NEW DELHI: With the
Narendra Modi government entrusting
Amethi
MP,
Smriti Irani with the ministry of women and child development, the new minister will be tested on some key challenges that come with her new assignment. For five years of the first term of Modi government,
Maneka Gandhi led the ministry.
The immediate task awaiting Irani’s attention include tackling the malnutrition problem through the BJP-led NDA’s flagship programme the National Nutrition Mission. She will also have to take the opposition along and build momentum in favour of the anti-trafficking legislation.
While Irani is likely to assume charge on Monday, junior WCD minister Debasree Chaudhuri—MP from
Raiganj
in West Bengal—took office on Friday.
Besides strengthening the Anganwadi system, Irani will also be tested on how she handles the mess in shelter home management across states. The ministry has been working on putting in place a mechanism to seal the gaps in the institutional care framework for women and children in distress.
As far as the anti-trafficking bill goes it was passed in
Lok Sabha
but lapsed as it could not be introduced in the
Rajya Sabha
in the last session before the Lok Sabha elections. The bill faced much resistance over certain provisions from the opposition in RS which wanted it to be first referred to a select committee of Parliament.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.