The Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) Scheme was approved in November, 2017 as a centrally sponsored scheme to empower rural women through community participation. The scheme aims to facilitate inter-sectoral convergence of schemes and programs meant for women. The scheme is implemented through State Governments and UT Administrations with a cost sharing ratio of 60:40 between Centre and States except for North East & Special Category States where the funding ratio is 90:10. For Union Territories 100% central funding is provided. States contribute their respective shares of funds for implementation of the scheme before seeking releases of subsequent installments from Government of India under the scheme. During the last years, the amount of budget allocated by Government under the scheme is Rs. 267.30 crore for FY 2018-19, Rs.150.00 crore for FY 2019-20 and Rs.100.00 crore for FY 2020-21.
The MSK Scheme provides for National, State and District Level Task Forces for review, monitoring and coordination at their respective levels. The Ministry of Women and Child Development undertakes video conferences and meetings along with visits to States/ Districts to review implementation of the scheme.
Women candidates are given preference as per Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Implementation Guidelines for for working as Women Welfare Officers and District Coordinators in District Level Centres for Women.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
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