List of Women and Child Development Ministers of India

The Ministry of Women and Child Development of India is responsible for policies and programs that ensure the welfare, empowerment, and protection of women and children. Since its creation, the ministry has been led by various leaders dedicated to improving nutrition, safety, and social justice.

Updated On - 12 Feb 2026
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Here is the list of Women and Child Development Ministers of India from 1985 to the present:

Minister Name

Duration

Political Party

Annpurna Devi

10 June 2024 – Present

Bharatiya Janata Party

Smriti Irani

31 May 2019 – 10 June 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party

Maneka Gandhi

27 May 2014 – 30 May 2019

Bharatiya Janata Party

Krishna Tirath

2009 – 2014

Indian National Congress

Renuka Chowdhury

2006 – 2009

Indian National Congress

Sumitra Mahajan

1999 – 2002

Bharatiya Janata Party

Maneka Gandhi

1998 – 1999

Bharatiya Janata Party

Sheila Kaul

1991 – 1995

Indian National Congress

Margaret Alva

1986 – 1989

Indian National Congress

Madhavrao Scindia

1985 – 1986

Indian National Congress

FAQs on Minister of Women and Child Development of India

  • Who is the current Minister of Women and Child Development of India?

    The current Minister of Women and Child Development is Annpurna Devi.

  • When was the Ministry of Women and Child Development established?

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development was created in 1985 as a department under the Ministry of Human Resource Development and became a separate ministry in 2006.  

  • Who was the first Minister of Women and Child Development in India?

    The first Cabinet-rank Minister for Women and Child Development was Mumtaz Begum (1985, as department head under HRD), later followed by independent ministers after 2006.  

  • What are the main functions of the Ministry of Women and Child Development?

    The ministry is responsible for policies, laws, and programs related to women empowerment, child welfare, nutrition, adoption, and protection against exploitation.  

  • How many leaders have served as Women and Child Development Ministers in India?

    Since its creation, over 15 ministers from different political parties have led the Ministry of Women and Child Development.  

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