Question : TRACKING SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN

(a) whether the Government has set up/ proposes to set up a registery and tracking system for children in vulnerable conditions including missing/destitute children in order to bring them under the coverage of various welfare schemes/programmes being implemented in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether her Ministry with the assistance of in co-ordination with other Ministries proposes to formulate any new scheme for education and employment of such children in the country and if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government in this direction?

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

(a): The Ministry of Women & Child Development has set up a web portal ‘TrackChild’ under its centrally sponsored Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) to track the missing and found children.

(b): No, Madam.

(c): 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 lakh, 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.