English - Nipccd

Content
Editorial 2
Budget Position 3
Legislations in the Pipeline 3
Vatsalya Mela 4
Events : October 8
Events : November 10
Events : December 15
Training Programmes 18
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
‘A child in danger is a child that cannot wait,’ said Kofi Annan, and no truer
statement could have been made in recent times where the level of development of
a society, community or nation can be gauged by the extent of the protective
environment in place for the child in need of care and protection.
Recent incidents of child rape, sexual abuse and killing of young children brings
to the forefront the need to strengthen the protective environment in which children
and women of the country not only feel safe and secure but are also able to contribute
to the well-being of society up to their maximum potential.
India is a signatory to the UN Convention for the Rights of the Child and has been
making efforts to have in place a protective environment to ensure the children of
the county the basic rights envisaged under this convention including that of their
safety and survival. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been
highlighting the low level of allocation and expenditure on child protection in the
Union Budgets and has been highlighting the low level of allocation and expenditure
on child protection in the union Budgets and has been seeking larger allocations
for this very important sector.
Child protection is being viewed as a high priority thrust area and the Ministry of
Women and Child Development has initiated a number of measures which include
combining the existing child protection schemes under one integrated scheme tiled
“Integrated Child Protection Scheme”. The proposed scheme aims to provide for
care and protection of all the children in conflict with law and children in need of
care and protection by setting up State and District Child Protection Units which
will in turn, work for effective implementation of child protection programmes
and policies in their areas of jurisdiction. It would also involve steps to strengthen
families and prevent them from breaking up by providing for an effective support
mechanism.
To provide holistic legislative support, the Offences Against Children (Prevention)
Bill seeks to deal with all offences against children and punishments for offenders.
The Government has also notified the Protection of Child Rights Act 205 in the
Gazette of India on 20
MWCD Newsletter Sampark
2
Volume 3 Issue 1
th We would like to have your feedback
on MWCD Newsletter Sampark. We
request readers to send their opinions,
not only on the contents and overall
January 2006 as Act. No.4 of 2006. The Act envisages
setting up a National Commission at the National level and the State Commissions
at the State level. The Commissions would be working for proper enforcement of
children’s rights and effective implementation of laws and programmes relating to
children.
look of Sampark, but also on the
additional inputs they think would
make the publication more useful.
Editorial Board
Chief Editor
Smt. Manjula Krishnan, Economic Advisor, MWCD
(Manjula Krishnan)
These letters would be carried in a
column, ‘Letters to the Editor’. We
look forward to letters from you!
Members
Dr. A.K. Gopal, Director, NIPCCD
Shri H.K. Barthwal, Editor, NIPCCD

BUDGET POSITION
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been endeavouring effective budgetary control as per guidelines
of the Ministry of Finance throughout the financial year. The budgetary position up to the end of December 2006
under Plan and Non-Plan has been shown in the table below.
Plan and Non-Plan Expenditure
Financial Year Plan/ Budget Estimates Progressive Progressive
(Figures are in Rupees Crore)
Percentage of
Non-Plan 2006-07 Allocation upto Expenditure Expenditure
Dec. 2006 up to Dec. 2006
2006-07 Plan 4795.85 4476.47 3212.58 67.00%
Non-Plan 57.09 50.84 41.67 73.00%
LEGISLATIONS IN THE PIPELINE
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005
The social evil of domestic violence against women has been a cause of serious concern for the Government and
women activities/groups since long. As a vital step to combat this social evil and to provide for more effective
protection of the rights of women, guaranteed under the Constitution, who are victims of violence of any kind
occurring within the family and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, the Government enacted
the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005. The Ministry has issued a Gazette Notification
appointing 26 October 2006 as the date on which the Act would come into force.
The Ministry has simultaneously issued a notification laying down the rules framed for the implementation of this
Act. These rules provide for, inter alia, the appointment of protection officers, service providers and counsellors.
The rules also lay down the action to be taken in the event of a respondent breaching the protection order passed
by a magistrate in favour of an aggrieved woman.
This step of the Government has received not only tremendous publicity but has also generated public debate.
The implementation of the Act has been widely acclaimed by the Media and the public in general.
Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Amendment Bill 2006
The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Amendment Bill 2006 was discussed in the meeting of the Ministry-related
Parliamentary Standing Committee. During the meeting, the amendments proposed in the Bill were outlined. The
Hon’ble Members of the Committee sought clarifications and discussed various clauses of the amendments. They
also offered valuable suggestions. The Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee would be examined by
this Ministry as and when received.Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Amendment Bill 2006
Child Welfare
The prevention of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill 2006 was passed by the Rajya Sabha on 14 December 2006
and by the Lok Sabha on 19 December 2006. The Bill is now awaiting the President’s assent.
The Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (Amendment Bill), 2006 was passed by Lok Sabha on 13 December
2006 and by Rajya Sabha on 14 December 2006. The Bill is now awaiting the President’s assent. The Amendment
is being made to replace the Minister of Human Resource Development with the Minister of Women and Child
Development as the Chairperson of the Selection Committee for selection of the Chairperson of the Commission.
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 1 3 Issue 21
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VATSALYA MELA CELEBRATED
WITH MUCH FANFARE
Children with Exceptional Achievements Felicitated
Each of us owes the responsibility of providing children with the maximum wherewithal within our means to ensure
that they are properly educated, nurtured and groomed to become dutiful and responsible citizens, said the Hon’ble
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, while giving away the National Child Awards for Exceptional Achievement
- 2005 to 29 awardee children from various States of India. The function was organised by Ministry of Women and
Child Development at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on the Bal Diwas (Universal Children’s Day) on 14 November
2006 to honour such children who had demonstrated extraordinary courage or talent. Complementing the award
winning children, the Prime Minister exhorted all the children present to perform their duties towards studies with
dedication and strive to fulfill the legitimate expectations of their parents.
Referring to the deep concern of first Prime Minister, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru for children of India (in whose
memory Children’s Day is celebrated every year on 14 November, his birthday), Dr. Singh exhorted the children to
do their duties in a befitting manner.Despite all his preoccupations, Pt. Nehru loved children with all his heart and
soul, the Prime Minister said. He also reiterated the resolve of Government to promote and support the programmes
and activities related to education, upkeep and well-being of children – particularly the orphans, the disadvantaged
and the physically challenged.
At this occasion, the Minister of State for Women and Child Development (Independent Charge) Smt. Renuka
Chowdhury assured that with the establishment of an independent Ministry for issues concerning welfare of women
and children, better days are ahead for children of India. She said, all efforts are being done to ensure that children
are provided a favourable environment to develop their potential to grow, and emerge as useful assets to the society
and nation at large.
Later, the Prime Minister formally declared open the six-day Vatsalya Mela to be held from 14-19 November 2006
at Talkatora Gardens, New Delhi
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On the evening of 14 November 2006, Hon’ble Minister of State for Women and Child Development
(Independent Charge), Smt. Renuka Chowdhury inaugurated a landmark event dedicated to the women and
children of the country. Called the Mahila Avam Bal Mahotsav or Vatsalya Mela, this mega event was organised
by Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) at Talkatora Gardens, New Delhi from 14 - 19
November 2006. The six-day variety programme involved thousands of women and children with a view to
sensitise people on issues pertaining to the needs of children and women. Reaching out directly to the women
and children at the grass root level who participated in the event, the festival also celebrated the committment
of the Ministry and its determination to scale new heights after acquiring full fledged ministerial status early
this year.
The opening of the Mela coincided with the birth anniversary of first Prime Minister, Pt. Jawahar Lal
Nehru, and concluded on 19 November 2006, the birth anniversary of Late Smt. Indira Gandhi. About 10
NGOs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Toy
Manufacturing Companies had put up stalls in Vatsalya
Mela.
A plethora of activities like cultural
programmes, educational activities, magic shows,
puppet shows and competitions in essay writing,
painting, drawing, talent hunt, singing, dancing,
general knowledge quiz, etc. were organised during
the Mela. There were competitions for the disabled
children as well. The evening hours (2 to 8 pm) of the
festival were devoted to women’s activities like talk
shows, counselling, quiz, health check-up, skill
development and others. There were food stalls, stalls
of SHGs of various States with their products for sale
and exhibition, nutrition exhibition, health check-ups,
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
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counselling, bioscope, long stick men, jokers,
clowns, mehendi kiosks, folk dance, balloons,
kite flying, women helpline, childline, Giant
Wheel, joy rides, etc. The Mela was open to
all without any entry fee. The festival was
organised for the purpose of dissemination of
schemes and programmes of Ministry for
women and children.
Each day during the Mela, about 300 children
studying in various Government Schools or
NGO-run institutions from all over Delhi
participated in different activities. Other highlights of the Mela were as under.
Exhibition on Women and Children: An exhibition on the issues pertaining to Women and Children, organised by NIPCCD in
collaboration with UNICEF and UNIFEM was a major attraction of Vatsalya Mela. The exhibition was inaugurated by Smt.
Renuka Chowdhury, Minister of State (independent charge), Ministry of Women and Child Development on 14 November 2006
at 6.00 p.m.
The exhibition highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for the
upliftment of women and children and objectives and activities of institutions/Departments working under the Ministry
such as FNB, RMK, NIPCCD and CSWB. It included nearly 40 panels which were classified into following themes
and sub themes: (a) Ministry of Women and Child Development – Introduction and Functions of different Bureaus,
(b) Young Child - ICDS, Early Childhood Care for Survival, Growth and Development, (c) Child Protection, Juvenile
Justice, Adoption, Vision for 11th Plan, (d) The Girl Child, Kishori Shakti Yojana, (e) Empowerment of Women,
Rights of Women, Swayamsidha, Gender Mainstreaming, (f) Nutrition Security, (g) NIPCCD – Training, Objective,
Vision, Mandate, Activities.
The exhibition and Mela were visited by many dignitaries such as Smt. Kanti Singh, Minister of State for Heavy
Industry; Shri Raghunath Prasad, Minister for Rural Development; Shri Somnath Chatterjee, Hon’ble Speaker of
Lok Sabha; Smt. Girija Vyas, Chairperson, NCW. and Guests including celebrities visited the Mela and were invited
on different occasions to the Vatsalya Mela. The theme of the exhibition as well as the activities of the mela were
appreciated by all.
Cultural programmes and other performances were organised for children during the mela. At the same time the
children had opportunities for participation in
various activities such as on-the-spot painting, essay
and story writing, GK and aptitude test, debates and
quiz, athletic and sports activities.
In a function held on the evening on 15 November
2006, National Awards for Child Welfare and
Rajiv Gandhi Manav Sewa Awards were
presented by Shri Janardhan Dwivedi, Chairperson,
Parliamentary Standing Committee. Shri Som Nath
Chatterjee, Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, also
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
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visited the Mela on 16 November 2006. On 19 November
2006, the Stree Shakti Awards were presented by Smt.
Renuka Chowdhury, Minister of State (independent
charge), Women and Child Development as the
concluding event.
Programmes for Women: Special activities were
organised for women daily from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm.
These included a cookery demonstration; mehendi;
street play; rangoli, pottery, painting; cultural
programmes and song competition.
Send Kids to School or else . . .
Education Bill Introduces Penalties for Parents
Not sending your child to school? Do compulsory community service
– that’s the punishment.
To ensure every child is in school, the HRD ministry has put the
onus on the parents to enroll their wards if he/she has attained the
age of six. “If a parent persistently defaults in discharging this
responsibility, the School Monitoring Committee may direct the
parent to perform compulsory community service by way of
childcare in school”, according to the Right to Education Bill 2006,
sent to the states.
There are penalties galore in the Bill. To stop donations, the ministry
has said schools which charge capitation fees would have to pay a
fine which may be 10 times more than the capitation fees. Schools
which interview students before admission, will be liable for a fine
of Rs.25,000/- while the school management will pay up Rs.50,000.
Coming to the aid of teachers, who end up doing non-academic
work, the ministry has said, “No teacher of a state or a fully aided
school shall be deployed for any non-educational purpose except
for decennial population census, election to local authorities, state
legislatures/Parliament and disaster relief duties”.
The Ministry has also laid down duties for teachers. “From
reporting non-attendance to the parent/guardian to transact the
curriculum as per schedule to regularly assess the learning levels
of the child, the ministry says non-compliance by the teaching
community would amount to professional misconduct”.
(Source: The Times of India, 6.8.2006)
Diploma course in
Guidance and
Counselling
On the request of Government of
Bhutan, the NIPCCD’s Regional
Centre, Bangalore initiated a six
months Diploma Course in
guidance and Counselling for
Teachers of Bhutan with the
objectives to : explore and evolve
attitudes, values and beliefs that
facilitate work with students;
acquire knowledge and
understanding of theoretical
constructs and socio-cultural
perspectives in the context of
counselling; develop skills to
plan, provide and monitor
counselling interventions for
students and school-related
systems; and develop skills of
mobilising resources of
networking and collaborating
with stoke- holders.
Twelve teachers from Bhutan are
currently undergoing this course.
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
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THE EVENTS: OCTOBER 2006
Conference on Female Foeticide
A one-day State Level Conference on Female
Foeticide: The Role of Voluntary Organisations
was organised by Delhi State Social Welfare Bard
on 10 October 2006 in New Delhi. Over 1200
women representatives of voluntary organisations
attended the Conference.
Smt. Sheila Dixit, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi
was Chief Guest and Dr. Yoganand Shastri, Minister
of Health and Social Welfare, Government of NCT
Delhi was special guest. Smt. Rajani Patil, Chairperson, Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) presided
over the conference. Smt. Motia Garg, Chairperson, Delhi Social Welfare Board was the convenor of the
programme.
Underscoring the need for changing the mindset of Indian society Smt. Sheila Dixit said that technological
advancement should not lead to social regression. The elimination of women by female foeticide is no less
than murder and is against nature. Female foeticide is therefore an evil and crime against not only the unborn
girls but against humanity at large. Those directly or indirectly responsible for such acts must be punished
severely. The Government as well as Society should act jointly to eradicate this menace.
Smt. Dixit averred that it was mainly the daughters who served their families and relations. Citing her own
example, she told the gathering that in her own family she was the first female who lit the funeral pyres of her
parents although this right is given to the sons only. She is one of three sisters who contributed in the running
of the family and their parents were proud of them. Smt. Dixit also emphasised the need of imparting proper
education to girls and taking care of their health and well being.
Dr. Yoganand Shastri stated in his address that there is no evidence of female foeticide being practiced in
ancient times. In all the national and social movements before freedom, women took active part as equals of
men, he said. He added that State Government is going to promulgate a stringent law to put an end to female
foeticide in society.
At this occasion Smt. Rajani Patil, Chairperson, CSWB stated that female foeticide has become an extremely
serious problem in several states of the country and there will be acute shortage of girls if the situation is not
brought under control.
Review Meeting with States
As a part of the initiative of dialogue with States, a review meeting – the second in a row (the first meeting
was held in September 2006), with the Secretaries in-charge of Women and Child Development of the North
Eastern States was held on 16 October 2006. During the meeting, not only were the existing schemes
reviewed, but the new initiatives of the Ministry were also presented and explained to the representatives of
the participating States. Discussions were also held on topical issues pertaining to women and children.
Review meetings with the remaining States are also planned.
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
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Working Group on Development of Children
The Report of the Working Group on Development
of Children constituted by the Planning Commission
is being finalised and expected to be submitted to the
Planning Commission shortly.
FOOD AND NUTRITION BOARD (FNB)
Review of Scheme of Working Women’s Hostels by
the Parliamentary Committee
Senior Officers of the Ministry appeared before the
Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women
on 11 October 2006 in connection with the subject, Hostel
Accommodation for Working Women and tendered oral
evidence.
The international nutrition events namely
World Food Day on 16 October 2006 on
the theme, Invest in Agriculture for Food
Security and the Global Iodine Deficiency
Disorders Prevention Day on 21 October
2006 were observed by the FNB throughout
the country.
Advertisements were brought out in national
dailies across the country in Hindi, English
and regional languages on the occassions of
World Food Day, 16 October 2006 and Global
Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day,
21 October 2006. The advertisement
highlighted the importance of ensuring nutrition security by promoting production and consumption of fruits and
vegetables and the importance of iodine for physical, mental and cognitive development of children, deficiency
of iodine resulting in serious consequences and ensuring that everyone particularly the mother and child receive
daily supply of iodine through iodised salt The field units of FNB organised special awareness generation camps
on these two nutrition days enlisting
cooperation of the State Governments,
professional institutions and nongovernmental
organisations (NGOs).
A meeting of the Working Group on
Integrating Nutrition with Health for the
Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2007-2012) was
held on 13 October 2006 in New Delhi to
finalise the recommendations.
The meeting of the Shadow Committee
on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary
Uses (CCNFSDU) was held on 18 October
2006 to finalise India’s view point on the
agenda of 28th Session of CCNFSDU,
scheduled to be held on 30 October - 3
November 2006 at Chiang Mai, Thailand.
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
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THE EVENTS: NOVEMBER 2006
Gender Budgeting
A workshop on Gender Budgeting for the Gender
Budget Cells was organised by the Ministry of Women
and Child Development in collaboration with Indian
Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) on 12-13
October 2006 at New Delhi. The workshop was attended
by participants from 30 Ministries/Departments. There
was a presentation on the tools, concepts and framework
of Gender Budgeting. Ministry of Finance also provided
valuable inputs. Thereafter, an interactive discussion as
well as in-depth focused group discussions were held by
the Ministries/ Departments on the subject.
Another workshop on Gender Budgeting for the four
southern States of Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and
Tamil Nadu was held on 6-7 October 2006 at Bangalore.
This was organised in collaboration with Women Power
Connect, and attended by the Dy. Chief Minister of
Karnataka, government officials and civil society
representatives.
Programmes on Prevention of Female Foeticide
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK)
During October 2006 (upto 25.10.2006), RMK
sanctioned loans aggregating Rs.152.75 lakh to 10
NGOs partners – Rs.7.00 lakh in Andhra Pradesh to
2 NGO partners, Rs.8.00 lakh in Delhi to 1 NGO
partner, Rs.2.50 lakh in Orissa to 1 NGO partner,
Rs.1.25 lakh in Rajasthan to 1 NGO partner,
Rs.134.00 lakh in Tamil Nadu to 5 NGO partners.
In addition, loans aggregating Rs.82.00 lakh to 7
NGO partners in the States of Andhra Pradesh,
Rajasthan, West Bengal and Delhi were sanctioned.
Considering the alarming consequences of continuing poor status of girl child, the National Institute of Public
Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) felt that sensitisation of wider canvas of NGOs was required to
address this issue. Accordingly, the Institute organised two Sensitisation Programmes on Prevention of Female
Foeticide and Infanticides for the functionaries of voluntary organisations scheduled from 11-13 October 2006 and
6-8 December 2006 at NIPCCD Headquarters, New Delhi.
Through the 3-day duration of the programme, the participants were sensitised to the issues of gender violence with
special reference of female foeticide and infanticide; the magnitude of the problem and the over all impact of the
status of women was highlighted as also policies and legislation to curb female foeticide and infanticide. A total of
48 (26 and 22, respectively) participants comprising the States of Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,
Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, New Delhi, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh attended the
two programmes.
The programme encompassed group exercises, case-study presentations and audio-visual presentations which made
it absorbing and interesting for all. Active participation of trainees and sharing of experience served as valuable
resource, enriching the learning process.
Besides the faculty of the Institute, resource persons from the academic and technical institutions with relevant
expertise were invited to deliver lectures.
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
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Seminar against Female Foeticide
Organised at Shimla
Himachal Pradesh State Social Welfare Board organised
a seminar on Female Foeticide at Shimla on 22
November 2006. The seminar was inaugurated by Shri
Veer Bhadra Singh, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh,
Shri Rangeela Ram Rao Social Welfare and Taxation
Minister, Government of Himachal Pradesh, Smt. Satya
Kapoor, Chairperson, HP State Social Welfare Board,
Smt. Krishna Tandon, Chairperson, Himachal State
Women Commission, Shri Bhim Sen, IAS, Principal
Secretary Social Justice and Empowerment, Himachal
Government, Members of State Social Welfare Board,
Members of Women Commission, Deputy Director
(Health Mission) Himachal Government and
representatives of voluntary institutions were present on
the occasion.
The Chief Minister said that State Government is trying
to make amendments in law so that persons involved in
heinous crime of Female Foeticide can be punished under
IPC 302. The State Government should strictly
implement the law and punish the persons responsible
for female foeticide. He also said that Government will
soon implement an innovative scheme to stop female
foeticide and give incentive on the birth of Girl Child.
Under this Scheme an amount of Rs.25,000 will be given
on the birth of first daughter and Rs.20,000 for adopting
the family planning methods after the birth of second
daughter and Rs.10,000/- to the persons who will provide
information about incidence of Female Foeticide.
Child Trafficking
The Ministry in collaboration with
the Ministry of Home Affairs,
National Commission for Women
(NCW), National Human Rights
Commission (NHRC) and United
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
organised the first Regional
Consultation to revise the 1998 Plan of Action to
Combat Trafficking at Guwahati for North-Eastern
States and West Bengal on 21 November 2006.
FOOD AND NUTRITION BOARD
The Report of the Working Group on Integrating
Nutrition with Health for the 11th Five-Year Plan,
was submitted to the Planning Commission on 1
November 2006.
The meeting of the Steering Committee on
Nutrition was held on 7 November 2006 under
the chairpersonship of Member (Health),
Planning Commission. The concerned officers
of this Ministry attended the meeting.
FNB put up a nutrition exhibition in the Vatsalya
Mela organised by MWCD from 14-19
November 2006. Various activities like Nutrition
Quiz Competition, live demonstration of
preparation of Low Cost Nutritious Recipes,
Nutrition games, etc. made the FNB stall quite
popular among the school students and other
visitors. Nutritional status assessment and
nutritional counselling based thereon was
undertaken at the stall for children as well as adult
visitors.
The Universal Children’s Day was celebrated
throughout the country from 14-19 November
2006 by 43 Field Units of FNB emphasising the
importance of nutrition for physical and mental
development of children. Special programmes
like Nutrition Quiz, painting competition, slogan
competition, nutritious recipe competition, miniexhibitions
etc. were organised in collaboration
with State Governments, NGOs, Home Science
Colleges and other likeminded institutions.
Three audio and video spots of 30 seconds
duration on deficiencies of Vitamin A, Iron and
Iodine were broadcast/telecast in Hindi and 14
regional languages throughout the country from
14-20 November 2006. Also, 6 audio spots on
Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) and
Micronutrients were broadcast in Hindi from 14
November 2006.
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
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Awareness Generation Campaign ‘Save the Girl’ at Varanasi
Silver Jubilee Celebration of RASS
Uttar Pradesh State Social Welfare Board and UNICEF jointly
organised an Awareness Generation Campaign ‘Save the Girl’ at
Nagar Nigam Auditorium, Varanasi on 27 November 2006. At
this occasion, Smt. Rajani Patil, Chairperson, Central Social
Welfare Board expressed grave concern over the increasing cases
of female foeticide and said that social awareness is imperative
to eradicate female foeticide in society. She cited the example of
some noted social workers such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar
Chand Vidya Sagar, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
who fought for the welfare of women.
Smt. Anjana Prakash, Chairperson, UP State Social Welfare Board
said that the sex ratio in the age group 0 to 6 years has declined
considerably. There were 927 females per 1000 males in 1991,
which declined to 916 per 1000 males in 2001. Shri Shatrudh
Prakash, former State Minister who was the guest of honour
regretted that even after taking oath of serving the people some
doctors are involved in female foeticide. He stressed the need for taking strict action against the guilty
doctors to check this menace.
Dr. Ranjana Kumari, Director, Centre for Social Research said that around one crore female foetuses were
aborted in India in the recent past. She criticised doctors for conducting sex determination tests and also
expressed grave concern over poor health aid to women with about one in every five women dying due to
poor delivery facilities in India.
Three-day Annual Meet of Akhil Bharat Racnatmak Samaj and Silver Jubilee Celebration of Rashtriya Seva
Samiti was inaugurated by Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, UPA at SV University Stadium, Tirupati on 25
November 2006. Shri Ramaeshwar Thakur, Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, Chief
Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde, Union Minister of Power, Shri Digvijay Singh, AICC,
General Secretary, Shri Pallamu Raju, Minister of State for Defence, Smt. Panabaka Lakshmi, Minister of
State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri T. Subbarami Reddy, Minister for Mines and several MPs and
MLAs were also present at the inaugural function.
Nearly 17000 delegates from all over the country consisting of social activists, chief functionaries of NGOs,
Sarvodaya leaders, intellectuals and professors participated in the programme. Smt. Sonia Gandhi felicitated
Smt. Rajani Patil, Chairperson, Central Social Welfare Board for supporting RASS right from inception and
presented a memento to her.
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
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NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN (NCW)
Workshop on Trafficking with Focus on Children and Women
Trafficking in human beings for commercial sexual exploitation, especially girls and children, is on the increase as
there is little risk of being prosecuted. NCW and Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with other organisations
have undertaken a number of initiatives and activities on a sustained and continuous basis to prevent and combat
trafficking in human beings. Such initiatives and activities have come out with recommendations and Plans of
Action to prevent and end trafficking in human beings. In order that these recommendations/Plans of Action are
properly acted upon, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, NCW and the
National Human Rights Commission in collaboration with UNICEF have decided to work in unison against trafficking.
To this end, a one-day workshop on Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking with Special Focus on
Children and Women was jointly organised by all four on 21 November 2006 at NIPCCD Regional Centre,
Guwahati. The objectives of the workshop were to discuss the draft integrated Plan of Action to Prevent and Combat
Human Trafficking with Special Focus on Children and Women and to identify qualitative and quantitative targets
that would enable implementation of the integrated Plan of Action once it is finalised.
Investigation into the case of Baba Balnath Ashram, Ghaziabad for harassment, torture, wrongful
confinement and sexual abuse of girls
As a follow-up to the plea of media as well as non-government organisations, STOP and Shaktivahini approached
the Member of the Commission and requested immediate intervention to save girls from harassment, torture, wrongful
confinement and sexual abuse at the Baba Balnath Ashram, Ghaziabad, UP. A team led by Ms. Malini Bhattacharya,
Member NCW, accompanied by representatives of NGOs visited the area to inspect the premises of the Ashram.
The team members observed that: (a) there were more than 60 girls in the Ashram, majority of them were minors,
some were mentally challenged; (b) there were two girls who complained about physical and sexual abuse by Baba;
(c) there were no female attendants in the ashram although the children in the institution were predominantly girls;
(d) there was no system of providing formal education; (e) it was also not clear whether the institute was recognised
and had permission to keep children; (f) the ashram seemed to be hand-in-glove with the local administration; (g)
even though the FIR was registered, statements under Section 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure were not
recorded; (h) the children were not sent to any doctor for medical examination.
However, the rescue operation was done next day when the Chairperson NCW along with the Member visited the
Ashram. A decision was taken to shift the girls to Mathura and an FIR was registered by the police on 1 December
2006 and Baba was arrested the next day. The Commission in an affidavit submitted before the Hon’ble Supreme
Court of India, recommended that:
The girls should not be released at any
cost by the authorities unless specific
orders are obtained from this Hon’ble
Court.
The trial should be conducted by a fast
track court and the case be transferred to
a court of competent jurisdiction in Delhi.
A complete rehabilitation plan should be
submitted by the concerned ministries of Government of UP and the Union Government to this Hon’ble Court.
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
13

NCW Chairperson’s Visit to UK
Under an exchange of ideas trip, NCW Chairperson Dr. Girija Vyas visited London to highlight India’s voice on
issues concerning women, particularly broken overseas marriages, adoption, child custody and abduction. During
her visit, the NCW Chairperson interacted with women members of the House of Commissions and officials working
on women’s issues.Dr. Vyas also visited the University of Derby to hear out survivors of forced marriages and other
crimes.
The Indian government has begun consultations on a law to help NRI women who had been cheated or were abandoned
by their husbands.
Pakistani Delegation Visits NCW
A four-member delegation of the National
Commission on Status of Women (NCSW), Pakistan
visited National Commission for Women on
6 November 2006. The delegation comprised of
Ms. Simi Sadaf Kamal, Dr. Shahida Haider, Prof.
(Dr.) Parveen Shah and Ms. Suhela Asif.
The Chairperson, Members and officials of National
Commission for Women discussed various issues
related to women with the Pakistani delegates. The
NCW and the NCSW had a fruitful exchange of views and also decided to cooperate with each another in future.
Parliamentarians from Europe Visit NCW
A delegation from the European Parliament called on the Chairperson and Members of NCW. The delegation was
briefed about the role, responsibilities and powers of the Commission.
The delegation expressed interest in learning about the functions of the Commission and desired to be apprised of
the functioning of the Muslim personal law and other personal laws in the country in the context of the current
controversy on the use of veil by Muslim women. The visitors were told that the personal laws of the minorities
were applicable in the matters of marriage, adoption and guardianship.
In response to queries about population perspective in India, the Chairperson explained that in India the population
policy of the government was non-coercive.
While discussing the issue of reservations for
women in Parliament, the visitors were informed
that in most European countries, there were 33
percent women in Parliament though in some
countries the proportion of women
parliamentarians was as low as 10 percent.
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
14

THE EVENTS: DECEMBER 2006
Meeting on Prevention of Trafficking
The meeting of the Central Advisory Committee
to combat trafficking in women and children was
held on 1 December 2006. Representatives of the
State Government, NGOs, International
Organisations etc. attended the meeting. Various
issues on Prevention of trafficking including crossborder
issues, State Government initiatives to
combat trafficking, etc. were discussed in the
meeting.
Cabinet Meet Sanctions AWTCs
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA),
in its meeting held on 7 December 2006, approved
the expansion of ICDS Scheme to 173 ICDS Projects,
107274 Anganwadi Centres and 25961 Mini-
Anganwadi Centres throughout the country. The
administrative sanctions to this effect have been issued
to the State Government/UT Administration of
Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Assam,
Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, Manipur, Karnataka,
Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh, Orissa, Rajasthan,
Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and AN Islands.
For other States/UTs, issue of administrative sanction
is in process.
State Level Seminar on Female Foeticide at Amritsar
Orientation Training Programme on
Capacity Building at Panchkula
Haryana State Social Welfare Board organised a one-day
Orientation Training Programme for the capacity
building of functionaries and office bearers of Voluntary
Organisations aided by the Board at Panchkula on
5 December 2006. Smt. Asha Hooda wife of Shri Bhupinder
Singh Hooda, Chief Minister of Haryana inaugurated the
programme by lighting a lamp. In her inaugural speech she
appealed to voluntary organisations to work for the welfare
of women and children with devotion and dedication. She
also appealed to VOs to work against the evil of female
foeticide which is rampant in Haryana. Ms. Kartar Devi,
Social Welfare Minister of Haryana also addressed the
gathering. Smt. Renu S. Nagar Poswal, Chairperson,
Haryana State Social Welfare Board appealed to voluntary
institutions to change the mindset of people with regard to
female child.
Among others who addressed the participants were Smt.
Anuradha Gupta, IAS Commissioner and Secretary to
Government of Haryana, WCD, Shri P.C. Bidhan, IAS,
Director, WCD Department, Haryana and Smt. S.K. Koul,
Secretary, Haryana State Social Welfare Board.
A rally was also organised on female foeticide with the theme
Balika Bachao Abhiyan. About 150 participants from aided
institutions of the Board participated in the Programme.
Smt. Rajni Patil, Chairperson, CSWB was the Chief Guest at the State-level Seminar on Female Foeticideorganized
by Punjab State Social Welfare Board in Amritsar on 13 December 2006. Smt. Ratna, Chairperson, Punjab State
Social Welfare Board presided over the function. Shri Raj Kumar Verka, MLA, Parliamentary Secretary, Department
of Education, Government of Punjab was the guest of honour. NGOs, SHGs, Social Activists, representatives of
Panchayati Raj Institutions and more than 2000 women from different fields also participated in the seminar that
aimed to create awareness amongst the masses for prevention of female foeticide.
Inaugurating the Seminar, Smt. Rajni Patil, said that the sex ratio in the State of Punjab is a mater of concern and
social organisations must join hands with the government in order to make concerted efforts to eradicate Female
Foeticide. She said that now, due to awareness in society, women are coming forward in the field of employment,
politics, education and other technical fields. Smt. Ratna, Chairperson, Punjab State Social Welfare Board stated that
some strict and public-supported corrective measures should be undertaken to fight the evil to restore a healthy
balance in society.
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
15

Gender Budgeting
An orientation on Gender Budgeting was held on 21
December 2006 for the participants of a Workshop on
Gender Issues at ISTM. Economic Adviser, MWCD,
Smt. Manjula Krishnan, gave a presentation on Gender
Budgeting, which was followed by in-depth discussions.
Thereafter, presentations were given by the resource
persons on Gender and HIV/AIDS, Gender perspective
in NREGA and Gender issues in Energy sector.
FOOD AND NUTRITION BOARD (FNB)
Awareness Generation Campaign
against Female Foeticide at Sonepat
Adarsh Sarswati Shiksha Samiti organised an
awareness programme against female foeticide at
Sonepat on 21 December 2006. Speaking on the
occasion, the Chief Guest, Smt. Rajani Patil,
Chairperson, Central Social Welfare Board said
that the sex ratio is most disturbing in economically
prosperous states of northern India. In this regard
red alert has been declared in 50 districts of India,
out of which 20 are in Haryana alone. If this
situation continues it will be difficult to find brides
for the boys. She expressed her concern for the
low sex ratio in Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan,
Gujarat and Maharashtra and said that girls are
purchased from Bihar and West Bengal for
marriage.
Parliamentary Committee Meet on
Prevention of Female Foeticide
The 1st Parliamentary Consultative Committee on
‘Women and Children’ met on 18 December 2006 to
discuss the issue of ‘Female Foeticide – Missing
Daughters’ under the Chairpersonship of Hon’ble
Minister of State, MWCD (independent charge) in New
Delhi. The need for more proactive measures by
Members of Parliament in their Constituencies to reduce
the incidence of female foeticide was stressed.
Technical Adviser, FNB attended the meeting of the Steering Committee of the National Nutrition Monitoring
Bureau (NNMB) held at National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad on 18 December 2006. Presentations on Diet
and Nutritional Status of Population, Prevalence of Hypertension and Diabetes, Prevalence of Sub-clinical Deficiency
of Vitamin A were made. There was a unanimous recommendation to make NNMB a permanent structure so as to
improve the functioning of State NNMB units.
The field infrastructure of FNB organised training courses in Home Scale Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables
and Nutrition for adolescent girls and housewives, Nutrition Education Programmes in rural, urban and tribal
areas and monitored ICDS anganwadis in respect of Supplementary Feeding and Nutrition and Health Education
Component.
Training of Trainers and Orientation Training Courses were organised on nutrition and health
education under ‘other training’ component of UDISHA for CDPOs, Medical Officers, LHVs, Supervisors and
grassroot level functionaries, respectively.
Meet on New Projects
The Second meeting of the Project Sanctioning Committee
of STEP Scheme was held on 21 December 2006 to consider
new project proposals and also proposals for extension of
project duration in respect of some ongoing projects. In all,
six new projects and 14 proposals for extension of project
duration were considered and approved by the Committee.
Working Group for the 11th Plan: The Ministry finalised
the Working Group on Children and the Working group on
Women Reports for the 11th Plan and the same were forwarded
to Planning Commission for consideration by the Steering
Committee.
Working Women’s Hostel: An EFC meeting was held to
consider the proposal for setting up a Working Women’s Hostel
in Delhi for working women from the North-east. The
proposal was approved.
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
16

Integrated Women’s Empowerment
Project (IWEP)
In July 2006, this Ministry initiated the process of
preparation of a Women’s Empowerment and
Livelihood Project in the Gangetic Plains of Uttar
Pradesh and Bihar. The project is proposed to be funded
jointly by International Fund for Agriculture
Development (IFAD) and Ministry of Women and Child
Development (MWCD). US $ 30 million would be the
contribution of IFAD and US $ 2 million would be
MWCD contribution. The Project would cover 4
districts of Uttar Pradesh and two districts of Bihar
falling in the Gangetic Plain.
The project has been given a final shape after
discussions with the representatives of IFAD in several
rounds of meetings. The proposal has been considered
and approved subject to certain conditions by the
Expenditure Finance Committee in its meeting held on
21 November 2006. Negotiations with IFAD in this
regard have also been completed. Cabinet Note will be
prepared after fulfilling the conditions laid down in the
EFC meeting.
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
Complaint Cell: During the quarter October-December
2006, the Complaints and Investigation Cell registered
3054 complaints. The complaints were received under
various heads such as Dowry, Dowry Death, Sexual
Harassment at Workplace, Police Apathy, etc.
Programmes/Studies sanctioned: Following
programmes/Seminar/Research Studies were sanctioned
to non-government organisations (NGOs) in the quarter,
October - December 2006.
Legal Awareness Programmes 44
National Level Seminars 4
State Level Seminars 19
Public Hearings/Awareness Programme 57
Research Studies 10
Delegation on Child meets at
Kathmandu
A delegation comprising of officials of MWCD,
MEA, Secretary (WCD) of West Bengal discussed
the issues of rescue, rehabilitation, repatriation and
reintegration of child victims especially those of crossborder
trafficking with their Bangladeshi counterparts
under the aegis of UNICEF at Kathmandu on 20-21
December 2006.
Review Meeting with States
A series of meetings with the States/UTs are being held
to review the policies, programmes and schemes of the
Ministry. The review meeting with the States of Andhra
Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and
Nicobar Islands and Lakshdweep was held on 22
December 2006. During the meeting, not only were the
existing schemes reviewed, but the new initiatives of the
Ministry for the 11th Plan were also presented and
explained to the participating States. Discussions were
held on topical issues and areas of concern pertaining to
women and children.
RASHTRIYA MAHILA KOSH
Loans Sanctioned: During December 2006 (upto 26-
12-2006), RMK sanctioned loans aggregating Rs.40.00
lakh to 5 NGO partners – Rs.10.00 lakh in Karnataka to
1 NGO partner, Rs.10.00 lakh in Madhya Pradesh to 1
NGO partner, Rs.14.00 lakh in Orissa to 2 NGO partners,
Rs.6.00 lakh in Tamil Nadu to 1 NGO partner.
Loans Disbursed: The loans disbursed during this
duration amounted to Rs.234.50 lakh to 13 NGO partners
– Rs.65.00 lakh in Andhra Pradesh to 3 NGO partners,
Rs.3.5 lakh in Chattisgarh to 2 NGO partners, Rs.10.00
lakh in Delhi to 1 NGO partner, Rs.80.00 lakh in Himachal
Pradesh to 1 NGO partner, Rs.5.00 lakh in Nagaland to 1
NGO partner, Rs.10.00 lakh in Orissa to 2 NGO partners,
Rs.8.00 lakh in Punjab to 1 NGO partner, Rs.53.00 lakh
in Tamil Nadu to 2 NGO partners.
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
17

Training/Workshops/Orientation Courses organised by NIPCCD
The Institute organised following training programmes/workshops during the quarter, October - December 2006.
S. No. Name of the Programme Venue Dates
1. A Skill Training programme on Early Childhood
Education (ECE) for Instructors of AWTCs/MLTCs New Delhi 3-7 October 2006
2. An Orientation course on understanding and
counselling of children for the superintendents of
correctional institutions of Karnataka Bangalore 9-12 October 2006
3. An Orientation Course on Legislation Related to
Women for Counsellors of Family Counselling
Centres run by Voluntary Organisation Lucknow 9-13 October 2006
4. A Skill Training of Trainers of AWTCs/MLTCs
on Recent Developments in Nutrition and Health
Care of Children and Women Lucknow 9-13 October 2006
5. Two Orientation Training programmes for Assam
Police Personnel on Community-Oriented & Child-
Friendly Policing Guwahati 9-13 October 2006
&16-20 October 2006
6. A Sensitisation Programme on Prevention of
Female Foeticide and Infanticide New Delhi 11-13 October 2006
7. A Skill Training Course on Training Technology
for Instructors of MLTCs/AWTCs New Delhi 9-13 October 2006
8. An Orientation Training on Prevalence of Micro
Nutrient Malnutrition Indore 16-18 October 2006
9. Job training course for CDPOs/ACDPOs of
Western States Indore 30 October–29 November 2006
10. Orientation course on Management of Creches for
Representatives of Voluntary Organisations Lucknow 30 October–3 November 2006
11. Training programme on counselling for child
survivors of trafficking for the officials and
representatives of NGOs of Karnataka Bangalore 30 October –10 November 2006
12. Orientation course on issues relating to
women and children for members of Panchayati
Raj Institutions Patna 31 October – 2 November 2006
13. Skill Training programme for Trainers of
AWTCs/MLTCs on IYCF Bangalore 30 October – 4 November 2006
14. Pre-testing of manual on Infant and Young Child
Feeding Counselling (BPNI) New Delhi 31 October – 2 November 2006
15. A Sensitisation Programme for Deputy Chief Executive
Officers of Maharashtra on ICDS Scheme Indore 6-7 November 2006
16. An Orientation Course on Prevention of Micronutrient
Malnutrition in Rural and Urban Population New Delhi 6-10 November 2006
17. An Orientation Course for Members of Panchayati Raj
Institutions on Issues related to Women and Children
for the State of Andhra Pradesh Bangalore 6-10 November 2006
18. An Orientation Course on Formation of SHGs for
Representatives of Voluntary Organisations Lucknow 6-10 November 2006
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
18

19. Two Orientation Training Programmes on Community
Oriented & Child Friendly Policing for Assam
Police Personnel Guwahati 6-10 November 2006&
13-17 November 2006
20. Orientation Course on Counselling Services to Child
Survivors of Trafficking for Representatives/Social
Workers/Counsellors of Voluntary Organisations Lucknow 13-21 November 2006
21. A Job Training Course for CDPOs and ACDPOs Guwahati 13 November – 12 December 2006
22. A Training Programme on Counselling for Child Survivors
of Trafficking for the Officials and Representatives
of NGOs of Karnataka Bangalore 13-24 November 2006
23. Two Training Programmes on Capacity Building of
Voluntary Organisations on Project Formulation, Legal New Delhi
Regulations and Financial Management &Bangalore 20-24 November 2006
24. An Orientation Training on Good Governance in
Voluntary Organisations Guwahati 20-24 November 2006
25. A TOT for Master Trainers on Substance Abuse
and HIV/AIDS Guwahati 21-25 November 2006
26. An Orientation Training Programme on Project Formulation
for Voluntary Organisations dealing with SWADHAR Scheme Guwahati 27 November – 2 December 2006
27. Two Refresher Courses for CDPOs/ACDPOs Bangalore 4-8 December 2006
&Indore &6-8 December 2006
28. A Sensitisation Programme on Prevention of Female
Foeticide and Infanticide New Delhi 6-8 December 2006
29. A Consultative Meet on Child to Child Approach Guwahati 6-8 December 2006
30. Two Training Programmes on Micro Enterprises and
Small Business Development for Trainers of SHGs of Indore 7-9 December 2006
Dadra &
Nagar Haveli
&11-13 December 2006
31. A Skill Training of Trainers of MLTCs/AWTCs on
Emotional Intelligence New Delhi 7-8 December 2006
32. A Workshop on Understanding and Counselling of
Children for the Parents Bangalore 8 December 2006
33. A Training on Integrating Gender Perspectives in Health
and Nutrition Programme New Delhi 11-15 December 2006
34. An Orientation Course on Project Formulation and Fund
Raising Techniques for Voluntary Organisations was Indore 11-15 December 2006
35. A Skill Training of Trainers of AWTCs/MLTCs on IMNCI Bangalore 11-15 December 2006
36. Two Orientation Training Programmes of Assam Police Guwahati 11-15 December 2006
Personnel on Community Oriented & Child Friendly Policing &16-22 December 2006
37. An Orientation Training Course for Elected Members of PRIs
on Issues Related to Women and Children Guwahati 11-15 December 2006
38. A Programme on Integrated Micro Planning for Development of
Tribal Communities for Functionaries to Voluntary Organisations Guwahati 11-15 December 2006
39. An Orientation Training for Supervisory Staff of Child Care
Institutions under Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection
of Children) Amendment Act, 2006 New Delhi 11-15 December 2006
40. A Training Programme on Capacity Building of Voluntary
MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 1
19

Organisations on Project Formulation and Legal Regulations New Delhi 18-22 December 2006
41. Two Training Programmes of Trainers of AWTCs/MLTCs Indore&
on Infant & Young Child Feeding & Counselling Lucknow 18-23 December 2006
42 A Training Programme on Counselling Services for
Child Survivors of Trafficking Guwahati 18-23 December 2006
43. A Consultation Meet on Effect of Seasonal Migration on
Lives of Women and Children in Chhattisgarh Indore 20-21 December 2006
44. A Regional Consultation Meet on ICDS Lucknow 20-21 December 2006
45. An Orientation Training of Trainers of Instructors of MLTCs New Delhi 26 December – 4 January 2007
Edited and Published by : Smt. Manjula Krishnan, Economic Advisor, MWCD, on behalf of the Ministry of Women and
Child Development, Shastri Bhawan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi-110001
Concept : National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD), 5 Siri Institutional
Area, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016
Produced & Printed by : Fountainhead Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, 118 B 3rd Floor, Shahpurjat, New Delhi-110017