The Nirbhaya Fund is an initiative by the Indian government to bolster the safety and security of women across the nation. With a substantial allocation of Rs.1,000 crore, this non-lapsable fund was unveiled during the Union Budget of 2013. The fund is managed by the Department of Economic Affairs under the Finance Ministry. Despite its noble intentions, the fund has faced criticism for its underutilization and the sluggish pace at which approved projects have been executed.
Administration and Management of the Nirbhaya Fund
The Nirbhaya Fund is overseen by the Department of Economic Affairs within the Finance Ministry. This department is responsible for the formulation and monitoring of the fund’s deployment. The government established the framework with the objective of creating and implementing measures that would ensure the safety and security of women. However, the administration of the fund has come under scrutiny for not fully utilizing the allocated budget and for delays in putting sanctioned projects into action.
Implementation of Schemes by the Ministry of Women and Child Development
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been entrusted with the utilization of the Nirbhaya Fund for several key schemes. These include the One Stop Centre scheme, the Universalisation of Women Helpline, and the Mahila Police Volunteer initiative. The One Stop Centre scheme aims to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces. The Universalisation of Women Helpline is designed to offer 24/7 immediate and emergency response to women in distress through toll-free helplines. Lastly, the Mahila Police Volunteer initiative enlists the service of female volunteers to act as a link between the police and community to help women facing violence and abuse.
Schemes Under the Ministry of Home Affairs
The Ministry of Home Affairs also utilizes the Nirbhaya Fund for critical projects aimed at women’s safety. Two significant schemes under this ministry are the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) and the Central Victim Compensation Fund (CVCF). ERSS is an integrated system intended to provide prompt assistance to individuals in distress, particularly women. It is accessible via a pan-India emergency number, 112. The CVCF, on the other hand, has been set up to provide financial compensation to victims of various crimes, including sexual assault and human trafficking.
Criticism and Challenges
Despite the establishment of these schemes, the Nirbhaya Fund has been subject to criticism mainly due to its underutilization. Reports suggest that a large portion of the fund remains unspent, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s approach to enhancing women’s safety. Slow operationalization of approved projects has also been a significant challenge, hindering the timely impact of the intended measures. This has led to calls for more efficient management and expedited implementation processes to ensure that the fund achieves its purpose.
Efforts to Improve Utilization
In response to the criticisms, efforts have been made to improve the disbursement and effective use of the Nirbhaya Fund. The government has taken steps to streamline the approval process for projects and enhance the coordination among various ministries and departments involved in the implementation of the schemes. By addressing the bottlenecks and ensuring accountability, there is a concerted push to ensure that the funds are not just allocated but are also being spent wisely and making a tangible difference in the lives of women across India.
As the Nirbhaya Fund continues to be a critical resource in the fight against gender-based violence, its proper management and utilization remain pivotal. Ensuring that women in India can live with dignity and security is an ongoing commitment, and the Nirbhaya Fund stands as a testament to that promise.