PIB News Update: Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani has informed that Government of India approved implementation of Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme on 22nd November, 2017. The scheme envisages community engagement through college student volunteers in aspirational districts, as well as setting up of District Level Centres for Women (DLCWs) and State Resource Centres for Women (SRCWs) to support the implementation of women centric schemes/programs and to function as Project Management Units for BetiBachaoBetiPadhao Scheme.
The Scheme is implemented through State Governments and UT Administrations with a cost sharing ratio of 60:40 between Centre and State except for North East & Special Category States where the funding ratio is 90:10. For Union Territories 100% central funding is provided.
The challenges faced while implementing the scheme include non-availability of college faculty members/colleges in certain Blocks in aspirational districts, and difficulties in engaging student volunteers. Task Forces are set up at national/state/district levels for monitoring/oversight and course correction. Video conferences/meetings/visits have also been undertaken to review the implementation of the scheme.
State Governments have been requested on different occasions to expedite approvals and release of State share of funds.
Under Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme, District Level Centres for women are approved for all districts as per Census of India, 2011. Funds have been released for implementing Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme as per approved scheme guidelines. Details of funds released State/UT-wise including Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are Annexed.