The government plans to partner with the private sector as well as volunteer groups for its scheme for protection of vulnerable children such as those abandoned or missing.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development on Wednesday sent its draft guidelines for Mission Vatsalaya Scheme to States and Union Territories and solicited suggestions by April 18, 2022. Mission Vatsalaya is essentially rechristening of a pre-existing scheme called Child Protection Services, and also includes child welfare services. The Union Cabinet approved Mission Vatsalaya in January, 2022 and the draft guidelines is the first document that makes public the government’s intent for the scheme.
“To encourage public participation, develop synergy in efforts and utilize the resources available for success of the mission, the civil society, people’s groups and various volunteering organizations can be encouraged to participate under Mission Vatsalya in a systematic and planned manner,” say the draft guidelines. The document said these could include organisations under government initiatives such as Bharat Scout and Guide, NSS Volunteers, Nehru Yuva Kendras and more NGOs and Self-Help Groups could be identified.
