The Steps Taken for women development in India

                                                   

Development of Women:

The position of women in India prior to independence was miserable. Several social legislations were passed since 1947 to improve their positions. Our consititutions guaranteed quality of sexes. Other measures are as follows;

                                    

Marriage Act of 1954:

This Act made inter-caste and religious marriages legal. It fixed marriage age of boys 21 years and girls 18 years. Child marriage is punishable.

Hindu Code bill 1955-1956:

This bill is the Magna carta  in history of women development in India. It explains about marriage, divorce succession, guardianship and adoption.

Hindu marriage Act, 1955:

This act made monogamy legal outlaws polygamy among all Hindus. It confers equal rights of divorce on both men and women.

Hindu Succession Act 1956:

This Act gives equal right to a daughter and her children to succeed equally with the son and the children to all the property of either parent.

Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act 1956:

This Act safeguards the mother’s right to be natural guardian of her children. It also give women the tight to adopt a son or a daughter as in the case of men. Dowry prohibition Act 1961 (Amended in 1984). This act protects women against dowry exploitations. Dowry demand in severely punished.

Maternity Benefits Act 1961 :

 This act give the working women the right to maternity leave : Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971: this Act allows women to terminate pregnancy which would risk their physical and mental health.

Equal remuneration Act, 1976:

This act provides for the payment of equal remuneration to women works along with men. It prevents discrimination on ground of sex in matters of employment.

Other Socio – Economic Programmes:

Government of India set up Central Social Welfare Board in 1953. There are stable Social Welfare Board in every state. Thy promote the welfare of women, Children and the poor physical handicapped women, widows, orphans and destitute are taken care of by these bodies.

National Commission for Women Act 1990 :

A National Commission for women was set up on 31^st January 1992 according to this act. It has a President, Secretary and other members. It hears complaints from women on refusal of rights, Crudities and other atrocities. It redresses their grievances.

Rashtriay Mahila Kosh or The National Credit Fund for Women:

This was formed on 30^th March 1993. Poor and needy women who form self-help groups (SHG) to start an industry or occupation are assisted financially from this fund.

The Balika Samriddhi Yojana :

This Scheme was started on 2^nd October 1997. It was modified in 1999. Female Children born to poor mother below poverty line benefited by this scheme. Every female child of this category is deposited with Rs. 500/- in the Post Office or Bank. It can be used for educational or marriage purpose when they complete 18 years. Besides they are also given scholarships to study up to X- Standard.

SWA – Shakthi Project:

This scheme came into operations from 16^th October 1998. Self help Groups, formed by 15 to 20 women to start productive work are financially assisted by the Government through this scheme.

            There are many more steps taken by the Government and non-government organization (NGOs) aimed at the development of women in India. The UNO announced 1978 as the International women’s year. In Tamilnadu 30% Jobs are reserved for Women. Women are entitled to 33% reservation in the local bodies. There are women Officers, Doctors, Engineers, Police, Member of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs). India has seen women Prime Minister, Governors and Chief Ministers. All those speak of the improvement in the position of women and social programs achieved after Independence.