Question : INTEGRATED CHILD PROTECTION SCHEME

(a) the salient features of Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) formulated by the Government for rehabilitation and integration of children in difficult circumstances in the country along with the number of children benefited from the said scheme across the country during each of the last three years and the current year, category and State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government has conducted any survey to identify such children in the country, if so, the details and outcome thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government has issued directions/guidelines to the States/UTs, Local Bodies, Educational Institutions and Voluntary Organisations for implementation of the said scheme during the said period and if so, the details thereof along with the compliance status thereof, State/UT-wise;

(d) the mechanism put in place by the Government to monitor the activities of the voluntary organisations under the said scheme; and

(e) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure effective implementation of the said scheme along with achievements thereof across the country?

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

(a): The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) is implementing a centrally sponsored Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) for the improvement in the well being of children in difficult circumstances. Under ICPS, financial assistance is provided to the States /UTs for, inter-alia, undertaking a situational analysis of children in difficult circumstances, for setting up and maintenance of various types of Homes including Children Homes and Specialised Adoption Agencies. Under ICPS institutional care is provided through Child Care Institutions (CCIs). As a rehabilitative measure in these CCIs, children are provided appropriate education either within the institution or outside in a formal education system through convergence with other schemes and programs of the Government or civil society. Under the non-institutional care component ICPS provides for sponsorship support to ensure that children in need of care and protection are sent to school regularly. The State/UT wise details of the beneficiaries of the scheme are annexed.

(b): No, Madam.

(c): ICPS being a centrally sponsored scheme and funds are released to States/UTs, the Ministry has issued the guidelines/directions to States/UT Governments for effective implementation of ICPS.

(d): ICPS provides financial assistance to States/UTs for implementing the provisions of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 (JJ Act). Section 34(3) of the JJ Act provides for mandatory registration of all institutions housing children in need of care and protection with the intent of enforcing minimum standards of care for the services provided for children in these Homes. The primary responsibility of implementing the provisions of JJ Act lies with the States/UTs. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been urging the States/UTs from time to time to take measures for effective implementation of the JJ Act such as registration of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) as per provisions of the Act, setting up of statutory structures viz. Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards, forming of inspection committees.

(e): The Government has recently enhanced financial norms under the Scheme. Some of these provisions include increased maintenance grant for children in homes from existing Rs. 750 to Rs. 2000 per child per month, increased financial support in construction and maintenance of a new home for 50 children from Rs. 77.61 lakh to Rs. 1.29 crore and maintenance of existing home from Rs. 26.79 lakh to Rs. 55.54 lakhs. There has been significant increase in the number of beneficiaries since the scheme was launched. The numbers of beneficiaries under the scheme as on date are 95590 while it was 36840 in 2009.