The Department of Women and Child Development, Government of India, came into existence as a separate Ministry with effect from 30th January, 2006, earlier since 1985 it was a Department under the Ministry of Human Resources Development. The Ministry was constituted with the prime intention of addressing gaps in State action for women and children for promoting inter-Ministerial and inter-sectoral convergence to create gender equitable and child-centred legislation, policies and programmes. Vision and Mission Vision Empowered women living with dignity and contributing as equal partners in development in an environment free from violence and discrimination. And, wellnurtured children with full opportunities for growth and development in a safe and protective environment. Mission Promoting social and economic empowerment of women through cross-cuting policies and programmes, mainstreaming gender concerns, creating awareness about their rights and facilitating institutional and legislative support for enabling them realize their human rights and develop to their full potential.2. Ensuring development, care and protection of children through cross-cutting policies and programmes,spreading awareness about their rights and facilitating access to learning,nutrition,institutional and legislative support for enabling them to grow and develop to their full potential.