Using tech to empower women and children, Pg9

Context: 

• India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development has integrated technology into welfare schemes to ensure efficient, transparent, and inclusive delivery of services to women and children, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Key Highlights:

• Technology is redefining access to rights, protection, and entitlements for women and children.
• The Saksham Anganwadi initiative is modernising 2 lakh Anganwadi centres with smart infrastructure and digital tools.
• The Poshan Tracker links 14 lakh Anganwadis, covering over 10.14 crore beneficiaries for real-time monitoring.
• Introduction of facial recognition reduces leakages in the Supplementary Nutrition Programme.
• Platforms like SHe-Box and the Mission Shakti dashboard provide tech-enabled grievance redressal and protection for women.
• PMMVY offers direct benefit transfers of ₹5,000–₹6,000 to pregnant women and promotes girl child welfare.
• The CARINGS portal and Mission Vatsalya dashboard strengthen the adoption ecosystem and child protection systems.

Detailed Insights:

• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has enabled real-time data systems for better targeting, monitoring, and delivery of entitlements.
• Poshan Tracker bridges urban-rural divides by empowering Anganwadi workers with smartphones and training.
• PMMVY is now fully digital, Aadhaar-authenticated, with grievance modules and dashboards for paperless delivery.
• The Ministry leverages mobile-based registration, direct transfers, and dashboard tracking for transparency and accountability.

Broader Implications: 

• Strengthens governance and service delivery in the social sector.
• Supports gender justice, nutrition security, and early childhood development.
• Advances India’s commitment to SDG goals, particularly gender equality (SDG 5) and good health (SDG 3).
• Showcases India’s model of tech-led welfare that can be emulated in other developing nations.

Key Concepts Involved: 

• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): refers to foundational digital systems and platforms—like Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker—that enable secure, inclusive, and efficient delivery of public services in India. 
• Facial Recognition Systems: Used to authenticate beneficiaries and reduce fraudulent claims.
• Mission Shakti:  is an integrated women empowerment scheme launched by the Government of India to strengthen interventions for women’s safety, security, and empowerment. 
• Real-Time Dashboards: Provide continuous monitoring and evidence-based policymaking.
• Aadhaar-based Authentication: Ensures unique identification and targeted delivery of benefits.
• CARINGS Portal: Facilitates transparent child adoption processes under the Juvenile Justice Act.

Mains Mock Question

Q. How has the integration of digital technology transformed the delivery of welfare schemes for women and children in India? Discuss with examples from recent government initiatives.