reported in the year 2017,
2018 and 2019 respectively. There are 6616 victims of human trafficking in 2019, out of which
4079 are female. Out of 6571 victims of human trafficking rescued in 2019, 4058 are female.
Human trafficking can be attributable to a number of socio-economic reasons like poverty,
illiteracy and lack of knowledge and inadequate livelihood options on the side of victims, and is
fuelled by sheer avarice and blatant disregard and disrespect for human rights,
15
dignity and needs on the side of perpetrators, getting complemented with non supportive cultural,
social and legal ecosystems.
To the query of the Committee about the status of the “Trafficking of Persons (Prevention,
Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018” which was introduced in Lok Sabha and lapse due to
dissolution of 16th Lok Sabha, the Ministry submitted that the Ministry submitted that the
“Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation), Bill, 2018" was introduced
in Lok Sabha for consideration during the Monsoon Session. The Bill was discussed and passed
by the Lok Sabha on 26.07.2018. The Bill was then placed before Rajya Sabha for consideration
but could not be considered, as both the houses of the Parliament were prorogued. The Bill got
lapsed on dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha. The Bill has been re-visited and re-drafted to make it
more effective. Further, a Group of Ministers (GoM) was constituted to examine the Bill. The
meeting of Group of Ministers (GoM) was held on 10.09.2020. The Ministry stated that further
action as per recommendations of GoM are being taken. The Cabinet Note and along with the
draft Bill will be circulated for Inter-Ministerial Consultation as per procedure. Thereafter, the
Bill will be introduced in the Parliament following due procedure.
The Committee recommends that in view of the increase in incidents of trafficking of
women and children in number of States, the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention,
Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, may be introduced in the next session of Parliament.
A comparison of data as per the “Crime in India” Report for the years 2015 and 2019, released
annually by the National Crime Record Bureau is given as under.
Table V
Comparison of data for the years 2015 and 2019 as per “Crime in India” Report
Crime Head 2015 2019
Foeticide 97 137
Infanticide 91 73
Child Marriage 293 525
Victims Trafficked 6877 6993
The Committee noted that crimes against children increased by 4.5% in 2019 from the year
2018. The data released by NCRB shows an increase in incidences of crime. The Committee
recommends that in view of the spurt in crimes like foeticide, infanticide, child marriage
and trafficking, the Ministry should work on a war footing in collaboration with the Home
Ministry and State Governments to bring down the crimes against women and children
and evolve proper rehabilitation, redressal and re-integration mechanisms, during
Financial Year 2021-22.
16
Safety of women
Safety, security and dignity of women are of paramount importance for the Government. Hence,
there is a need to create an inclusive society where women and girls have equal access to
resources and opportunities, enabling them to participate in the social, economic, and political
development of India. The country has consistently held the view that women are key agents for
achieving the transformational economic, environmental and social changes required for
sustainable development. Achieving this objective is not possible unless an environment free
from all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls is created with services
and facilities which are accessible, affordable & reliable and have the necessary elements for
empowering women and the girl child. Hence, continuation of existing schemes with suitable
modifications is inevitable and necessary. The Committee recommends that in view of the
increase in cases of violence against women across the country, Ministry should make
concerted efforts to evolve a mechanism through coordination with various field agencies to
minimize the response time to distress calls from women, so that violence against women
can be prevented and an action plan be submitted, latest by 30th June, 2021.
Mahila Police Volunteers (MPVs) Scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Women and
Child Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs. It envisages engagement
of Mahila Police Volunteers in States/UTs who act as a link between police and community and
facilitates women in distress. The Committee recommends that, though Mahila Police
Volunteers (MPVs) have been approved for 13 States, out of which it has been operational
in only 5 States with a total of 9531 MPVs selected so far, MPVs should be deployed in the
remaining 8 States, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, so as to curb crimes
against women and to supplement the existing law enforcement agencies.
Missing Children
The Committee, in its deliberation, highlighted that many children who run away from home or
are destitute, when they are recovered, the process of returning them back to their parents/homes
needs the intervention of public representatives and takes unusually longer time. The
Committee recommends that the Ministry along with National Commission for Protection
of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(SCPCR) should evolve a mechanism to expedite the process so that the missing children
reach home as soon as possible.
Implementation of laws relating to child marriage and child labour
NCPCR has submitted that 111 complaints of Child marriage have been registered during the
year 2020. The Ministry has mentioned that the Government has enacted the “Prohibition of
Child Marriage Act, 2006” in order to prohibit child marriages. The Ministry also stated that
advisories are issued to States/UTs from time to time to ensure effective implementation of the
Act. Further, it was pointed out that NCPCR undertakes awareness programmes and
consultations with stakeholders from time to time in this regard. The Committee recommends
17
in view of the increase in incidents of child marriage and child labour during the lockdown
period as reported in different States, the laws relating to child marriage and child labour
should be enforced strictly.
Vacancy position in the Ministry and organizations under its ambit
The Committee noted that there is 36.22% vacancy in the Ministry, 66.42% vacancy in FNB,
27.93% vacancy in CSWB, 61.90% vacancy in NCW, 62.16% vacancy in RMK, 45.94%
vacancy in CARA, 48.10% vacancy in NIPCCD, 5.31% vacancy of Anganwadi Workers and
7.92% vacancy of Anganwadi Workers (Anganwadi Centres). The Committee recommends
that special recruitment drive may be conducted to fill up the large scale vacancies in the
Ministry and various organisations under its administrative control latest by 30th June,
2021 as the persistent vacant positions create a wrong perception about our collective
commitment to social justice.
Prevention of Sexual Harassment in Corporate World
The Committee noted that today a number of women are getting employed in the corporate
sector and this has led to a situation where they are at the receiving end of sexual harassment.
The Committee recommends that sexual harassment cases in corporate world should find a
mention in the Annual Report of National Commission for Women (NCW). Further,
gender sensitisation of male counterparts should be conducted and media protocol
regarding depiction of women should also be framed.
Rescue and Rehabilitation of Children
The Committee, in its deliberation, noted that the children rescued and rehabilitated from drug
abuse should be integrated into the mainstream society. The Ministry should adopt a
mechanism where the DNA of the children may be mapped to their parents so that they can be
returned to their homes. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Women and Child
Development along with Ministry of Education and Ministry of Skill Development should
formulate skill development initiatives and vocational training programmes for
rehabilitation of children rescued from begging, drug abuse, child labour and adolescent
dropout girls.
NIPCCD to take consultancy and impact assessment study
The Ministry informed they would be establishing an interactive child portal where they will be
aggregating information regarding the children and caregivers and it will be accessible to all for
their academic input and suggestions. The Committee recommends the National Institute of
Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) should create a platform for
sharing their research with different Universities having gender/women studies and also
use the research findings for the benefit of the general public. NIPCCD
18
should also re-structure itself to provide consultation services and make impact assessment
study of various schemes, programmes relating to women and children.
Interface of Universities with NCW, NCPCR and NIPCCD
The Committee is of the view that NCW should tie up with Department of Women Studies and
NIPCCD and NCPCR should tie up with Department of Early Childhood Education in various
Universities so that policy recommendations, research and studies can be carried out.
Issue of pornography on social media and its effect on children
For the purpose of child pornography, children are getting exploited for ulterior motives. During
the Covid-19 pandemic, Virtual learning has become a necessity for the children. Easy access to
this material by the children is a cause of concern of the Committee. The Committee
recommends the Ministry along with National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(NCPCR) should take measures to curb sexual exploitation of children and circulation of
child pornographic content on social media.
Simplifying the procedure of adoption under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of
Children) Act, 2015.
There are lots of children available in the orphanage and children homes for adoption and a lot of
parents are waiting for adoption but the process is cumbersome. Under Juvenile Justice (Care
and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 any person belonging to any religion can adopt any child
from any part of the country. The process involved in adoption in the Act is cumbersome as
compared to Hindu Adoption & Maintenance Act, 1956.
The Ministry submitted that there may be children who are neither Hindus, nor have a family to
take care of their interests or send them for adoption. Therefore, the Government created the
provision under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 where these
children are reported to Child Welfare Committees and there is a process of declaring them
legally free by the Child Welfare Committee. Up to two years of age, they are supposed to take
two months and above two years of age, the CWC is supposed to take four months for finding
out whether the child, who is being produced before them, has a family or not, or where they
can be restored. Then, there are cases where single-parent or unwed mothers, at times, surrender
the child. So, after surrendering the child also, two months are given to that parent to wait and
see whether they really want to surrender the child or not. After that process, the child becomes
legally free for adoption and that child starts going in referral to the parents who are in wait list.
The Committee recommends that, with a view to reduce the delay due to procedural
complexities, the methodology involved in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of
Children) Act, 2015, should be simplified and made more humane for making the adoption
process smooth.
19
Closure of Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) and
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK)
The Committee, in its deliberation, noted that three bodies, i.e., Food and Nutrition Board (FNB),
Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) and Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK) which are under the
administrative control of the Ministry, have been proposed for their closure. The Committee
recommends that the Ministry should conduct an impact assessment of the three bodies
- Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK), Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) and Food and
Nutrition Board (FNB) and devise a mechanism to see that manpower of these bodies are
not impacted by their closure and integrate them into the Ministry or other
bodies/organizations.
20
RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE
In light of the deliberations held by the Committee in its sitting held on
23rd February, 2021 and the written clarifications submitted by the Ministry of Women and Child
Development, the Committee recommends that:-
1. though the Ministry has re-vamped a lot of the schemes into new missions, the
allocation in BE 2021-22 has been reduced significantly which might hamper
implementation of the new missions. The Ministry should, therefore, make an in-depth
analysis of the new missions and schemes thereunder and seek additional funds from the
Ministry of Finance at RE stage, if required.
(Para 2.5)
2. in view of the gross under utilisation of funds under important schemes like
POSHAN Abhiyaan, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
etc,. the benefits often do not reach the intended beneficiaries, and therefore, the Ministry
should utilise the funds allocated under various Heads to the fullest extent and strive to
achieve results at the grass-root level. The outlook of the Ministry needs to change from
outlays to outcomes and Ministry should be able to spend, execute and give measurable
outcome driven results, in the upcoming Financial Year.
(Para 2.10)
3. the Ministry should chalk out a blue print in coordination with the Ministry of
Education to modernise Anganwadis and strengthen them as early-childhood education
institutions in line with the over-arching goal of ensuring universal access to high-quality
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) as envisaged in the National Education
Policy (NEP), 2020, latest by 30th June, 2021. Suitable training to Anganwadi
workers/teachers for this increased responsibility needs to be imparted in a time bound
manner.
(Para 3.1)
4. the Ministry should make concerted efforts to provide well constructed, well-
ventilated buildings with piped potable water supply for drinking and cooking purposes
and tap water in toilets to all Anganwadi Centres and devise a mechanism to constantly
monitor and conduct inspection of Anganwadi Centres to curtail administrative and
financial mismanagement at the grass root level during Financial Year 2021-22.
(Para 3.3)
5. that computerized data relating to learning outcomes and health parameters of all
the children registered in “Saksham Anganwadis” be maintained for early identification so
21
that timely remedial measures for children requiring special attention are taken. This data
should be uploaded on the website of the Ministry and regularly updated.
(Para 3.4)
6. the amount of honorarium given to Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi
Helpers (AWHs) may be considered for enhancement to provide better service conditions
to them.
(Para 3.5)
7. the Ministry should take the following actions in respect of POSHAN Abhiyaan:-
(i) Key Performance Indicators should be constantly monitored and uploaded
on the website.
(ii) National Nutrition Park (NNP) on the lines of the one created near the Statue
of Unity, Kevadia, Gujarat, be created across different States of the country
with the involvement of Anganwadi Workers.
(iii) generate awareness about the uses of ayurvedic plants for health and
nutrition.
(Para 3.9)
8. in view of the increased cases of stunting, underweight and anemia among children
and women in a number of States, POSHAN Abhiyaan should be taken up on a war footing
with active involvement and convergent action by different Ministries like Women and
Child Development, Rural Development, Jal Shakti and Health and Family Welfare to
ensure concrete action on the ground, by identifying the maximum malnourished districts
of the country and establishing a 'Malnutrition Eradication Authority', latest by 30th June,
2021.
(Para 3.11)
9. the Ministry should set up a vigilant monitoring mechanism to ensure that food
packets for pregnant women and lactating mothers as well as targeted meals for highly
undernourished children reach the intended beneficiaries at the ground level. Active
involvement of Anganwadi workers need to be ensured for successful implementation of
the scheme.
(Para 3.13)
10. to ensure effective implementation of the new POSHAN tracker application, the
Ministry should maintain a State-wise progress of the implementation status so that
identification of those deprived of the benefits can be made on real time basis for timely
remedial measures.
(Para 3.14)
22
11. in view of the increase in incidents of trafficking of women and children in number
of States, the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, may
be introduced in the next session of Parliament.
(Para 3.17)
12. in view of the spurt in crimes like foeticide, infanticide, child marriage and
trafficking, the Ministry should work on a war footing in collaboration with the Home
Ministry and State Governments to bring down the crimes against women and children
and evolve proper rehabilitation, redressal and re-integration mechanisms, during
Financial Year 2021-22.
(Para 3.19)
13. in view of the increase in cases of violence against women across the country,
Ministry should make concerted efforts to evolve a mechanism through coordination with
various field agencies to minimize the response time to distress calls from women, so that
violence against women can be prevented and an action plan be submitted, latest by
30th June, 2021.
(Para 3.20)
14. though Mahila Police Volunteers (MPVs) have been approved for 13 States, out of
which it has been operational in only 5 States with a total of 9531 MPVs selected so far,
MPVs should be deployed in the remaining 8 States, particularly in rural and semi-urban
areas, so as to curb crimes against women and to supplement the existing law enforcement
agencies.
(Para 3.21)
15. the Ministry along with National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(NCPCR) and the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) should evolve
a mechanism to expedite the process so that the missing children reach home as soon as
possible.
(Para 3.22)
16. in view of the increase in incidents of child marriage and child labour during the
lockdown period as reported in different States, the laws relating to child marriage and
child labour should be enforced strictly.
(Para 3.23)
17. a special recruitment drive should be conducted to fill up the large scale vacancies in
the Ministry and various organisations under its administrative control, latest by 30th June,
2021, as persistent vacant positions create a wrong perception about our collective
commitment to social justice.
(Para 3.24)
23
18. sexual harassment cases in corporate world should find a mention in the Annual
Report of National Commission for Women (NCW). Further, gender sensitisation of male
counterparts should be conducted and media protocol regarding depiction of women
should also be framed.
(Para 3.25)
19. the Ministry of Women and Child Development along with Ministry of Education
and Ministry of Skill Development should formulate skill development initiatives and
vocational training programmes for rehabilitation of children rescued from begging, drug
abuse, child labour and adolescent dropout girls.
(Para 3.26)
20. National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) should
create a platform for sharing their research with different Universities having
gender/women studies and also use the research findings for the benefit of the general
public. NIPCCD should also re-structure itself to provide consultation services and make
impact assessment study of various schemes, programmes relating to women and children.
(Para 3.27)
21. the Ministry along with National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(NCPCR) should take measures to curb sexual exploitation of children and circulation of
child pornographic content on social media.
(Para 3.29)
22. with a view to reduce the delay due to procedural complexities, the methodology
involved in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, should be
simplified and made more humane for making the adoption process smooth.
(Para 3.31)
23. the Ministry should conduct an impact assessment of the three bodies - Rashtriya
Mahila Kosh (RMK), Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) and Food and Nutrition
Board (FNB) and devise a mechanism to see that manpower of these bodies are not
impacted by their closure and integrate them into the Ministry or other
bodies/organizations.
(Para 3.32)
24
MINUTES
25
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
X
TENTH MEETING
The Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports met at 10.00 A.M. on
Tuesday, the 23rd February, 2021 in Committee Room No. 4, Parliament House Annexe
Extension, New Delhi.
MEMBERS PRESENT
1. Dr. Vinay P. Sahasrabuddhe - Chairman
RAJYA SABHA
2. Shri Bhubaneswar Kalita
3. Dr. Sasmit Patra
4. Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
5. Shri Akhilesh Prasad Singh
LOK SABHA
6. Shri Rajendra Agarwal
7. Shri Dhal Singh Bisen
8. Shri Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu
9. Shri Anubhav Mohanty
10. Shri Chandeshwar Prasad
11. Shri Jagannath Sarkar
12. Shri Dharambir Singh
26
SECRETARIAT
Dr. Shikha Darbari, Joint Secretary and Financial Advisor
Shri Ashok K. Sahoo, Director
Ms. Chitra G., Deputy Secretary
Shri Mohit Misra, Committee Officer
Smt. Suman Khurana, Committee Officer
Smt. Reyana Lourembam, Assistant Committee Officer
Witnesses
Ministry of Women and Child Development
1. Shri Ram Mohan Mishra, Secretary
2. Shri Ashish Srivastava, Additional Secretary
3. Ms. Aditi Das Rout, Joint Secretary
4. Ms. Pallavi Agarwal, Joint Secretary
5. Ms. Aastha Saxena Khatwani, Joint Secretary
National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD)
and Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)
6. Ms. Aastha Saxena Khatwani, Joint Secretary
National Commission for Women (NCW)
7. Smt. Rekha Sharma, Chairperson
8. Ms. Meeta Rajivlochan, Member Secretary
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
9. Shri Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson
10. Ms. Rupali Banerjee Singh, Member Secretary
2. At the outset, the Chairman welcomed Members to the meeting of the Committee
convened to consider the budgetary allocations in respect of Demand No. 100 of the Ministry of
Women and Child Development for the Financial Year 2021-22. He then welcomed the
Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development along with other representatives of the
27
Ministry to give a brief presentation on the Demands for Grants of the Ministry and
organizations under its administrative control along with an overview of the functioning of the
Ministry and its organizations, performance highlights of Schemes, programmes, challenges
faced, new initiatives/schemes along with innovations in implementation of schemes, issues, etc.
3. The Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development made a
presentation on the budgetary allocations and the implementation of various schemes of the
Ministry. Further, the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development explained the
scheme POSHAN 2.0 and the concept of Poshan Tracker. The Secretary, Ministry of Women
and Child Development also apprised the Committee of the functioning of Anganwadi services
and the various steps the Ministry is planning to undertake under POSHAN 2.0 and the need to
converge with other Ministries, State Governments, District Administration, Panchayats, etc. for
the effective implementation of the scheme.
4. The Members of the Committee raised various queries on the impact of lesser budgetary
allocations, under utilization of funds, decease in the number of beneficiaries and raised concern
on the issue that the number of malnourished, stunted and anaemic children is on the rise and
suggested that this issue can be tackled in a mission mode by convergent action by different
Ministries like Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Rural Development,
Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and Ministry of Health. The Members also raised
queries on the mismanagement while distributing food packets, reduction of response time in
cases of crimes against women, closure of Centre for Social Welfare Board (CSWB), Rashtriya
Mahila Kosh (RMK) and Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) etc.
5. The Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development responded to some of the
queries raised by the Chairman and the Members. Thereafter, the Chairman welcomed the
representatives of National Commission for Women (NCW), National Commission for
Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child
Development (NIPCCD) and Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) to the meeting of
the Committee.
6. The Chairperson, National Commission for Women (NCW) explained to the Committee
the highlights of the activities undertaken, the challenges being faced by the Commission and the
work to be taken up by the Commission in the coming times.
28
7. The Chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
explained to the Committee the various activities taken up by the Commission and the
achievements of the Commission.
8. The Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development explained to the
Committee the activities of National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development
(NIPCCD) and the need to reinvent NIPCCD to suit to the changing times.
9. The Members raised several queries on child labour, increase in the number of foeticide,
infanticide, child marriage, crime against women and trafficking, setting up of fast track courts,
prevention of sexual harassment at workplaces, access of mobile phones to children, etc. The
Chairperson, NCW; the Chairperson, NCPCR; and the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and
Child Development responded to the queries raised by the Members.
10. The Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development submitted to the
Committee the adoption process laid down by CARA. The Members raised queries on several
issues including the supervision and follow up mechanism put in place after a child is adopted
which were replied to by her.
11. The Verbatim record of proceedings of the meeting was kept.
12. The meeting adjourned at 1.17 PM.
29
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
XIII
THIRTEENTH MEETING
The Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports met at 10.30 A.M. on
Monday, the 15th March, 2021 in Committee Room. 'D', Ground Floor, Parliament House
Annexe, New Delhi.
MEMBERS PRESENT
1. Dr. Vinay P. Sahasrabuddhe - Chairman
RAJYA SABHA
2. Shri Vishambhar Prasad Nishad
3. Dr. Sasmit Patra
4. Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
5. Shri Gopal Narayan Singh
LOK SABHA
6. Shri Rajendra Agrawal
7. Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen
8. Shri Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu
9. Sh. Sangamlal Kededin Gupta
10. Shri Sadashiv Kisan Lokhande
11. Dr. Jaisiddeshwar Shivacharya Mahaswamiji
12. Shri Vishnu Dutt Sharma
13. Shri Dharambir Singh
30
SECRETARIAT
Dr. Shikha Darbari, Joint Secretary and Financial Advisor
Shri Ashok K. Sahoo, Director
Ms Chitra G., Deputy Secretary
Shri K. Sudhir Kumar, Deputy Director
Shri Mohit Misra, Committee Officer (in-situ)
Smt. Suman Khurana, Committee Officer (in-situ)
2. At the outset, the Chairman welcomed the Members of the Committee and apprised them
of the agenda of the day, i.e, adoption of the following Reports:-
(i) Draft 325th Report on Demands for Grants 2021-22 (Demand No. 101) of the
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports; and
(ii) Draft 326th Report on Demands for Grants 2021-22 (Demand No. 100) of the
Ministry of Women and Child Development.
3. The Committee considered both Reports and adopted them with some minor
modifications.
4. The Committee decided to present the Reports to both the Houses of Parliament on 16th
March, 2021. It authorized Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and in his absence, Shri Gopal Narayan
Singh to present the Reports to the Rajya Sabha and Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen and in his absence,
Shri Dharambir Singh to lay the Reports on the Table of the Lok Sabha.
5. The Committee, then, decided to undertake a study visit to the Union Territories of
Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, tentatively during the first or second week of May, 2021. During
the study visit, the Committee would be interacting with various stakeholders, State/Central
Universities, State Sports Federations and Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers, etc. The
Committee authorized the Chairman of the Committee to approach the Hon‟ble Chairman, Rajya
Sabha to seek permission for the said visit.
6. The meeting adjourned at 10.50 A.M.
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