Question : Integrated Child Protection Scheme

(a) the salient features of the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) being implemented by the Government for the improvement in the well being of children in difficult circumstances;
(b) whether the Government has provided adequate funds under the said scheme and if so, the details thereof indicating the funds allocated/released and utilized along with the number of children benefited thereunder during the last three years and the current year;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor along with the time by which adequate fund are likely to be provided by the Government;
(d) whether cases of irregularities in the functioning of the said scheme have come to the notice of the Government during the said period and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise and the reasons therefor along with the action taken thereon; and
(e) the corrective steps taken by the Government for effective implementation of the said scheme in the country?

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


(a): 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. 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 Child Care Institutions (CCIs). Under the scheme 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 support for adoption, foster care and sponsorship.

(b) &(c): The details of funds released to the State Governments/UT administration alongwith the number of beneficiaries under ICPS during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise is annexed.
(d) No irregularities in the functioning of the said scheme have come to the notice of the Government during the said period.

(e): The Ministry of Women and Child Development has set up a monitoring system to ensure effective implementation of the scheme. A Project Approval Board (PAB) under the Chairpersonship of Secretary (WCD) has been constituted in the Ministry to scrutinize and approve implementation plans, annual Plans and financial proposals from States/ UTs for release of grants under the scheme. The board also monitors and reviews the progress of implementation of the scheme from time to time. The PAB regularly directs the States/UTs to fill up the vacant positions in service delivery structures under the scheme i.e. State Child Protection Society, District Child Protection Units, State Adoption Resource Agency, Specialised Adoption Agencies and Homes etc.

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