(a) The Department of Women and Child Development was set up in the year 1985 as a part of the Ministry of Human Resource Development to give the much-needed impetus to the holistic development of women and children. With effect from 30 January, 2006, the Department has been upgraded to a Ministry. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is the apex body for formulation and administration of the rules and regulations and laws relating to women and child development in India.