Maneka Gandhi

MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

SHE IS THE ULTIMATE multi-tasker, never afraid of controversies. Under her leadership, the woman and child development ministry has shifted focus from chalking policy to bringing change on the ground. Several key policies have become law in her tenure, benefitting women and children across the country. Maneka is viewed as a tough administrator who speaks her mind and doesn’t mind picking up the phone and calling up people to get work done. “The National Alliance Against Child Abuse in cyberspace that is in the pipeline will make a difference to the lives of countless children,” she says. “Mahila E-haat is another game changer as its gives teeth to local women artisans. We are collaborating with Amazon for this and the deal is likely to be inked any day now.” Maneka wants to reform the anganwadi system and train women sarpanches to bring about change at multiple levels. Overhauling the child nutrition system, beginning with Uttar Pradesh and Assam, is another big initiative in the works. Maneka’s working style is hands-on, answering e-mails and calling up complainants herself.