As per census 2011, there are 472 million children below the age of 18 years and comprise 39 percent of the total population. The Ministry is implementing a centrally sponsored scheme namely Child Protection Services (CPS) Scheme under which support is provided to States and UT Governments for delivering services for children in need and difficult circumstances. The Child Care Institutions (CCIs) established under the CPS scheme support inter-alia age-appropriate education, access to vocational training, recreation, health care, counselling etc. and equally covers rural and urban children.
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), an autonomous body under the aegis of Ministry of Women and Child Development, is entrusted with the mandate to ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programmes, and Administrative Mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Various activities are taken up by the NCPCR along with the State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) through consultation, webinar, developing of creative material with reference to children rights, well being, nutrition etc. from their allocated budget. Budget allocation for NCPCR for the year 2020-21 was Rs.1800.00 lakh and the funds released to States/UTs under CPS scheme for the year 2020-21 was Rs.70977.53 lakh.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
*****