The Ministry of Women and Child Development is the apex body responsible for the formulation and administration of policies, laws, and programmes relating to the holistic development and welfare of women and children in India. As the nodal Ministry, it formulates plans, policies, and programmes; enacts and amends legislation; and coordinates the efforts of governmental and non-governmental organisations working in this field. 

The Ministry's schemes are organised into three key verticals:

• Mission Shakti – Aimed at the safety, security, and empowerment of women, comprising the Sambal sub-scheme (covering One Stop Centres, Women Helplines, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao) and the Samarthya sub-scheme (covering Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Working Women Hostels, and the National Crèche Scheme).
• Mission Vatsalya – Focused on the protection, care, and welfare of children, including children in need of care and those in conflict with law, through Child Care Institutions, foster care, and adoption support.
• Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 – Aimed at improving nutrition, health, and early childhood care for children, adolescent girls, and pregnant and lactating mothers.

The Ministry also oversees key statutory and autonomous bodies, including the National Commission for Women (NCW), the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), and the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) — working together to ensure that women and children are empowered, protected, and equal partners in India's development.