Question : BUDGET FOR CHILD PROTECTION

(a) whether the UNICEF and Non-Governmental Organisations have conducted any survey on child abuse in the country;

(b) if so, the details of survey and recommendations made therein;

(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard;

(d) the total funds provided/utilised by the Government for the child protection during each of the last three years, State- wise;

(e) whether the Government has any proposal to enhance the funds for child protection; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the time by when such funds are likely to be provided to state Governments?

THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI RENUKA CHOWDHURY)

(a) A survey on child abuse has been conducted by Ministry of Women and Child Development with the help of Prayas, a voluntary organization, UNICEF and Save the Children.

(b)&(c) The Report of the Survey has not been received so far.

(d) Rs. 152.87 crore in 2004-05; Rs. 173.04 crore in 2005-06 and Rs. 192.81 crore in 2006-07 have been allocated on various Schemes and programmes for child protection in the Union Budget. The grants are released under the Schemes to the State Government/UT Administrations and non-governmental organizations.

(e)&(f) The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been seeking enhanced budgetary allocation for child protection. The Ministry has got as allocation of Rs. 95 crores for a new Scheme called “Integrated Child Protection Scheme” for 2007-08.