The Economic Survey 2013-14 presented by the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitely as precursor to the General Budget in the Lok Sabha today talks of inclusive development that incorporates social and financial inclusion and implementing social sector programmes like poverty alleviation and employment generation, social protection, rural infrastructure and development, urban infrastructure, education and skill development, heath, women and child development and welfare and development of weaker sections. On women and child development, The Economic Survey states that women and children constitute about 70 per cent of the population of the country and are vulnerable and lag behind in terms of many economic and social parameters. There is a need for focused planning with affirmative action for inclusion of women and children in growth and development process with greater share in the decision making process. The new policies that are needed to address violence against women and children including a new National Policy for Children NPC 2013 for the realization of the rights of all children have been adopted. A special law, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012 and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention Prohibition and Redressal Act 2013 have been enacted for greater inclusion of women and greater share of women in the decision making process.

Affirmative action for women and children promotes inclusion through targeted social policies and protective legislation against violence and harassment. Focused planning is required to secure the inclusion of women and children in growth through targeted social and financial measures, increased participation in decision making, and affirmative interventions. Adoption of a National Policy for Children and enactment of specialist protective statutes like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act are cited to address violence and strengthen rights realization.