Schemes and Programmes on Child Protection

Schemes and Programmes on Child Protection

The Government has initiated various Schemes to address the problems. Some of the Schemes are outlined as follows:

·  Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme which provides a package of six services to children below 6 years and pregnant and lactating mothers.

·  Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) was introduced in 2009-10 with the aim to the improve the well being of children in difficult circumstances, as well as the reduction of vulnerabilities to situations that lead to abuse, neglect, exploitation, abandonment and separation of children from their families.

·  Scheme for Welfare of Working Children in Need of Care and Protection provides opportunities including non-formal education, vocational training, etc. to working children to facilitate their entry / re-entry into mainstream education.

·  Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG)-SABLA aims at an all-round development of adolescent girls (AGs) of 11-18 years by making them self reliant by facilitating access to learning, health and nutrition through various interventions such as health, education, vocational training etc. Such empowerment also addresses the issue of Child Marriage.

·  Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY) is a Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme for pregnant and lactating women which was introduced in October, 2010 for improved health and nutrition to pregnant and nursing mothers.

·  Trafficking: “Ujjawala” – is a Comprehensive Scheme for Prevention of Trafficking and Rescue, Rehabilitation, Re-integration and Repatriation of Victims of Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Exploitation.

·  The POCSO Act was passed to strengthen legal provisions for the protection of children below 18 years of age from sexual abuse and exploitation. Under this Act, if any girl under 18 is seeking abortion the service provider is compelled to register a complaint of sexual assault with the police.

·  Rehabilitation of Child Labour National Child Labour Project (NCLP) is a Scheme with the objective to withdraw children working in hazardous occupations and processes, and mainstream them into formal education system. All children rescued/withdrawn in the age group of 9-14 years are enrolled in the NCLP Special Training Centres, where they are provided with bridge course, vocational training, mid-day meal, stipend, health care, etc. before being mainstreamed into formal education system.

In addition to implementing the Schemes and programmes as above, the Government has also initiated several legislative measures viz

·  The Protection of Children from Sexual

·  Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act)

·  The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) 2006

·  The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956,

·  The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986

·  The  Right  of  Children  to  Free  and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 etc.,Workshops, Seminars, legal awareness camps and consultation are held with the State Governments, NGOs and other stakeholders for sensitisation and wider public awareness.