Govt to set up Mahila Shakti Kendras in 115 backward districts

The Centre today approved setting up of 'Mahila Shakti Kendras' across 115 most backward districts of the country for reaching out to rural women and facilitating skill development, employment, digital literacy, health and nutrition.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had first announced setting up of such kendras at 14 lakh anganwadi centres during his budget speech this year and allocated Rs 500 crore for the scheme.
The Union cabinet has approved setting up of 920 Mahila Shakti Kendras at block-level in the 115 most backward districts, an official statement said.
More than 3 lakh student volunteers from local colleges will be engaged in the process, while an association with NSS/NCC cadre students will also be explored, it said.

The NDA-led central government has also approved expansion of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme from 161 districts to 640 districts.
The statement added that another 150 One Stop Centres will be set up to provide integrated services to survivors of sexual violence.