Question : EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF HELPLESS CHILDREN

(a) the schemes in place for the Education and Training of helpless/destitute children across the Country;

(b) whether such schemes are also implemented through voluntary institutions;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the criteria/ norms fixed for selecting institutions in this regard;

(d) whether the institutions selected for the purpose fulfill the prescribed norms, if so, the details thereof and if not, the action taken by the Government against such institutions, State/UT-wise; and

(e) the funds allocated/released and utilized by the said institutions during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise including Gujarat?

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

(a) to (d): The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) for rehabilitation and reintegration of children in difficult circumstance, including helpless/ destitute children. Under ICPS, financial assistance is provided to the States /UTs for, inter-alia, management of various kinds of Homes, Open Shelters by itself or through Voluntary Organisations. These institutions provide children with education and vocational training through convergence with schemes of other departments/civil society or by outsourcing to organizations providing such services. The State/UTs may also use the flexi funds provided under the scheme for the same.

The State Governments and UT administration identify and support credible voluntary organizations to implement these program components of ICPS. These organizations have to work in accordance with the provision laid down under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000 and its rules thereunder. The States/UTs are required to monitor the functioning of these institutions and take remedial measures.

(e): The details of funds released to States/UTs including Gujarat under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) during the last three years and the current year is Annexed. These figures include fund released for the said institutions also.