Question : REHABILITATION OF DESTITUTE CHILDREN

(a) whether the Government is implementing any scheme/programme to rehabilitate the destitute children found in and around the Railway stations across the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the total number of children found during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise and the number of children benefited from such scheme/programme across the country during the said period, State/UT– wise;

(c) whether the said scheme/programme also facilitate sending such children to schools;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the other measures taken/being taken by the Government for the welfare and rehabilitation of such children?

MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT(SHRIMATI MANEKA SANJAY GANDHI)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement referred to in respect of part (a) to (e) of the Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 249 for answer on 13.03.2015 raised by Shri Maheish Girri regarding Rehabilitation of Destitute Children

(a) & (b): The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) is implementing a centrally sponsored Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) for the improvement in the well being of children in difficult circumstances, including destitute children found in and around railway stations. Under ICPS, financial assistance is provided to the States /UTs for, inter-alia, undertaking a situational analysis of children in difficult circumstances, for setting up and maintenance of various types of Homes including Children Homes and Specialised Adoption Agencies. ICPS also provides for community based safe spaces called the Open shelters for such children in urban and semi urban areas. The Child Care Institutions (CCIs) being funded under the ICPS are supporting approximately 95,590 children as on 28.02.2015. The State/UT wise details are annexed. The data regarding the number of children found in and around railway stations during the last three years and current year is not maintained centrally.

(c) & (d): Under ICPS institutional care is provided through CCIs. As a rehabilitative measure in these CCIs, children are provided age appropriate education either within the institution or outside in a formal education system through convergence with other schemes and programs of the Government or civil society. Under the non-institutional care component ICPS provides for sponsorship support to ensure that children in need of care and protection are sent to school regularly.

(e): The Government has enhanced financial norms under ICPS w.e.f 1st April, 2014. Some of the key features of the revised scheme are: Increased child maintenance grant from Rs. 750 to Rs. 2000 per child per month, increased financial norm for construction and maintenance of a new home for 50 children from Rs 77.61 lakh to Rs. 1.29 crore, increased financial support for a special unit of 10 children for children with special needs from Rs. 4.22 lakh to Rs 10.48 l akh, flexibility in staffing pattern and enhanced cost of construction from Rs.600 per sq.ft to Rs.1000per sq.ft or as per PWD norms, whichever is lower.