In a recent detailed response to the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of Women and Child Development provided in-depth information on ‘Mission Shakti’ – a holistic initiative designed to progress women’s empowerment. Outlined as the umbrella scheme during the 15th Finance Commission, the project aims to ensure the safety, security, and empowerment of women in India. Mission Shakti comprises two distinct sub-schemes, namely, ‘Sambal’ and ‘Samarthya’, each specifically designed for the safety and empowerment of women, respectively.
Understanding ‘Sambal’ and ‘Samarthya’
‘Sambal’, the first sub-scheme under Mission Shakti, includes the One Stop Centres (OSC), Women Helplines (181-WHL), Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), and Nari Adalat initiatives. These programs are constructed to provide a safe and secure environment for women in India.
On the other hand, ‘Samarthya’, the second sub-scheme, encompasses components such as Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Palna, Shakti Sadan, Sakhi Niwas, and Hub for Empowerment of Women. These components are primarily aimed at nurturing and empowering women socially, economically, and politically.
Introduction of ‘Nari Adalat’
An exceptional element in the Mission Shakti scheme is the phased introduction of the ‘Nari Adalat’. This program will be gradually implemented under the scheme to cater to the specific legal needs and protection of women.
For the inaugural phase, the Ministry has chosen the State of Assam and the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu & Kashmir. These regions will be the first to benefit from the distinctive component of Nari Adalat under Mission Shakti.
Further Resources and Support
To aid in raising awareness about the safety, security and empowerment of women, numerous resources and support platforms are being established. These include initiatives like Sexual Harassment at Workplace and Ujjwala, aimed at fostering a secure and supportive environment for women to thrive.
Pillars of Mission Shakti
The core pillars of Mission Shakti are safety, security, and empowerment of women, with each pillar being addressed by ‘Sambal’ and ‘Samarthya’. This integrated approach ensures that women’s concerns are dealt with comprehensively, spanning from their basic safety and security to their overall empowerment.
With the introduction of Mission Shakti, the focus on women’s development has received significant attention and recognition. The initiative demonstrates the Government’s commitment towards promoting women’s rights and welfare, and reflects a positive step in the direction of women’s empowerment. It provides a glimpse into an inclusive future where Indian women are safe, secure, and empowered, actively contributing to the nation’s growth and prosperity.