Steno Kailash Chandra Vol-23 Dictation No. 249

Sir, a special programme for women and child development was started in 1982 in rural areas. The aim of this programme was to give maximum opportunities to women for self-employment and enhance their reach to social services. Initially, the programme which was implemented in 50 districts of the country has been extended to 250 districts. Every year this programme is being extended to 50 additional districts and it is estimated that all the districts of the country will be covered under this programme during the Tenth Five Year Plan. Under this programme poor women in rural areas are organised and market support income generating activities relating to them are provided. For this purpose a sum of Rs. 15,000 is given as recurring fund.