‘Mission Vatsalya’ Scheme for Rape Victims Minor Girls

The Central Government has initiated a new relief scheme called ‘Mission Vatsalya’ to address the plight of families with minor girls who have been victims of rape and subsequently become pregnant. The scheme aims to provide support and assistance to these families, recognizing the challenges they face and the need for comprehensive relief measures.

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As part of the ‘Mission Vatsalya’ scheme, provisions have been made to offer shelter, food, and legal aid to minors who have been victims of rape and are pregnant. The scheme, launched under the ‘Nirbhaya Yojana’ initiative, intends to provide institutional and financial assistance to these vulnerable pregnant minors who lack the means to support themselves. The aim is to ensure their well-being and provide the necessary support during this challenging time.

Initiatives Under the Scheme

• As part of the ‘Mission Vatsalya’ scheme, the administrative structure has been established in collaboration with state governments and childcare institutions to provide assistance to minor victims at the grassroots level.
• This additional support will be available through Child Care Institutions (CCIs) for girls up to 18 years of age and care centers for young women up to 23 years of age.
• In addition to legal aid, the victims will be provided safe transportation to attend court hearings, ensuring their access to justice.
• To expedite the legal process, the government has established 415 POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) fast-track courts across the country. These specialized courts aim to handle cases related to child sexual abuse swiftly and effectively.

About Mission Vatsalya

• The umbrella scheme for women and child protection services in the country was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2021.
• The scheme was implemented on 1st April 2022 with the objective of ensuring a healthy and happy childhood for children in the country.
• As part of this scheme, a National Human Milk Bank was established in Delhi, which aims to provide access to safe and nutritious breast milk for infants in need.
• The Mission Vatsalya Yojana 2023 encourages women to breastfeed their babies, promoting the numerous health benefits associated with breastfeeding. In addition, a breastfeeding counseling center has been set up to provide guidance and support to mothers.
• The allocation for Mission Vatsalya in the budget for the financial year 2021-2022 was Rs 900 crore.
• The primary focus of the scheme is to reduce the infant mortality rate and improve the health outcomes of both babies and women.
• Efforts are being made to ensure that all infants receive proper nutrition and care, contributing to their overall well-being.

Historical Background

• Before 2009, the Ministry of Women and Child Development administered three separate schemes to address the needs of children requiring protection: the Juvenile Justice Programme, the Integrated Program, and the Child Home Support Scheme.
• In 2010, these three schemes were merged and consolidated into a single program called the “Integrated Child Protection Scheme” (ICPS).
• In 2017, the ICPS was renamed the “Child Protection Service Scheme” to emphasize its focus on safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children.
• Then, in 2021, the scheme was once again renamed “Mission Vatsalya.” This renaming reflects the government’s commitment to providing care and protection for children and promoting their overall well-being.
• The rebranding of the scheme signifies the evolving priorities and continued efforts to enhance child protection services in the country.

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