Question : UNICEF ASSISTANCE FOR INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES

(a) whether the Government have entered into any agreement with the UNICEF to protect the children from HIV/AIDS and to reduce infant and maternal mortality rate in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any agreement has been signed in this regard;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether allocation of $ 300 million for Indo-UNICEF cooperation for the years 1999 to 2002 was made by the UNICEF;

(f) if so, the details of programmes undertaken thereby; and

(g) the time by which these programmes are likely to be completed?

MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)

(a) to (d) Yes Sir, The Government of India have entered into an agreement with UNICEF to protect the children from HIV/AIDS and to reduce infant and maternal mortality rate in the country. The Government of India-UNICEF Mater Plan of Operation for the period 2003-07 has been signed between Department of Women & Child Development and UNICEF on 13th January, 2003. The proposed programmes will be implemented in the fields of Education, Health, Water and Sanitation, Child Development and Nutrition, Advocacy, Programme for Children in Difficult Circumstances and Disability and for Elimination of Child Labour. Protection to children from HIV/AIDS and support to Integrated Child Development Services are also included in the programme. An amount of US $ 400 million has been allocated by UNICEF for the period 2003-07 to implement the Master Plan of Operation.

(e) to (g) Yes, Sir. Government of India-UNICEF Master Plan of Operation for the Period 1999-2002 was signed on 3rd May, 1999. The total allocation for the Government of India-UNICEF Programme of CO-Operation (1999-2002) was US$ 300 million. The Programme implemented projects in the field of primary education, reproductive and child health, child development and nutrition, child`s environment (sanitation, hygiene and water supply), child protection (children in difficult circumstances, children with disabilities and child labour), rural convergent community action, urban convergent community action and advocacy. The focus of the 1999-2002 Government of India-UNICEF Programme of Co-Operation was on children living in the remote areas, marginalised districts and States, and children living in difficult circumstances.