English - Nipccd

MWCD Newsletter 

Sampark 

January - March 2007 

Vol. 3 Issue 3 

A quarterly publication of the Ministry of Women and Child Development 

Survival 

to 

celebrate 

Success 

her 

life 

International 

Women's Day 

8th March 2007 

ananya

Content 

Editorial 2 

Budget Position 3 

Expansion of ICDS Scheme 3 

Felicitation of National 

Bravery Awardees 3 

Website of the Ministry 3 

Ananya-International Women’s 

Day Celebration 4 

Events : January 6 

Events : February 9 

Events : March 15 

Training Programmes 18 

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK 

Each year on 8 March, the International Women’s Day (IWD) is 

celebrated the world over with meetings, seminars, conferences, 

resolutions and campaigns to draw the attention of the polity and 

society at large towards improving the plight of women on various 

fronts. The main objective of the day is to create awareness on gender 

mainstreaming. 

This year, under the dynamic leadership of Smt. Renuka Chowdhury, 

the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) celebrated 

IWD in a manner that inspired women to achieve their full potential. 

The theme of MWCD was, Survival to Success – Celebrate her Life. 

The primary highlight of the week-long programmes was unfurling 

of a specially designed flag by UPA leader Smt. Sonia Gandhi. The 

other programmers included a film festival with themes on Women’s 

Empowerment, Laying of Foundation stone for Working Women’s 

Hostel for North-East, release of a set of four stamps, and felicitation 

of Women Achievers jointly with UNIFEM, UNICEF and Hunger 

Project. 

The IWD celebration, it is hoped, will inculcate greater sensitisation 

and awareness among all sections of society to honour and respect 

women and give them equal opportunities in all spheres of life 

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 

(Manjula Krishnan) 

Chief Editor 

look of Sampark, but also on the 

additional inputs they think would Chief Editor 

Editorial Board 

make the publication more useful. Smt. Manjula Krishnan, Economic Advisor, MWCD 

These letters would be carried in a 

column, ‘Letters to the Editor’. We 

MWCD Newsletter Sampark 

look forward to letters from you! 

2 

Members 

Dr. A.K. Gopal, Director, NIPCCD 

Shri H.K. Barthwal, Editor, NIPCCD 

Volume 3 Issue 3

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 March 2007 under 

Plan and Non-Plan has been shown in the table below. 

Plan and Non-Plan Expenditure 

Financial Year Plan/ Budget Estimates Progressive Progressive Percentage of 

Non-Plan 2006-07 Allocation upto Expenditure* Expenditure* 

March 2007 upto March 2007 

2006-07 Plan 4795.85 4795.85 4680.45 97.60% 

Non-Plan 57.09 57.09 56.06 98.20% 

Expansion of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme 

(Figures are in Rupees Crore) 

*Provisional 

In pursuance to the Government’s decision to expand the ICDS Scheme (2nd Phase), administrative sanctions for 

additional Projects/Anganwadi Centres have been issued to 28 States/UTs. Administrative sanction for remaining 

States is under process. 

Felicitation of National Bravery Awardees 

2006 

The Ministry of Women and Child Development provides 

financial assistance on 100 percent basis to Indian Council 

for Child Welfare, New Delhi for administering the 

National Bravery Awards to children. The Hon’ble 

Minister of State, WCD (independent charge) felicitated 

the National Bravery Awardees 2006 at a function held 

on 23 January 2007. 

Website of the Ministry 

The official website of the Ministry (www.wcd.nic.in) 

has been redesigned to make it more user-friendly. The 

contents of the website are also being updated 

periodically to incorporate maximum information to 

satisfy provisions of the Right to Information Act 2005. 

The relevant Acts and Schemes for women and child 

development, welfare and protection are included in 

the website. Information on topics like trafficking, 

gender budgeting, child rights, etc. are also available 

in the website. 

MWCD Newsletter Sampark Volume 3 Issue 3 

3

A N A N Y A 

International Women’s Day celebrated 

with great enthusiasm 

Celebrated each year on 8 March to draw the attention of 

all sections of society towards improving the conditions 

of women by way of organising seminars, meetings and 

special campaigns, the Ministry of Women and Child 

Development (MWCD) made elaborate programmes this 

year to commemorate the International Women’s Day. 

The theme of MWCD for this year’s International 

Women’s Day was, Survival to Success, Celebrate her 

Life. 

A week-long celebration called the Ananya (meaning ‘the 

incomparable’) festival began on 5 Mach 2007 with the 

screening of films at Siri Fort Auditorium, August Kranti 

Marg, New Delhi. The women-centric and womenoriented 

film festival was inaugurated by the Hon’ble 

Minister for Information & Broadcasting. 

On 6 March, a flag specially designed by Mr. Farook 

Ambalapurathe of UNFPA on Women’s Empowerment 

was unfurled by Smt. Sonia Gandhi at National Stadium 

in the presence of 5000 women who had congregated 

from across the country at New Delhi. The Women’s 

Day flag depicts the colours of a muted rainbow, under 

the Indian national tricolour, on a white background. 

Emanating from the east, the rainbow colours signify a 

new rising, bursting forth in freedom and unbosoming 

the new hopes of the Indian women. The band in red and 

spiral denotes the upward direction, energised by dynamic 

forces that will forever evolve and progress further. The 

rainbow colours manifest all the new hopes, various 

facets, aspirations, skills, confidence, and the yearning 

for true emancipation and a rightful place in society. 

Shakti Dalit women drummers from Dindigul welcomed 

International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 

March every year, is the global day connecting 

all women around the world and inspiring them 

to achieve their full potential. The United 

Nation’s theme for 2007 is: Ending Impunity 

for Violence against Women and Girls. 


4

Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, UPA. Smt. Veena Devi, 

Sarpanch of Lagat Pura, district Navada (Bihar), since 

2001, faced hurdles from her community but against all 

odds, kept struggling for the empowerment of the women 

of that area. Welcoming the chief guest Smt. Sonia 

Gandhi, Smt. Renuka Chowdhury explained the concept 

of the flag and Ananya. Smt. Sonia Gandhi dedicated 

the flag of empowerment of women to the nation. She 

said, this flag symbolises and energises India giving equal 

status and full opportunity to women to develop their 

potential. The flag will send a powerful message of 

strength and emancipation. Shri Mani Shankar Iyer, 

Minister of Youth and Sports and Panchayati Raj said 

that it is through the Panchayati Raj practice that there 

are more than 10 lakh elected women representatives in 

India. At this occasion, Ms Usha Uthup sang many songs 

and enthralled not only the audience but also the Chief 

Guest. 

Laying of Foundation Stone for Working Women’s 

Hostel for North East: On 7 March 2007, Hon’ble 

Minister of State, Women and Child Development laid 

the Foundation Stone for 520-bed Working Women’s 

Hostel for Women from North-East. This function was 

held at Jasola Institutional Area, New Delhi. 

Release of Stamps: On 8 March, a set of four stamps on 

International Women’s Day was released by the Hon’ble 

Vice-President of India, at the Vice-President House. On 

this occasion, Thiru Dayanidhi Maran, Hon’ble Minister 

of Communications & Information Technology was also 

present. 

Felicitation of Women Achievers: The function 

Felicitation of Women Achievers was organised on 

9 March 2007, at the Auditorium of National Museum, 

in partnership with UNIFEM, UNICEF and Hunger 

Project. Shri Somnath Chatterjee, Hon’ble Speaker, Lok 

Sabha, was the chief guest of this function. 

Health Check-up at Discounted Rates: At the behest of 

the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the 

Apollo Hospitals Group offered health check-up for 

women at discounted rates applicable for a period of one 

month from 5 March to 4 April 2007. 

Booklet on Health Tips: A Booklet titled Healthy Tips 

for Indian Women 

was brought out on the 

occasion of 

International Women’s 

Day celebrations 

which was released by 

Smt. Renuka 

Chowdhury, Hon’ble 

Minister of State 

(Independent Charge) 

for Women and Child 

Development. The 

booklet was jointly 

prepared by MWCD 

and Apollo Hospitals. 


5

THE EVENTS : JANUARY 2007 

Wiping the Tears of Nithari 

The grief and trauma suffered by the 

parents and kith & kin has been 

extensively covered by the media. 

The families of the victims are being 

subjected to continuous stress 

because of the grisly nature of the 

killings and the never-ending 

questions of people around them. 

With a view to provide relief to the 

aggrieved families of children who 

were murdered by the serial killers 

of Nithari, Noida, UP, a trauma 

counselling camp was set up in 

Nithari at the instance of Central 

Social Welfare Board (CSWB) by Delhi Social Welfare Board on 13 January 2007. The camp started 

functioning at Nithari in the presence of Smt. Rajani Patil and Smt. Motia Garg, Chairperson, Delhi State 

Social Welfare Board. 

Thirteen families of the victims met Smt. Patil and narrated their stories of suffering. Smt. Patil offered her 

consolation to the unfortunate parents and requested them to take the services of the counsellors and 

psychologists to help them overcome their pain and sorrow. Smt. Patil also assured the families of the 

victims that CSWB will open crèches in Nithari so that working mothers can attend to their jobs without fear 

regarding the safety of their children. The crèches will also create some potential employment for the 

victim’s families. She also spoke about organising Awareness Generation Camps in Nithari that will focus 

upon the problem of moral danger to women and children and hoped that such camps will prevent the 

repetition of Nithari elsewhere. 

Report on Nithari Incident 

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) constituted a Committee headed by 

Smt. Manjula Krishnan, Economic Advisor, to inquire into the allegations of the large scale sexual 

abuse, rape and murder of children committed in NOIDA, UP. The other members of the Committee 

were Shri K. Skandan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri J.S. Kochher, Director, MWCD, 

Government of India and Shri Balwinder Kumar, Secretary, Women & Child Development, Government 

of Uttar Pradesh. (Shri Balwinder Kumar did not join the Committee’s deliberations). The Report 

was presented to the Hon’ble Minister for Women and Child Development on 17 January 2007. 


6

Additional Creches Sanctioned 

Project Sanctioning Committee under Rajiv Gandhi 

National Creche Scheme in its meeting held on 

17 January 2007 under the Chairpersonship of Hon’ble 

Minister of State for Women and Child Development 

(independent charge) approved Central Social Welfare 

Board’s proposal for setting up of 1215 creches involving 

financial assistance of Rs. 207.32 lakh. 

Missing Children and Female 

Foeticide 

The officers of MWCD made presentations on 

‘Initiatives of MWCD to redress the problem of 

Missing Children in India’ in a consultation 

organised by Centre for Social Research, New 

Delhi on 24 January 2007 and on Female 

Foeticide at Women’s Development Centre, Delhi 

University on 10 January 2007. 

CEDAW Holds 37th Session 

Gender Budgeting 

As part of the endeavours of MWCD to orient the 

Gender Budgeting Cells of various Ministries/ 

Departments, a Workshop was organised by the 

MWCD and Indian Institute of Public Administration 

(IIPA) on 19 January 2007 for 25 Ministries/ 

Departments. The Workshop was inaugurated by 

Ms. Sayeda Hameed, Member, Planning Commission. 

The first Session was chaired by Ms. Manjulika 

Gautam, Senior Advisor (WCD), Planning 

Commission. The wrap up session was chaired by 

Ms. L.M. Vas, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance. 

The officers of the Ministry made presentations on 

gender budgeting at workshops organised by Women’s 

Development Centre, Delhi University on 20 January 

2007 for teachers and faculty members of various 

colleges under the University and by Women Power 

Connect at Guwahati on 19 January 2007 for the 

officials of North Eastern States and non-government 

organisations (NGOs). 

The 37th Session of the UN Committee on Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination 

Against Women (CEDAW) considered the combined 2nd and 3rd Periodic Report of the Country for the 

period 1997-2005 on 18 January 2007. A 12-member Indian delegation headed by Secretary, WCD attended 

the meeting. Secretary, WCD and Solicitor-General responded to all the issues raised by the Committee 

members. The other members of the Indian delegation also made effective interventions. 

Ms Lamba Visits Nagpur 

During her visit to Nagpur, Ms Alka 

Lamba, Vice Chairperson NIPCCD 

addressed a debate session organised by 

Mahila Vikas Sanstha, Nagpur. 

Afterwards, in her informal meeting with 

the members of the group, Ms Lamba 

advised them to take up the issues of 

social injustice and also come up with 

plans for their economic upliftment. 


7

First Regular Session of UNICEF Executive 

Board 

The first regular session of UNICEF Executive Board was 

held in New York during 19-22 January 2007. The meeting 

was attended by the representative of PMI, New York. 

Project on Existing Models of Corporate – 

VO Partnership in Social Sector 

National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child 

Development (NIPCCD) has initiated a project on Existing 

Models of Corporate – Voluntary Organisation (VO) 

Partnership in Social Sector. The main objective of this 

project is to identify the existing models and approaches 

in Corporate – VO partnerships. The document would 

provide a sound information base for both the corporates 

and voluntary sector to identify areas of mutual support, 

and serve as a source book for both the sectors. 

A proforma has been developed by the Institute to elicit 

information on the various aspects of corporates – VOs 

initiatives. 

Voluntary organisations who are implementing their 

projects with any kind of support from Corporate/business 

houses and are willing to get such initiatives documented 

may kindly contact Dr. Ashok Kumar, Joint Director or 

Ms. Sunita Mathur, Assistant Director at 

akjdpc@yahoo.co.in or telefax 011-26966329 

Consultation on Prevention of Trafficking 

Rashtriya Mahila Kosh 

Loans Sanctioned: During the month of January 2007 

(up to 25.1.2007), RMK sanctioned loans aggregating 

Rs. 612 lakh to 7 NGO partners – Rs. 22 lakh in 

Karnataka to 1 NGO partner, Rs.100 lakh in Kerala to 

1 NGO partner, Rs.100 lakh in Rajasthan to 1 NGO 

partner, Rs. 390 lakh in Tamil Nadu to 4 NGO partners. 

Loans Disbursed: During January 2007 (up to 

25.1.2007), RMK disbursed loans aggregating 

Rs.435.70 lakh to 20 NGO partners – Rs. 350 lakh in 

Andhra Pradesh to 14 NGO partners, Rs. 2.5 lakh in 

Chattisgarh to 1 NGO partner, Rs. 75.70 lakh in Tamil 

Nadu to 4 NGO partners, Rs. 7.50 lakh in West Bengal 

to 1 NGO partner. 

NREGA and Impact on Children 

The Economic Adviser, Ministry of Women and 

Child Development, Smt. Manjula Krishnan 

attended a workshop on Rural Employment 

Guarantee Scheme and Its Impact on Children on 

25 January 2007. Organised by UNICEF, the 

workshop emphasised the need to design the inputs 

of the National Rural Employment Guarantee 

Scheme to make it more gender- and child-friendly. 

The Ministry of Women and Child Development in collaboration with Ministry of Home Affairs, National 

Commission for Women, National Human Rights Commission and UNICEF organised a Regional 

Consultation for the Southern States and Orissa on 22 January 2007 at Hyderabad. Hon’ble Minister of 

State for Women and Child Development (independent charge) Smt. Renuka Chowdhury inaugurated the 

Regional Consultation. Its main objective was to enable formulation of a holistic and comprehensive 

policy and plan of action on Prevention of Trafficking in persons, especially women and children. 

Workshop on Anti- Trafficking: The Economic Adviser, MWCD participated in one of the sessions in 

the workshop organised by UNODC and MHA for the Police Officers of Andhra Pradesh under the Anti- 

Trafficking Project and setting up of Anti-Human Trafficking Units on 22 January 2007 at Hyderabad. 

Smt.Manjula Krishnan, Economic Adviser MWCD delivered the valedictory address on 24 January 

2007 at a workshop organised for anti-human trafficking officers of different States organised by the 

UNODC and MHA. 


8

THE EVENTS : FEBRUARY 2007 

Integrated Scheme for Women’s Empowerment Launched 

‘Women must oppose violence’ – Sonia Gandhi 

Smt. Sonia Gandhi unveiled a new Scheme for the women of the northeastern States. The Integrated Scheme for 

Women’s Empowerment (ISWE) was formally launched by Smt. Sonia Gandhi at the Purbottar Atamsidda Sammelan 

– North-Eastern Women’s Meet organised by CSWB at Judges Field, Guwahati. The Scheme, evolved by Central 

Social Welfare Board, attempts holistic development of north-east region targeting the economic empowerment 

and social development of the region. The meet was attended by more than 17000 women from all seven-sisters 

States of Northeast including Sikkim. 

Addressing the participants, Smt. Gandhi who was elegantly attired in a traditional Muga-Mekhela Chador, said 

that the UPA Government is committed towards the integrated development of the northeastern region. She hoped 

that the ISWE scheme would be implemented with total commitment and dedication to achieve its mandated 

objectives. 

Reacting to an emotional experience sharing session by the widows and bereaved mothers of victims of insurgency, 

Smt. Gandhi appealed to the participants to oppose insurgency and campaign for peace. She said that due to the 

initiative and efforts of former Prime Minister, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, women in this country could get one-third 

representation in Panchayati Raj Institutions. 

Smt. Gandhi said that peaceful environment is a must for any type of development programmes and efforts should 

be made to resolve all issues amicably without resorting to any violence. She said that self-help groups can play an 

important role in this direction. 


9

Workshop on Adoption of Child Growth 

Standards 

A National Workshop on Adoption of New WHO Child 

Growth Standards was jointly organised with the 

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, UNICEF and WHO 

on 8-9 February 2007 at New Delhi. The workshop 

recommended adoption of the New WHO Child Growth 

Standards, as these are scientific and ideal for use for all 

children from different parts of the world. Further, Z 

score classification for grading children in different grades 

of malnutrition was also recommended. The Ministry 

has decided to adopt the New WHO Child Growth 

Standards for the present and request the Minister for 

Health & Family Welfare to develop India’s own national standards. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has 

also been requested to reduce the interval between two National Family Health Surveys from 6-7 years at present to 

2-3 years. 

Meeting of High-Powered Committee on 

CRC 

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has 

constituted a high-powered committee on the Convention 

on the Rights of the Child (CRC) to oversee the 

preparation of the Country Reports. The Committee 

consists of the representatives of concerned Ministries/ 

Departments, State Governments, Institutions, NGOs and 

experts. The first meeting of high powered committee 

was held on 12 February 2007 which dwelt upon the 

preparation of the Country Reports on the CRC and 

Optional Protocols which are required to be submitted to 

the UN in 2007 and 2008. 

FOOD AND NUTRITION BOARD 

Workshop on Micro-Finance and 

Women’s Empowerment 

The Ministry of Women and Child Development 

organised a one-day workshop on Micro Finance and 

Women’s Empowerment – Policy & Programme 

Review in collaboration with CARE on 8 February 

2007 in which issues pertaining to ongoing women’s 

empowerment programmes were discussed with 

representatives of prominent NGOs and foreign donor 

agencies. A major issue that came up in the discussions 

was the long-term impact and sustainability of these 

programmes. 

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 & Health Education component. 

Training of Trainers and Orientation Training Courses were organised on nutrition and health education under 

‘Other Training’ component of UDISHA for the CDPOs, Medical Officers, LHVs, Supervisors and grassroots level 

functionaries. 

A Wall Calendar on Nutrition for 2007 titled ‘Improving Nutrition Means Accelerating the Pace of National 

Development’ was printed in Hindi and English and widely disseminated throughout the country. 


10

Chairperson CSWB visit to A & N Islands 

Smt. Rajani Patil, Chairperson, Central Social Welfare 

Board (CSWB) visited A & N Islands from 16 to 18 

February 2007. Addressing a large gathering of Mahila 

Mandal Self Help Group (SHG) members, Smt. Patil 

suggested that income generating activities for women 

should be started. She also suggested that since a lot of 

foreign tourists visit Havelock, they should plan their 

activities/products in such a way that it attracts the foreign 

tourists. 

Smt. Patil also visited Chouldari Village in South 

Andaman and inaugurated the newly constructed Mahila Mandal Building. During an interactive session, Smt. 

Rajani Patil encouraged the women to learn computer operation. 

A day long State-level conference on ‘Female Foeticide and Protection of Girl Child’ was organised to create 

awareness against female foeticide by A&N State Social Welfare Board on 18 February 2007. The conference 

was inaugurated by Chief Guest, Lt. General (Retd.) Bhopinder Singh, Lt. Governor A & N Islands and presided 

by Smt. Rajani Patil, Chairperson, CSWB. Smt. Patil pointed out that according to official figures, the total 

number of female foeticides carried out in India in 1991-2001 was one crore which is a shameful record. Around 

1000 women from across the State attended the conference. 

Marketing forum for women 

workers 

By our correspondent 

New Delhi, March 8: Prime Minister 

Manmohan Singh’s wife Smt. Gursharan 

Kaur, Union Minister for Women and Child 

Development Smt.Renuka Chowdhury, Delhi 

Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit and 

filmstar Ms. Preity Zinta met here on 

Thursday, the Women’s Day, to give thrust to 

economic empowerment of home-based 

women workers by providing them with a 

marketing platform. 

“Stopping female foeticide and ensuring 

econmic independence are two of the most 

pressing needs for improvigng the status of 

women in the society,” Ms Kaur said. 

The Asian Age 

Review Committee on Honorarium to 

Anganwadi Workers 

The Ministry constituted an inter-ministerial review 

committee, including Planning Commission, to 

examine the current levels of honorarium being paid 

to Anganwadi Workers vis-à-vis their duties and 

responsibilities, and related issues, and give its 

recommendations. The Committee is headed by Joint 

Secretary (Nutrition & Child Development) and 

includes Secretaries in-charge of Women and Child 

Development from selected States. The Committee 

has submitted its report which will be further examined 

for appropriate action. 

Food Safety and Standards Authority 

Smt. Deepa Jain Singh, Secretary (WCD) attended the 

first meeting of the Steering Group to oversee the setting 

up of an autonomous Food Safety and Standards Authority 

on the basis of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, 

under the chairpersonship of the Cabinet Secretary on 20 

February 2007. 


11

Workshop on Monitoring and Supervision of ICDS Scheme 

A Workshop on Monitoring and Supervision of ICDS Scheme was organised by NIPCCD on 20 February 

2007 at PHD House, New Delhi for select state-level institutions. 

Welcoming the participants, Dr. A.K. Gopal, Director, NIPCCD briefly explained the background and 

Government’s decision to have a regular monitoring and supervision mechanism, while Shri Rajeswara Rao, 

Director, MWCD emphasised the need for selecting Projects/AWCs for field visits, the Institutions should give 

preference to poor performing areas, areas predominantly inhabited by SC/ST population and areas with high 

proportion of malnourished children. 

Dr. Dinesh Paul, Additional Director, NIPCCD explained the background of the monitoring system of ICDS 

Scheme. Other distinguished participants included Prof. Mohapata from BHU, Prof. M.A. Masoodi from Srinagar 

and Dr. Vinod Paul of AIIMS who 

made a presentation on convergence 

between ICDS and NRHM outlining 

the synergy between the two, 

essential for achieving the desired 

objectives. 

Summing up the deliberations of the 

meeting, Dr. A.K. Gopal mentioned 

that NIPCCD would prepare detailed 

guidelines in the from of a booklet 

covering all aspects of the monitoring 

and supervision. 

Ethiopian Delegation visits CSWB 

A three-member Ethiopian women’s delegation 

visited Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) under 

the auspices of ICCR’s ‘Incoming Visitors’ 

Programme 2006-07 on 21 February 2007. The 

purpose of the visit was to integrate a greater contact 

between Indian women and Ethiopian women 

activists, developmental experts and academics to 

create a new synergy in the growing matrix of 

cooperation between India and Ethiopia. 

Smt. Sujata Saunik, Executive Director, CSWB 

apprised the delegates of the functioning of the Board 

and its pursuits in implementing developmental 

programmes all over India, benefiting women and 

children. 

Meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative 

Committee 

The third meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative 

Committee attached to the Ministry of Women and Child 

Development was held on 22 February 2007 under the 

chairpersonship of Smt. Renuka Chowdhury, Minister of 

State for Women and Child Development (independent 

charge). The agenda of the meeting was ‘Child Rights’. 

A presentation on the general provisions on the 

Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Schemes 

and Programmes being implemented by the Government 

of India for protection of child rights was made before 

the Committee. 


12

President’s Address to Joint Session of 

Parliament, 2007 

The President’s address to the Joint Session of Parliament 

on 23 February 2007 incorporated the following 

paragraph concerning the Ministry of Women and Child 

Development. 

“The rights of women and children and their 

aspirations are of paramount importance in our 

march towards an inclusive and equitable 

society. Keeping in view the Constitutional 

provisions and in order to give greater focus 

to issues relating to women and children, an 

independent Ministry of Women & Child 

Development has been created. This 

emphasises the importance being given to 

women as equal partners in development. 

Landmark legislations that ensure women’s 

safety and protecting them from domestic 

violence have been enacted. Investment in the 

well-being of children is an investment in the 

future of the country. Eradication of 

malnutrition is receiving topmost priority, 

including through a rapid expansion of 

anganwadis whose numbers will reach one 

million soon. At the same time, issues relating 

to child protection are high on my 

Government’s agenda”. 

HE Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam 

President of India 

Meeting of Commission on Status of 

Women 

The Ministry’s representative participated in the 

meetings of the Commission on Status of Women held 

during 24 February - 9 March 2007. These meetings 

focused on issues relating to Discrimination and 

Violence against the Girl Child. The Common Wealth 

Secretariat meeting focused on gender mainstreaming 

issues. 

Country Programme of UNICEF 

Workshop on Integrated Plan to Prevent 

Human Trafficking 

The third regional workshop on Integrated Plan to Prevent 

and Control with Special Focus on Women and Children 

was held in Goa on 25-26 February 2007. Stakeholders 

from Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat participated in the 

workshop. Inaugurating the Workshop, Dr. Vyas stated 

that the purpose of the workshop was to deliberate on 

operationalising the draft Integrated Plan of Action, jointly 

drawn up by NCW, Ministry of Women and Child 

Development and Ministry of Home Affairs. He 

attributed the rise in human trafficking to poverty, lack 

of education and lack of alternatives. There are also 

certain customary practices in this region that contribute 

to the growth of trafficking, she said. 

Shri Pratap Singh Rane, Chief Minister of Goa said that 

the Government of Goa was committed in its efforts 

towards combating trafficking and follows a Zero 

tolerance policy of such offences. Highlighting the 

importance of vigilant groups to combat trafficking, His 

Excellency, Shri S.C. Jmir cited examples from the tribal 

areas of Arunachal Pradesh where the entire village would 

work collectively by forming vigilant groups to prevent 

kidnapping of tribal girls from the villages. 

Rashtriya Mahila Kosh 

Loans Sanctioned: RMK sanctioned loans aggregating 

Rs. 568 lakh to 16 NGO partners – Rs. 171 lakh in Andhra 

Pradesh to 2 NGO partners, Rs. 129 lakh in Orissa to 4 

NGO partners, Rs. 30 lakh in Rajasthan to 1 NGO partner, 

Rs. 238 lakh in Tamil Nadu to 9 NGO partners. 

Loans Disbursed: In addition, loans aggregating Rs. 

259.50 lakh to 10 NGO partners – Rs. 37.5 lakh in Andhra 

Pradesh to 3 NGO partners, Rs. 5 lakh in Karnataka to 1 

NGO partner, Rs. 5 lakh in Madhya Pradesh to 1 NGO 

partner, Rs. 212 lakh in Tamil Nadu to 5 NGO partners 

were disbursed. 

A meeting was held under the Chairpersonship of Smt. Deepa Jain Singh, Secretary, MWCD with the representatives 

of line Ministries and UNICEF to discuss and finalise the UNICEF Country Programme in India to be implemented 

during the period 2008-2012. The document will now be placed before the Executive Board of UNICEF for approval 

in its meeting to be held in New York in June 2007 . 


13

THE EVENTS : MARCH 2007 

National Seminar on Mentally Ill Women 

The National Commission for Women, NCW, organised a seminar on “Mentally Ill Women: Is Destitution the 

Only Answer?” on the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2007 at New Delhi. The seminar 

was inaugurated by the President, H.E. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. 

“If you can save or better someone’s life, you have succeeded in life”, quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s famous word, 

His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam observed that this seminar has an important societal focus as it proposes 

to highlight the dilemma and difficulties in the lives of mentally ill women who have been left to fend for 

themselves, and evolve a plan of action for their care and welfare. Applauding the efforts of NCW, the Hon’ble 

President highlighted that appropriate strategies can prevent mentally ill women from destitution and also 

rehabilitate them towards productive contribution to societal growth. 

Acknowledging that the problem of mental illness was a serious one, which has not been properly dealt with, the 

Union Minister for Health & Family 

Welfare, Dr. Ramadoss said that 7-8 

percent of Indian population suffers from 

some sort of mental disorders; and 1-5 

percent are severely affected with mental 

illness. Describing the woeful plight of 

mentally disturbed women, who were 

being teased by small children outside a 

village temple, Dr. Girija Vyas, 

Chairperson, NCW stated that mentally ill 

women were easy targets of sexual 

violence and rape. 

Seminar on Female Foeticide in Jammu & Kashmir 

To commemorate International Women’s Day, J & K State Social Welfare Board organised two programmes on 

8 and 10 March 2007 at Srinagar and Jammu respectively on the issue of female foeticide. 

Srinagar- 8 March 2007: Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Minister inaugurated the programme. He reiterated that 

women have 33% reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Local Bodies/Municipal Corporation in J & K. Pt. 

Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister, Health & Medical Education, Government of J & K presided over the function and 

pointed out that daughters of the State who marry outside the State retain their rights to inherit property and to 

employment in the State. More than 1000 women along with representatives of 50 local voluntary orgnisations 

participated in the programme. 

Jammu- 10 March 2007: Chief Guest of the function, Smt. Rajani Patil, Chairperson, CSWB, assured provision of 

funds for the State. Pt. Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister for Health & Medical Education, Government of J & K 

presided over the function. A small exhibition of craft items produced by women working with local NGOs was also 

organised. Smt. Rajani Patil Smt. Patil visited ‘Neha Ghar’ a Short-Stay Home for women and interacted with 

inmates from Apana Ghar (a Home set up for victims of Kargil War). 


14

Appointment of Chairpersons of NCPCR 

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has 

appointed Smt. Shantha Sinha as the Chairperson of the 

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights with 

effect from 5 March 2007. 

National Seminar on Prevention of 

Trafficking of Women and Children 

NIPCCD organised a National Seminar on Prevention 

of Trafficking of Women and Children jointly with 

Jamia Millia Islamia during 15-16 March 2007 with 

the objective to: discuss the magnitude, causes and 

consequences of trafficking of women and children 

in India; critically analyse various measures initiated 

to prevent trafficking of women and children in India; 

and suggest ways and means to prevent trafficking of 

women and children in India. 

Inaugurating the Seminar, Dr. Loveleen Kacker, Joint 

Secretary, MWCD, observed that preventing trafficking of women and children is a gigantic task requiring 

priority attention, yet the role played by most agencies has been rather reactive. It is therefore crucial to address 

the root causes behind prevalence of trafficking rather than just taking ameliorative measure. 

The Seminar suggested, inter alia, to have a national database with information on families, particularly womenheaded 

families; sensitise all concerned specially the police, judiciary and NGOs about the changing form of 

trafficking; strengthen the anti-trafficking groups in terms of more coordination, active network and information 

sharing. It was felt especially in the context of police administration that a separate unit may be set up to 

exclusively deal with the problem of trafficking. 

From the Complaint Cell 

Complaints and Investigation Cell of NCW registered 

3415 complaints from January to March 2007 pertaining 

to dowry, dowry death, sexual harassment at workplace, 

police apathy etc. 

Following programmes/seminars/research studies were 

sanctioned in the months of January to February 2007. 

· Legal Awareness Programme 26 

· Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalat 14 

· Regional Level Seminars 02 

· State Level Seminars 10 

· Public Hearing/Awareness Programmes 19 

· Research Studies 09 

Parliament Standing Committee 

A meeting of the Parliament Standing Committee on 

Human Resource Development for Demand for Grants 

(2007-08) of Ministry of Women and Child 

Development was held on 29 March 2007 under the 

Chairmanship of Shri Janardan Dwivedi in Parliament 

Annexe. The Committee examined the officers of the 

Ministry on the Demands for Grants, 2007-08. 

Italian Delegates visit NCW 

A five-member delegation from Tuscanny (Italy) called 

on Dr. Girija Vyas, Chairperson, NCW and the Members 

of the Commission on 22 March 2007. 

Ms. Susanne Cenni, leader of the delegation, Minister 

of Agriculture & Women Development of Tuscanny, 

deliberated on how biodiversity has turned out to be an 

advantage in their land. 

Dr.Girija Vyas apprised the Italian delegation about the 

efforts of NCW in particular for improving the status of 

Indian agriculture as also major problems faced by 

women. 


15

CENTRAL SOCIAL WELFARE BOARD 

Campaign Against Female Foeticide in Orissa 

Smt. Rajani Patil, Chairperson, Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) during her visit to Orissa from 21 to 23 

March 2007 inaugurated a programme on female foeticide at Barbati Ground, Nimapara, district Puri. Addressing 

the media persons at Press Conference at Hotel Keshari, Bhubaneswar on 22 March 2007, Smt. Patil said that 

only sting operations can send the message to the doctors and drive in a fear psychosis. Every State Government 

has been requested to to pursue such operations to expose those involved in the illegal practice. In Maharashtra 

two such operations were carried out successfully in the past and it could be replicated elsewhere. 

Smt. Patil revealed plans for launching ‘Bharat Darshan’ scheme to enable girls from tribal regions to meet their 

counterparts of other States. A scheme for adolescent girls has been submitted before the Planning Commission 

in this regard. Similarly another scheme for livelihood support for women too is in the pipeline, she said. 

Campaign against female foeticide was started from Nimapara, as female literacy rate is highest in the Nimapara 

Block of Puri district. About 6000 people from different walks of life, including representatives of voluntary 

organisations, self-help groups, media persons and anganwadi workers attended the programme. A cultural 

programme on the theme of female foeticide was also organised at Puri Sea Beach in the evening. 

NIPCCD VC Graces the Cultural Meet 

Ms Alka Lamba, Vice Chairperson NIPCCD was the 

chief guest at a cultural function organised by Sahitya 

Kala Parishad, Government of NCT of Delhi and 

Satkarma Sewa Manch, a non-government 

organisation working for the care and development of 

children. Called Spandan,the programme had a variety 

of musical and entertainment items to keep the 

audience captivated. 

RASHTRIYA MAHILA KOSH 

Upto 23 March 2007, loans aggregating Rs.72 lakh were 

sanctioned to 15 NGO partners – Rs.24 lakh in Andhra 

Pradesh to 5 NGO partners, Rs.25 lakh in Manipur to 6 

NGO partners, Rs.7 lakh in Rajasthan to 2 NGO partners, 

Rs.6 lakh in Tamil Nadu to 1 NGO partner, Rs.10 lakh in 

Uttarakhand to 1 NGO partner. 

Loans aggregating Rs.347 lakh were disbursed to 24 NGO 

partners – Rs. 55 lakh in Andhra Pradesh to 3 NGO 

partners, Rs. 5 lakh in Karnataka to 1 NGO partner, 

Rs. 100 lakh in Kerala to 1 NGO partner, Rs. 23.50 lakh 

in Madhya Pradesh to 2 NGO partners, Rs. 5 lakh in 

Nagaland to 1 NGO partner, Rs.71.50 lakh in Orissa to 9 

NGO partners, Rs.87 lakh in Tamil Nadu to 7 NGO 

partners. 

Executive Director, RMK attended the sixth meeting 

of the Micro-Finance Development and Equity Fund 

on 7 March 2007 at NABARD Office, New Delhi. 

Executive Director, RMK conducted the Module on 

Micro-finance and Self-Help Groups on 23 March 

2007 at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of 

Administration, Govt. of India, Mussoorie for the IAS 

Phase-I. 


16

General Body and Executive Council Meetings of NIPCCD 

The 38th meeting of the General Body and the 58th 

meeting of the Executive Council of the Institute 

were held on 30 March 2007. 

Both the bodies of the Institute appreciated the 

performance of the Institute for the preceding years 

and approved the budget expenditure for the year 

2005-06 and budget estimate for the 

year 2006-07 

New Vice-Presidents of General Body Nominated 

: Minister of State, Women& Child Development 

(Independent Charge) & President of General Body 

of NIPCCD nominated following non-official Vice- 

Presidents. 

1. Smt. Munesh Nirwal: Smt. Munesh Nirwal has 

been associated with Mahila Jan Kalyan Morcha, 

Ballabgarh, Haryana ( of which she was also Vice- 

President), Moulik Adhikar Association, Gurgaon 

Mandal, and Anupam Sewa Sangh, Western UP (as 

its President). 

2. Smt. Shikha Kapoor: Smt. Shikha Kapoor began her socio-political career with National Students Union 

of India (NSUI), Patna (Bihar), and has been actively associated with All India Mahila Congress (as its General 

Secretary). 

FOOD AND NUTRITION BOARD 

The Kolkata field unit of FNB put up an impressive and informative exhibition stall on Nutrition in the 5-day 

exhibition organised by Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting during the 

celebrations on the flagship programme of the Government of India. The exhibition was visited, by 

Smt. Minati Sen, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Jogesh Burman, Minister for Backward Class Welfare, 

SHRI Manohar Tirkey, Ministry of PWD, West Bengal and Shri Nirmal Das, MLA of the area concerned, 

amongst others. 

The field infrastructure of FNB, located in 29 States and UTs of the country 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 & Health Education component. 

Technical Adviser, FNB, presented Nutrition Scenario in the country in the National Seminar on Nutrition and 

Fortification organised by the Government of Gujarat on 24 March 2007 at Ahmedabad. 


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. An Orientation Training on Participatory Learning 

Appraisal (PLA) Technique for Officials Implementing 

programmes related to Women and Children Indore 2-5 January 2007 

2. A Workshop on ECE for Trainers of AWTCs/MLTCs 

of Southern States Bangalore 8-12 January 2007 

3. A Course on Mainstreaming Gender in Health and Nutrition 

Programmes for Voluntary Organisations New Delhi 8-12 January 2007 

4. An Orientation Training on Legislation Relating to Adoption 

and Guardianship for Government Officials and 

Functionaries of NGOs Guwahati 8-12 January 2007 

5. Two Job Training Courses for CDPOs/ACDPOs Lucknow 

& Guwahati 

8 January-8 February 2007 

6. A Workshop on Understanding and Counselling of 

Children for the Parents Bangalore 10 January 2007 

7. An Orientation Course on Prevention of Micronutrient 

Malnutrition in Rural and Urban Population New Delhi 15-19 January 2007 

8. An Orientation Training Programme on Prevention of 

Female Foeticide for Voluntary Organisations Lucknow 16-18 January 2007 

9. Two Training Programmes on Counselling for Child New Delhi 15-24 January 2007 

Survivors of Trafficking & Indore & 22-30 January 2007 

10. Refresher Training for Young Professionals of CAPART New Delhi 29 January-2 February 2007 

11. Refresher Course for CDPOs Guwahati 29 January-2 February 2007 

12. Two Skill Training of Trainers of AWTCs/MLTCs on Indore & 5-9 February 2007 & 

Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Lucknow 19-23 February 2007 

13. Programme on Capacity Building of Voluntary Organisation 

on Legal Regulations and Financial Management Bangalore 5-9 February 2007 

14. Refresher Training for Young Professionals of CAPART Lucknow 5-9 February 2007 

15. Training Programme on Counselling for Child Survivors 

of Trafficking New Delhi 5-14 February 2007 

16. Two Job Training Courses for CDPOs and ACDPOs New Delhi 5 February-7 March 2007 & 

& Guwahati 12 February 13 March 2007 

17. Parent Education Workshop New Delhi 17 February 2007 

18. An Orientation Course on Establishing and Managing a 

Voluntary Organisation Lucknow 19-23 February 2007 

19. Training on Gender Planning and Mainstreaming New Delhi 19-23 February 2007 

20. Workshop on Monitoring and Supervision of ICDS Scheme New Delhi 20 February 2007 

21. Workshop on Life Skill Education in Schools Guwahati 21-22 February 2007 

22. An Orientation Course for Officials & Non-Officials Engaged 

for Welfare and Development of Tribal Community Indore 26 February-2 March 2007 

23. Skill Training of Trainers of AWTCs/MLTCs on 

Communication and Counselling Skill New Delhi 26 February-2 March 2007 


18

S. No. Name of the Programme Venue Dates 

24. Training of Trainers of Elected Women Representatives 

of Panchayati Raj Institutions New Delhi 26 February-2 March 2007 

25. Orientation Programme on Domestic Violence: 

Role of Service Providers New Delhi 5-7 March 2007 

26. Orientation Course on Formation of SHGs for 

Representatives of Voluntary Organisations Lucknow 5-9 March 2007 

27. Capacity Building on Infant and Young Child Feeding 

Practices for Social Organisation dealing with Child Health Guwahati 5-9 March 2007 

28. Gender Sensitisation Programme for Police Officers 

of Southern States Indore 6-9 March 2007 

29. Training on Capacity Building of Voluntary Organisations 

on Legal Regulations and Financial Management Guwahati 7-9 March 2007 

30. Skill Training of Trainers of AWTCs/MLTCs on ECCD Lucknow 12-14 March 2007 

31. Orientation Training for Supervisory Staff of Child Care 

Institutions under Juvenile Justice 

(Care and Protection) Act, 2006 New Delhi 12-16 March 2007 

32. Two Media Sensitisation Workshops on Trafficking of 

Women and Children in Western Region Indore 12-16 March 2007 

33. Orientation Course on Capacity Building of NGOs in 

Documentation for the States of Madhya Pradesh Indore 13-15 March 2007 

34. Orientation Training for PRI Members on Issues related to 

Women and Children Lucknow 13-15 March 2007 

35. National Seminar on Prevention of Trafficking of Women 

and Children New Delhi 15-16 March 2007 

36. Gender Sensitisation Training of Trainers of Teacher’s 

Training Institutions Indore 19-23 March 2007 

37. Skill Training of Trainers of AWTCs/MLTCs on Prevention 

of Trafficking of Women and Children, HIV/AIDS 

and Counselling New Delhi 19-23 March 2007 

38. Job Training Course for Supervisors Guwahati 20 March-20 April 2007 

39. Training on Mobilisation and Management of 

Community Resources New Delhi 20-23 March 2007 

40. Regional Workshop on Strengthening Interface between of 

MWCD & RCH Programme Bangalore 21-22 March 2007 

41. Training on Achieving Institutional Linkages for Sustainable 

Nutritional Security and Role of Women New Delhi 21-23 March 2007 

42. Orientation Course on Mobilization and Community 

Resource Management for Voluntary Organisations Indore 23-25 March 2007 

43. Training on Good Governance in Voluntary Organisations New Delhi 26-30 March 2007 

44. Skill Training of Trainers of AWTCs/MLTCs on Integrated 

Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness New Delhi 26-30 March 2007 

45. Workshop on Combating Domestic Violence Guwahati 29-30 March 2007 


19

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 

MWCD Newsletter Sampark 

Produced 

20 

& Printed by : 

Volume 3 Issue 3 

Fountainhead Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, 118 B 3rd Floor, Shahpurjat, New Delhi-110017

English - Nipccd

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