The Government has made constant attempts to promote values like democracy, freedom from discrimination, self-reliance and independence of thought. It has also tried to improve the lot of the poor and weaker sections of society. Women and children have figured prominently in the government's agenda of social reforms and initiatives.

Today, India is working towards a society where the poor, marginalised and underprivileged have equal opportunities in all spheres of life. Partnership and collective action by the voluntary agencies, government and other like-minded institutions and individuals have been the key to a meaningful thrust in this direction.

India - A Welfare State	Health
Meet Jalil Ahmed Ansari, ace carpet weaver         and former "child labourer"        (Issued in the interest of our children by the        Ministry of External Affairs)	Enabling Framework for Women and Child Development
Government of India's Programmes of           Action for Women and Children	Policies and Programmes for Women Welfare
Policies and Programmes for Children	Non Governmental Organisations         (NGOs) in India
Take a better look at the work of a rebounding India - International Herald Tribune     N E W
India's National Literacy Mission has won this year's United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNESCO's prestigious NOMA literacy prize. This was announced by an International Jury in Paris. The award has been given in recognition of the National Literacy Mission's service for eradication of illiteracy through its campaign. The Director General of the National Literacy Mission, Mr. Bhaskar Chatterjee said, the award is a vindication of the voluntary spirit of the movement initiated in 1990.