The Union Minister for Women and Child Development has introduced a new scheme under the Nirbhaya fund, aimed at providing crucial support to pregnant minor victims of sexual assault who lack family support. The scheme, titled “Critical Care and Support for Accessing Justice to Rape/Gang Rape Survivors and Minor Girls who get Pregnant,” seeks to address the immediate needs of these young victims, including shelter, food, legal assistance, and transportation for court hearings. Leveraging the administrative structure of Mission Vatsalya in collaboration with state governments and Child Care Institutions (CCIs), the scheme aims to provide comprehensive support and assistance to minor victims, ensuring their well-being and access to justice.
Providing Shelter and Essential Support
The new scheme, with an allocated budget of Rs 74.10 crore, focuses on offering critical care and support to pregnant minor victims who have been abandoned by their families. These young girls, who have experienced forced pregnancies due to rape or gang rape, often find themselves without any means of support. The scheme aims to provide them with shelter, food, and daily necessities, ensuring their basic needs are met. Additionally, it addresses the issue of safe transportation for attending court hearings, ensuring that these victims can access the legal system effectively.
Establishing Shelters for Victims
To implement the scheme effectively, funds will be allocated to set up shelters for the minor victims. These shelters can take the form of standalone facilities or dedicated wards within existing Child Care Institutions (CCIs), as determined by the state governments. The aim is to create a safe and supportive environment where these young girls can find refuge and receive the necessary care and assistance to overcome their traumatic experiences.
Integrated Support and Assistance
The new scheme emphasizes providing integrated support and assistance to girl child victims under one roof. By offering immediate, emergency, and non-emergency access to a range of services, the scheme aims to address the multidimensional needs of these minor victims. This includes facilitating access to education, police assistance, healthcare, and other essential services. The goal is to create a comprehensive support system that ensures the well-being, safety, and rehabilitation of these young survivors.
Child Care Institutions (CCIs): A Crucial Component
Child Care Institutions (CCIs) play a significant role in the implementation of the scheme. Defined under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, CCIs are institutions established to provide care and protection to children in need of such services. As part of the new scheme, CCIs will collaborate with the Ministry of Women and Child Development and state governments to provide the necessary support and care to the minor victims. These institutions will act as a critical component in ensuring the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the survivors.
The Nirbhaya Fund: Enhancing Safety and Security for Women
The scheme is implemented under the aegis of the Nirbhaya fund, which was established in 2013 with the objective of enhancing the safety and security of women in the country. The fund, a non-lapsable corpus, is utilized to implement various initiatives and projects aimed at creating a safer environment for women. It supports initiatives such as Central Victim Compensation Fund, One Stop Centers, Universalization of Women Helpline, and Mahila Police Volunteer, among others.
Mission Vatsalya: A Roadmap for Child Protection
The new scheme aligns with the objectives of Mission Vatsalya, a scheme launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Mission Vatsalya focuses on child rights, advocacy, and awareness, aiming to strengthen the juvenile justice care and protection system. By prioritizing child development and protection, the scheme aims to ensure that no child is left behind and that their rights and well-being are upheld.
