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Vatsalya Scheme — Govt Scheme for UPSC | Vaidra
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Vatsalya Scheme

Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD)activesocialLaunched: 2021-04-01

About the Scheme

A comprehensive scheme launched/reformed in 2024 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development focused on the safety, security, well-being, and holistic development of vulnerable children, including those in need of care and protection, children in difficult circumstances, and orphans.

Target Beneficiaries: 4 crore vulnerable children (orphan, abandoned, CNCP, CCL categories) through family-centered care, adoption, foster care, sponsorship (₹4000/month), Childline 1098, and after-care services

Implementing Agency: Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) through State Governments, District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), and Child Welfare Committees (CWCs).

Official Website →

✦Key Features

  • Support for institutional care facilities like Children's Homes and Specialised Adoption Agencies.
  • Promotion of non-institutional care options such as foster care and sponsorship.
  • Provision of financial assistance for education, health, and skill development.
  • Capacity building for child protection functionaries and stakeholders.
  • Establishment of Child Protection Units at district and state levels.
  • Integration with other child welfare schemes and services.

✓Eligibility Criteria

  • Children identified as 'Children in Need of Care and Protection' under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
  • Orphans, abandoned, and surrendered children.
  • Children in conflict with law who require care and protection.
  • Children from families facing extreme poverty or distress, making them vulnerable.

★Benefits

  • Safe shelter and care in institutional settings.
  • Financial aid for family-based care and support.
  • Access to education, healthcare, and psychological counseling.
  • Skill development and vocational training for older children.
  • Facilitation of adoption and reintegration into families.

▶Application Process

  • Identification of a child in need by CWC, police, or public.
  • Reporting the child to the nearest Child Welfare Committee (CWC) or Childline (1098).
  • Assessment of the child's needs and circumstances by the CWC.
  • Placement in appropriate care (institutional, foster, sponsorship) as per CWC orders.
  • Regular monitoring and follow-up by District Child Protection Unit (DCPU).

₹ Budget Allocation

Not specified in the provided context, but typically substantial for social welfare schemes.

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): 60:40 (General States), 90:10 (NE and Himalayan States), 100% (UTs without legislature)

UPSC Relevance

GS Paper: GS2

Prelims Relevance7%
Mains Relevance9%

Syllabus Tags

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)Child Rights and UNCRCWomen and Child Development Ministry initiativesSocial welfare schemes for vulnerable groupsChild labour and traffickingAdoption laws and procedures

Historical Context

Replaced the erstwhile 'Integrated Child Protection Scheme' (ICPS) and was revamped in 2021-22 to align with the SDGs and the vision of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'.