Funds allocated for the welfare of women and children in Pakistan in FY 2013-14

According to the information made available to the National Assembly by the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Privatization, (Mr. Muhammad Ishaq Dar), in the wake of the Constitution (18th Amendment) Act, 2010, most of the functions of the erstwhile Ministry of Women Development have been devolved to the provinces. However, 12 Women Centres in the province of Punjab, (subsequently renamed by the then Minister for Human Rights as Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women Centres on 26-4-2013) are still functioning under Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights. Main objectives of these centres are to provide temporary shelter to victims of violence in emergencies, free legal assistance to women in distress and to provide free social and legal counseling to the women. Rs. 78.00 million have been allocated in the Federal Development Budget 2013-14 for these Centres @ Rs. 6.5 million for each Centre.

After 18th Amendment, Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights is focusing on the project related to human rights. However, National Commission on the Status of Women has become functional and MoU has been signed with UN Women for cooperation regarding support to reporting process such as Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), International Convention of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Convention Against Torture (CAT) & Universal Periodic Report (UPR) and technical support for issues related to legislations/policies/plans related to women’s human rights. Moreover, Human Rights Wing in Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights is maintaining “Women in Distress and Detention Funds” which was established in 1996 under Women in Distress and Detention Act 1996. The total amount available in this Fund is Rs. 57.073 million and allocation for 2013-14 is Rs. 3.403 million.

In addition to above, following allocations were also made during CFY 2013-14 for welfare of Women and Children under Demand No 50-Current Expenditure of erstwhile Human Rights Division now merged with Law and Justice Division:

1. National Commission on the Status of Women: 25.000 (total budget in million)
2. National Commission for Children Welfare and Development: 9.507 (total budget in million)
3. Implementation of National Plan of Action for Children Islamabad: 4.864 (total budget in million)
4. National Child Protection Centre, Islamabad: 9.468 (total budget in million)
5. Family Protection and Rehabilitation Centre/Women Centre, Islamabad: 8.000 (total budget in million)

Some social welfare centres are also functioning for welfare of women and children under Capital Administration and Development Division. Currently 9 Social Welfare Centres in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) are providing the services to the vulnerable population with special emphasis to women and children. The names of the Centres alongwith budget allocation for FY 2013-14 are as under:

1. Women Welfare & Development Centre, G-7/ 1, Islamabad: 23.313 (Rs. in million)
2. Model Child Welfare Centre, Islamabad: 5.307 (Rs. in million)
3. Construction of Model Child Welfare Centre Building, Humak Islamabad (Development): 24.45 (Rs. in million)
4. Pilot School Social Work Center, Government Boys Higher Secondary School F-6/2, Islamabad: 3.872 (Rs. in million)
5. Rural Community Development Centre, Punjgran Islamabad: 13.132 (Rs. in million)
6. Pilot Comprehensive Community Development Center, Sohan Islamabad: 6.592 (Rs. in million)
7. Community Development Center, Noon Islamabad: 6.145 (Rs. in million)
8. Social Services Medical Center, Federal Government Polyclinic Islamabad: 3.300 (Rs. in million)
9. Social Welfare Training Institute Islamabad. 13.388 (Rs. in million)

Federal Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment of Women at Work Place is also working in Islamabad. Total allocation during CFY 2013-14 is Rs. 43.874 Million.

Note: The above information is based on the question & sessions of the National Assembly of Pakistan. Please visit the official website of the National Assembly for details.

About National Assembly: The National Assembly of Pakistan is the country's sovereign legislative body. It embodies the will of the people to let themselves be governed under the democratic, multi-party Federal Parliamentary System. The National Assembly makes laws for the Federation in respect of the powers enumerated in the Federal Legislative list. Through its debates, adjournment motion, question hour and Standing Committees, the National Assembly keeps as check over the Executive and ensures that the government functions within the parameters set out in the Constitution and does not violate the fundamental rights of citizens. Only the National Assembly, through its Public Accounts Committee, scrutinizes public spending and exercises control of expenditure incurred by the government.

Tags: Pakistan, Economics, Business

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