Hindu Editorial Analysis : 21-May-2024
Recently, there has been increased focus on the “Scheme for Care and Support to Victims,” which aims to support girl child victims under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. This scheme, introduced by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in November 2023, is designed to provide essential services to vulnerable girls. However, there are significant concerns regarding its implementation and effectiveness.
About the Scheme
The Scheme for Care and Support to Victims offers a range of integrated services aimed at assisting girl child victims. Here are some key points:
- Comprehensive Support: The scheme provides access to education, healthcare, psychological help, legal aid, and police assistance.
- Funding: It is fully funded by the central government through the Nirbhaya Fund, and it is implemented by state governments and Union Territories via the District Magistrate.
- Target Group: Initially focused on abandoned or orphaned pregnant girls, the scheme now includes all pregnant girl victims under the POCSO Act.
- Duration of Support: The assistance begins when a case is reported and continues until the girl turns 18. After that, support can extend until the age of 23.
Financial Assistance
Victims are entitled to financial aid, including:
- An initial payment of ₹6,000 upon reporting a case.
- A monthly payment of ₹4,000 until they turn 21, with a possible extension to 23 years.
- Health insurance coverage of ₹5 Lakhs per year under PM-JAY.
Issues and Concerns
Despite its noble intentions, the scheme faces several significant challenges:
- Lack of Clarity: The scheme does not specify whether benefits will continue if a victim opts for medical termination of pregnancy or suffers a miscarriage.
- Misleading Terminology: The name and structure of the scheme can confuse stakeholders, potentially leading to misunderstandings.
- High Rates of Child Marriage: India has a high incidence of child marriages and teenage pregnancies, raising concerns about the financial burden on the government.
- Ineffectiveness of Current Laws: Many cases arise from non-exploitative sexual activities within marriages, complicating the situation for the victims.
- Qualification Gaps: Victims under the POCSO Act do not automatically fall into the category of Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP), limiting their access to essential services.
Why In News
Recently, critical issues linked to the Scheme for Care and Support to Victims have been highlighted, raising concerns about its effectiveness and implementation in addressing the needs of vulnerable girl child victims.
MCQs about Scheme for Care and Support to Victims
- What is the main purpose of the Scheme for Care and Support to Victims?
A. To provide financial support to all children in need
B. To offer integrated support and assistance to girl child victims under the POCSO Act
C. To reduce child marriage rates in India
D. To promote awareness about the POCSO Act
- What type of funding supports the Scheme for Care and Support to Victims?
A. State-funded
B. Public-private partnership
C. 100% centrally funded under the Nirbhaya Fund
D. Crowdfunding
- What financial assistance does the scheme provide to victims?
A. Only one-time support of ₹6,000
B. Monthly payments of ₹4,000 until age 21
C. Health insurance coverage
D. All of the above
- What is one major concern regarding the Scheme for Care and Support to Victims?
A. It does not provide any healthcare services.
B. It fails to clarify benefits related to medical termination of pregnancy or miscarriage.
C. It has been too effective in reducing child marriages.
D. It is only applicable to urban areas.
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