Mission Vatsalya, a cornerstone initiative aimed at safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children across India, celebrates a significant milestone as it completes 15 years since its inception in 2009. Launched under the aegis of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this scheme has evolved into a comprehensive framework aligning child protection priorities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing rights, advocacy, and holistic development.
Objectives:
Established on the principles laid out by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, Mission Vatsalya has been pivotal in prioritizing child-centric policies and interventions nationwide. Its primary objectives include ensuring the survival, development, protection, and participation of every child, fostering a supportive ecosystem conducive to their growth.
Implementation and collaborative efforts:
Implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in collaboration with state governments and UT administrations, Mission Vatsalya operates with a funding pattern of 60:40 between the Centre and states/UTs with legislatures, and 100% central funding for UTs without legislatures. This partnership aims to universalize access to essential services and enhance their quality across the country.
Funding details and implementation framework:
India is home to more than 472 million children up to the age of 18 years, comprising almost 39 percent of the country’s population. Mission Vatsalya allocates substantial funding to support children in difficult circumstances through both institutional and non-institutional care services. The scheme’s implementation framework involves collaboration with state and UT governments to ensure effective delivery and monitoring of child welfare services.
State-wise funding allocation and release Ddetails for FY 2022-23:
During the fiscal year 2022-23, Mission Vatsalya disbursed Rs. 88,476.04 lakhs across states and UTs to strengthen child protection services. Detailed state-wise funding allocations aimed at setting up Child Welfare Committees and supporting non-institutional care initiatives reflect the scheme’s commitment to enhancing child welfare infrastructure and support mechanisms nationwide.
Modes of Non-Institutional Care:
Mission Vatsalya facilitates various modes of non-institutional care to cater to the diverse needs of vulnerable children:
– Sponsorship: Financial support for children living with extended families or biological relatives to meet educational, nutritional, and health needs.
– Foster Care: Placement of children with unrelated families for care, protection, and rehabilitation, supported by financial assistance to foster parents.
– Adoption: Facilitation of legal adoption processes through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).
– Aftercare: Support for children leaving institutional care upon reaching 18 years, aimed at facilitating their reintegration into mainstream society.
Support statistics for children under non-institutional care (2022-23):
In the financial year 2022-23, Mission Vatsalya provided non-institutional care support to a total of 62,675 children across states and UTs. This included sponsorship, foster care, adoption, and aftercare initiatives, underscoring the scheme’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and social integration of vulnerable children.
Looking forward, Mission Vatsalya aims to expand its outreach, enhance service delivery mechanisms, and reinforce preventive measures against child exploitation and abuse. The scheme remains committed to fostering partnerships with the private sector and raising public awareness to safeguard child rights effectively.
