On June 4, 2020, Central Government of India has formulated a task force to examine matters pertaining to age of motherhood, imperatives of lowering Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), improvement of nutritional levels and related issues. It will be headed by Ms. Jaya Jaitly.
- The Task Force was formed as it was mentioned in the Union Budget 2020-21 by Nirmala Sitharaman & it will be provided secretarial assistance by the NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog and will submit its report by 31st July, 2020.
Following is the composition of the Task Force:
Ms. Jaya Jaitly (New Delhi)- Chairperson
Dr. Vinod Paul, Member (Health), Niti Aayog – Member (Ex-officio)
Secretary, M/o Health and Family Welfare – Member (Ex-officio)
Secretary, M/o Women & Child Development – Member (Ex-officio)
Secretary, D/o Higher Education – Member (Ex-officio)
Secretary, D/o School Education & Literacy – Member (Ex-officio)
Secretary, Legislative Department – Member (Ex-officio)
Ms. Najma Akhtar (New Delhi) – Member
Ms. Vasudha Kamath (Maharashtra) – Member
Dr. Dipti Shah (Gujarat) – Member
Key Responsiblities of Task Force:
-To examine the correlation of age of marriage and motherhood with (a) health, medical well-being and nutritional status of mother and neonate/infant/child, during pregnancy, birth and thereafter, (b) key parameters like Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), Total Fertility Rate (TFR), Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB), Child Sex Ratio (CSR) etc. and (c) any other relevant points pertaining to health and nutrition in this context.
-To suggest measures for promoting higher education among women.
-To suggest suitable legislative instruments and/or amendments in existing laws to support the recommendations of the Task Force.
-To work out a detailed roll-out plan with timelines to implement the recommendations of the Task Force.
About NITI Aayog:
Formulation– 2015
Chairperson– Narendra Modi
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Amitabh Kant
Headquarter– New Delhi
