WCD Ministry conferred with 'Best Performing Social Sector Ministry' award

The Ministry of Women and Child Development was today adjudged the Best Performing Social Sector Ministry' by a think-tank that deals with socio-economic issues.

SKOCH, a New Delhi-based think-tank, gave the award to Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi.

Outlining the achievements and initiatives of the ministry, Gandhi said that flagship schemes such as "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have achieved huge success within a very short period of time".

"Under this scheme, efforts were made at national, regional and local level which led to behaviour change which is reflecting in the improved sex ration at birth," she was quoted as saying in an official statement.

Gandhi also mentioned that a special division has been set up by Ministry of Home Affairs for women-related issues, on the request of the Women and Child Development Ministry.

Stressing that forensic analysis plays a critical role in nabbing the culprits in sexual assault cases, the minister said that earlier this month, the foundation of Sakhi Suraksha Advanced DNA Forensic Laboratory was laid in Chandigarh and five more advanced forensic labs would come up in Guwahati, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune and Bhopal.

The minister also said that special forensic kits for rape cases will be provided to all police stations and hospitals.