Govt. has approved universalisation of women helpline: Maneka Gandhi

The NDA Government has given its approval for the scheme for the universalisation of wmen helpline, revealed Union Minister of Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi through a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Gandhi said that the approval for the scheme was given on February 19, 2015 with a total project cost Rs. 69.49 crore for its implementation in states and union territories from April 1.

The scheme envisages to provide 24 hour emergency and non-emergency response to all women affected by violence both in public and private sphere, including in the family, community, workplace etc.

The minister also informed the Lower House about the government's plans to set up four Swadhar Homes and one Short Stay Home in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh for distressed women, including widows.

Presently, at Vrindavan, these homes are functioning with the support of the Ministry of Women and Child Welfare. Under these shelter homes free shelter, food, medical care, clothing, counseling etc. are provided to the beneficiaries as per a Supreme Court order of February 20, 2015.

Maneka Gandhi also informed that there are 7067 operational projects under the ICDS Scheme as on December 31, 2014. Similarly, there are 13.42 lakh operational AWCs in the country as on the above mentioned date.

She further stated that there are 10.41 crore beneficiaries comprising 8.43 crore children (in age group 6 months to 6 years) and 1.98 crore pregnant women and lactating mothers who received supplementary nutrition at these projects and AWCs.

Further, 3.50 crore children (in age group 3-6 years) attended pre-school education at these projects and AWCs.

Gandhi said thather ministry is implementing the Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY), Conditional Maternity Benefit (CMB), a centrally sponsored scheme for pregnant and lactating (PandL) women to improve their health and nutrition status by providing cash incentives to pregnant and lactating mothers.

The scheme is being implemented in 53 selected districts across the country. The structures under the ICDS are being used as the platform for implementation of IGMSY. This is supported by dedicated IGMSY cells created at the state and district level.

On measures taken to improve the working conditions of Anganwadi Workers, the minister informed that Anganwadi workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi helpers (AWHs) are paid an honorarium of Rs.3000/- and Rs.1500/- per month respectively.

Recently, she said, that the honorarium of AWWs of Mini AWCs has been increased from Rs.1500/- to Rs. 2250/.

Apart from these, additional amount of honoraria are also paid by most of the State Governments / UT Administrations from their own resources.

Besides, these functionaries are also extended the following benefits/facilities:-

20 days casual leave per year

Paid absence on maternity of 180 days

Provision of uniform and name badge

Reservation of 25 percent of vacant posts of Supervisors for Anganwadi Workers

Recruitment of 25 percent of Anganwadi Workers from amongst AWHs

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