Welfare Programs for Women

Since India gained Independence in 1948, the government has been focussing on the welfare and progress of women. All the five-year development plans of India included a special section on women, children and their development. From an initial plan outlay of Rs.4 crores to Rs.2000 crores, the government has made efforts to bring up the status of women socially, economically and politically on par with that of men. Education is now compulsory for women. In the State of Gujarat, high school and college education is subsidised for women. At present, the Women's Bill which holds 33% reservation for women's representatives in the parliament is awaiting approval in the lower house. Among the many policies launched by the government are those related to improving the status of women in India.  As per the Child Marriage Restraint Act, it is illegal for a girl child under the age of 18 to be married. The Maternity Benefits Act focusses on the child and mother health care. The Dowry Prohibition Act is aimed at abolishing the system of dowry (the giving of gifts to the groom by the bride's family as per the groom's family demands). The Family Courts are targetted towards providing women with legal aid and settling family related issues. The government of India has set up forums and drawn up action plans for the development of women. The National Plan of Action for the Girl Child ensures the survival, protection and development of the girl child. The National Nutritional Policy concentrates on improving the nutritional status of women and children. The Shram Shakthi report has recommended areas related to improving employment opportunities, training and development of skills for women. Helping the government with the progress of women, children and the disabled are a large number of voluntary organizations. SNEHA, Spandhana, SEWA, Saheli, Asmita, Lok Shakthi, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People are some of them. These organizations provide basic health care services, food and shelter for destitutes, support them in finding employment and organize training opportunities. Some of them also help in spreading awareness of diseases like leprosy, polio, AIDS, tubercolosis by organizing campaigns especially in rural and poverty struck areas of the country. In addition to this, they also conduct programmes on maternity health, vaccination benefits, evils of addiction to liquour besides others.