By Oishika Ghoshal
In the big picture of India’s society and economy, making women feel strong and well is very important. The Indian government knows this and has put into action a bunch of schemes to help with this. These schemes are designed to solve problems that women face all over the country. They’re not just about making sure men and women have the same chances, but also they’re about making our society more equal and modern.
There are government’s schemes that help women. As India moves forward to become better and fairer, these plans are like the first steps towards a future where women are strong leaders. By learning about these schemes, we can understand how they’re changing India for the better and making sure that all women can be empowered and successful.
- Santhwana Scheme
Implemented by the Government of Karnataka, the Santhwana Scheme aims to provide counselling and necessary timely help to women who are victims of various kinds of harassment. The scheme offers counselling, legal support, short-term housing, and financial aid to individuals who have experienced rape, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and dowry-related harassment. Its primary objective is to equip these victims with the necessary skills for self-sufficiency through empowerment-focused training which is implemented through NGOs. They function 24×7 with a counsellor and 3 social workers. Currently, there are 180 Santhwana centres operating at the Taluk level.
Relevant links: Santhwana Centres
- Anganwadi Scheme and POSHAN Abhiyaan
An Anganwadi is a type of rural child care centre spread throughout India. This scheme was introduced and implemented by the Indian government to work against child malnutrition and hunger. These centers offer extra food, a special kind of school before regular school, lessons about healthy food, and information about staying healthy. The POSHAN Abhiyaan focuses on maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding norms, and wellness through AYUSH. Through these two programs, the government of India provides adequate healthcare, nutrition, and responsive care in order to help the children of the country achieve their full potential.
Relevant Links: Anganwadi and POSHAN Abhiyaan Guidelines
- Girl’s Hostel
A Central government-sponsored scheme, this project aims to provide suitable and safe accommodation for female students of the secondary and higher secondary levels of education. The purpose of the scheme is twofold. Firstly, it aims to ensure that young girls can continue their education at the secondary level without facing barriers like long distances to school, financial constraints imposed by parents, and various societal influences. Secondly, the scheme also strives to enhance the accessibility of secondary and higher secondary education to a broader population of female students.
Currently, there are 37 operational hostels spread across the state of Karnataka. Among these, 19 cater to pre-metric students, while 18 serve post-metric students. Additionally, funds are consistently disbursed for the procurement of utensils and furniture.
Relevant links: Girls Hostel Scheme ppt
- Ujjawala Scheme
The Ujjawala Scheme is a comprehensive government initiative focused on preventing trafficking and aiding victims of commercial sexual exploitation. Through community engagement, awareness programs, and rescue efforts, the scheme ensures victims receive immediate and long-term rehabilitation, including shelter, medical help, legal support, and vocational training. It also aims to reintegrate victims into society and assist in repatriating cross-border victims.
Relevant Links: Draft Guidelines for Ujjawala Scheme, Ujjawala Schemes in the states
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2006
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2006, came into force to provide more effective protection of women’s rights under the Constitution. The Act introduces a comprehensive definition of “domestic violence” encompassing physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, and psychological abuse. It serves as a civil law focused on protective orders rather than criminal penalties. While its main aim is safeguarding wives and female live-in partners from domestic violence by husbands or male partners, the law also offers protection to women like sisters, widows, and mothers living in the same household.
Relevant Links: The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2006, Understanding the Act
- Transit Hotels
In an effort to ensure women’s safety and well-being, the Karnataka State Government has initiated 11 Transit hostels. These lodgings are designed to accommodate women attending job interviews, Engineering/Medical/other Educational Entrance Tests, and Competitive Exams. Regardless of income, all women are welcome for a short stay of up to 3 days. The facilities include free accommodation, breakfast, meals, hot water baths, and locker services. This project is exclusively intended for women and students who are travelling alone to Bangalore.
Relevant Links: List of Transit Hotels in Karnataka
- Mission Shakti: Gender Budgeting Scheme
The Government of India has embraced Gender Budgeting (GB) as a potent strategy to advance gender equality and allocate sufficient funds through planning and budgeting processes attuned to gender considerations. ‘Mission Shakti’ is an initiative in mission mode, focusing on bolstering women’s safety, security, and empowerment. It embodies the government’s dedication to women-centric progress, addressing women’s concerns across their life cycle and involving them as active partners in national development through convergence and citizen engagement.
Relevant Links: SoP for Gender Budgeting Scheme, Gender Budgeting Scheme Handbook
- Child Protection Policy
The Child Protection Policy, implemented throughout India, aimed at building a protective environment for children in difficult circumstances, as well as other vulnerable children, through the Government-Civil Society Partnership. It works towards catering to the basic needs of children through care, protection, development, and treatment. The policy also implemented a children’s helpline ‘1098’ which is a 24×7 emergency outreach service for any child in situations of emergency and connects them to care centres and rehabilitation programs. Childline plays a vital role in connecting kids who are in tough situations with the help they need to get better, go back to their normal lives, or fit in with society again.
Relevant Links: Child Protection Scheme website , Childline SoP
- One Stop Centre Scheme
A holistic support framework for abused women is available through One-Stop Centers, which offer a range of services like medical care, police aid, legal assistance, and counselling. These centers, known as Sakhi, operate 24/7 within Government District Hospitals across all 30 districts. Fully funded by the Central Government, the One Stop Centers receive 100% grants directly from the government. Funds are provided for constructing dedicated facilities and hiring essential staff including administrators, consultants, and legal advisors. Oversight and supervision of the scheme’s execution are carried out by committees established at both State and District levels.
Relevant Links: One Stop Centre Scheme Guidelines
- Universalization of Women’s Helpline Number – 181
The Universalization of Women Helpline – 181 is a toll-free round-the-clock service accessible across the state, aimed at delivering crucial information and urgent aid to marginalized and distressed women. The scheme ensures immediate and emergency assistance to women impacted by violence by connecting them with relevant authorities like the police, One Stop Centre, and hospitals. Additionally, it offers information about government schemes and programs for women nationwide, all through a single, consistent number.
Relevant Links: Universalization of Women Helpline Scheme, Universalization of Women Helpline Guidelines
In the dynamic landscape of women’s empowerment in India, the government’s strategic women welfare schemes stand as beacons of progress. From providing safety nets for victims of violence to fostering education and financial independence, these schemes have not only transformed lives but have also ignited a path towards a more equitable future. As we reflect on these endeavors, it’s evident that women’s welfare is not just a social commitment but a catalyst for national growth. By supporting and nurturing women across the nation, these schemes have proven that a society flourishes when every individual is empowered to thrive.
Having been introduced to books from a very young age, Oishika Ghoshal prefers the world of words to express. Currently pursuing her Master’s, she prefers to share her creativity through writing and singing. She is dedicated to delivering pieces that captivate and engages readers across all professions.
One Response
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