The constitution of India resolves to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and secure to all citizens its Fundamental Rights. The Principle of Gender equality grants equality to women and empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favor of women.
The WCD Department with the ICDS and IWDS (Integrated Child Development Service and Integrated Women’s Development Service) functions for the Empowerment, upliftment and welfare of Women and children under its various schemes. Initiated by GOI, the ICDS and IWDS scheme was launched in 1975 and expanded to over 5000 + projects spread over 35 states benefiting 35 million children (0-6 years) and about 6.6 million pregnant and lactating mothers through a network of 6 lac Anganwadi centres.
Family welfare, Education, Health, Nutrition and Health Education, Justice and equality, etc are the various issues focused for the welfare of Women and Children. Economic and Social empowerment of women with protection to Women from Domestic Violence, Rights of Property by female members, Dowry Prohibition, Protection from sexual harassment, indecent representation of women and many other women favoring actions are governed by the department. Child marriage restraints, infant milk substitutes, bottle feeding and infant food products monitoring, child care and protection are the many children related acts that calls for action and supervision by the WCD.
The Department is sensitive in eliminating gender based discrimination from society through gender sensitization and gender just development in Gujarat. It mainstreams women in programs, plans, development and implementations by bridging the gap of gender bias. It has fringed policies that ensure gender equality. For the family welfare, the department functions for activities in coordination with other Departments and organizations in connection with this subject. It plays a significant role for Socio-economic-educational welfare of Women and children and imparts empowerment guidelines and awareness.
The WCD operates under important functionaries :
The WCD operates under important functionaries :