Mission Vatsalya is a child protection scheme implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The scheme was previously known as Integrated Child Protection Scheme, and is focused on the welfare and protection of children, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Recently, the central government has issued new guidelines for the scheme to states, which have been detailed below.
New Guidelines Issued for Mission Vatsalya
The central government’s new set of guidelines outlines that states cannot alter the original name of the mission in order to access funds from the central government.
The funding will be approved through the Mission Vatsalya Project Approval Board (PAB), chaired by the WCD Secretary. This board will scrutinise and approve annual plans and financial proposals from states and Union Territories (UTs) for the release of grants.
The scheme will be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in partnership with the state governments and UT administrations. The fund-sharing pattern will be in a 60:40 ratio. However, for specific states in the Northeast, as well as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the UT of Jammu and Kashmir — the Centre and state/UT’s share will be 90:10.
24×7 Helpline Service and Support for SARA
Mission Vatsalya Scheme (MVS), along with state and district partnerships, will provide a 24×7 helpline service for children as per the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. It will also support State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARA), assisting the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) in promoting in-country adoption and regulating inter-country adoption.
Establishment of Specialised Care Centres and Support for Adoption
One of the primary plans of the mission is to establish cradle baby reception centres in at least one specialised adoption agency in each area. These centres will cater to abandoned and trafficked children in need of care, as well as those with special needs.
Provision of Specialized Care for Children with Disabilities
Children unable to attend school due to physical or mental disabilities will be provided with specialised educators, therapists, and nurses to administer therapies and remedial classes. The staff in these specialized divisions must have proficiency in sign language, Braille, and other related languages.
Financial Support for Vulnerable Children and Open Shelters
The government will provide financial support for vulnerable children living with extended families or in foster care. This will aid in their education, nutrition, and health needs. It will also establish open shelters to care for runaway children, missing children, trafficked children, working children, children in street situations, and child substance abusers among others.
The Evolution and Objectives of Mission Vatsalya
Mission Vatsalya has evolved over the years. Before 2009, the Ministry of Women and Child Development implemented three separate schemes for children in need of protection. In 2010, these were merged into a single plan known as the Integrated Child Protection Scheme. This was renamed as “Child Protection Services Scheme” in 2017, and then as Mission Vatsalya in 2021-22.
The main objectives of Mission Vatsalya include securing a healthy and happy childhood for all children in the country and helping them discover their full potential. It also aims to foster a sensitive, supportive and synchronized ecosystem for child development, assist states and UTs in implementing the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These guidelines highlight the need for enhanced focus on child protection and welfare. They are a crucial step towards ensuring a safer and healthier future for the children of our country.