Daily Current Affairs : 28-July-2023

In recent times, there has been growing recognition of the importance of safeguarding and promoting the rights of children to ensure their well-being and development. To address these crucial issues, the Minister of Women and Child Development introduced the Mission Vatsalya Scheme, a comprehensive roadmap aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This essay delves into the key aspects of the scheme, focusing on its objectives, implementation, funding, and support for children through non-institutional care.

Mission Vatsalya Scheme: Objectives and Emphasis

The primary objective of the Mission Vatsalya Scheme is to prioritize the development and protection of children, leaving no child behind. It recognizes the significance of child rights, advocacy, and awareness in nurturing a secure and nurturing environment for the children of our nation. The scheme particularly highlights the need to strengthen the juvenile justice care and protection system to ensure that children in difficult circumstances receive the support they deserve.

Implementation as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme

The Mission Vatsalya Scheme operates as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, emphasizing collaboration between the central government and the state governments and Union Territories (UTs). This joint effort ensures that the benefits of the scheme reach every corner of the country, empowering children and securing their rights.

Funding: A Crucial Support for the Mission Vatsalya Scheme

Adequate funding is pivotal to the success of any social welfare scheme, and the Mission Vatsalya Scheme recognizes this fact. The allocation of funds is determined based on the requirements and demands put forth by the individual States/UTs. To facilitate smooth implementation, a specific fund sharing pattern has been established between the central government and the state governments/UTs.

  1. Fund Sharing Ratio:
    • The fund sharing ratio stands at 60:40 between the Centre and the States/UTs with a Legislature, respectively. This financial collaboration ensures that the burden of funding is shared proportionately, making it feasible for all stakeholders to contribute effectively.
    • However, for the North-Eastern States, the fund sharing pattern between the Centre and the State is more favorable, set at 90:10. This decision recognizes the unique challenges faced by these states and aims to bolster their efforts in implementing the scheme.
    • For Union Territories without a Legislature, the scheme offers 100% central share, providing unwavering financial support to promote child welfare in these regions.
Support through Non-Institutional Care under Private Aided Sponsorship

The Mission Vatsalya Scheme strives to offer various avenues of care and support for children facing difficult circumstances. One significant way it achieves this is through Non-Institutional Care under Private Aided Sponsorship. Interested sponsors can step forward and extend their support to children in need, providing them with assistance and guidance.

Important Points:

  • Mission Vatsalya Scheme:
    • A roadmap aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • Emphasizes child rights, advocacy, and awareness.
    • Aims to strengthen the juvenile justice care and protection system.
    • Motto: ‘Leave no child behind’.
  • Implementation:
    • Operates as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
    • Involves collaboration between the central government and States/UTs.
  • Funding:
    • Funds allocated based on States/UTs’ requirements and demands.
    • Fund sharing ratio of 60:40 (Centre: States/UTs with Legislature).
    • 90:10 fund sharing for North-Eastern States.
    • 100% central share for Union Territories without Legislature.
  • Support:
    • Provides Non-Institutional Care under Private Aided Sponsorship.
    • Interested sponsors can provide assistance to children in difficult circumstances.
  • Objective:
    • Prioritize the development and protection of children.
    • Ensure all children have access to their rights.
    • Create awareness about child rights and advocate for their well-being.
Why In News

In her address to the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of Women and Child Development provided comprehensive insights into the successful implementation of the Vatsalya Scheme, highlighting its significant impact on empowering women and ensuring the well-being of children across the nation. Furthermore, she emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding the scheme’s reach and enhancing its provisions to address the evolving needs of vulnerable communities effectively.

MCQs about Mission Vatsalya Scheme

  1. What is the primary objective of the Mission Vatsalya Scheme?
    A) To achieve development goals for women and children.
    B) To prioritize child rights, advocacy, and awareness.
    C) To strengthen the juvenile justice system for adults.
    D) To focus on sustainable development in urban areas.
    Correct Answer: B) To prioritize child rights, advocacy, and awareness.
    Explanation: The primary objective of the Mission Vatsalya Scheme is to prioritize child rights, advocacy, and awareness, ensuring that no child is left behind.
  2. How is the Mission Vatsalya Scheme funded?
    A) Solely by the central government.
    B) 50% central share and 50% state share.
    C) In the ratio of 60:40 between Centre and State/UTs.
    D) Based on the requirements of private organizations.
    Correct Answer: C) In the ratio of 60:40 between Centre and State/UTs.
    Explanation: The funding for the Mission Vatsalya Scheme follows a fund sharing pattern of 60:40 between the Centre and State/UTs, except for the North-Eastern States and Union Territories without Legislature, which have different ratios.
  3. How does the Mission Vatsalya Scheme support children in difficult circumstances?
    A) By providing institutional care in government-run centers.
    B) Through Non-Institutional Care under Private Aided Sponsorship.
    C) By offering financial assistance directly to the children.
    D) By organizing awareness campaigns for child rights.
    Correct Answer: B) Through Non-Institutional Care under Private Aided Sponsorship.
    Explanation: The Mission Vatsalya Scheme supports children in difficult circumstances through Non-Institutional Care under Private Aided Sponsorship, where interested sponsors can provide assistance to these children.
  4. What does the motto “Leave no child behind” signify in the context of the Mission Vatsalya Scheme?
    A) The scheme focuses on providing equal opportunities to all children.
    B) It emphasizes the importance of protecting children’s rights.
    C) The scheme aims to include all children in government-run institutions.
    D) It highlights the need to focus solely on children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
    Correct Answer: A) The scheme focuses on providing equal opportunities to all children.
    Explanation: The motto “Leave no child behind” signifies that the Mission Vatsalya Scheme aims to provide equal opportunities and support to all children, ensuring that none of them are left behind in terms of their rights and development.

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