Question : SHISHU GRIHA YOJANA

(a) whether the Government propose to revise its policy for giving financial assistance under Shishu Griha Yojana;

(b) if so, whether the financial assistance is given upto the age of 18 years only;

(c) if so, whether the Government propose to increase the age limit upto 21 years, especially for the girls.

(d) whether the marriage age limit has been increased from 18 to 21 years;

(e) if so, whether the orphanages and Kanya Ashram are demanding to raise the limit upto 21 years; and

(f) if so, the reaction of the Union Government thereto?

THE MINISTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (DR. SATYANARAYAN JATIYA)


(a) The Scheme for Assistance to homes (Shishu Griha) for children to promote in-country adoption was revised w.e.f. 1.4.2001 and has been now made applicable to Shishu Grihas run by State Governments in addition to those being run by NGO`s.

(b) The scheme provides financial assistance for care, protection and rehabilitation of orphaned/destitute children from 0 to 6 years.

(c) There is no proposal to increase the age limit beyond 6 years.

(d) As per the Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act, 1978 the minimum marriage age is 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys.

(e) There is no such demand to raise the age limit to 21 years.

(f) Question does not arise.