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CHAPTER-IV

CHILD WELFARE SCHEMES AND PROGRAMMES

4.0 Introduction

Children are the hope of their parents and simultaneously important assets
for future development of any nation. Therefore, every nation must pay full attention
to its children to ensure that they are given proper care in a congenial atmosphere
where they will receive adequate opportunities and facilities for proper education,
guidance and training for their overall development to become good citizens in
future.

The growth and development of children into mature and happy persons with
attractive personalities mainly depends upon the care and attention they receive from
their respective parents and the society in which they live. If a child does not get
proper education, diet and other basic amenities in formative years, it is obvious that
his or her very development into a self-sustaining being is retarded. So, it becomes
the duty of every State to protect children’s right by legislative and other means.1
With the realisation of this important aspect of child’s life in today’s complex world,
much interest is being shown in respect of welfare and development of children both
at national and international levels. However, the present study focuses on those
Child Welfare Schemes and Projects implemented by the Central and the State
Governments with special reference to Aizawl District of Mizoram.

4.1 Child Welfare Schemes and Programmes at the International Level

Since its inception as an international body in 1945, the United Nations (UN)
was concerned with the needs and problems of children and other vulnerable groups
resulting from the Second World War. At the beginning, its programmes were
remedial and rehabilitative in nature. However, the emphasis had been shifted from
remedial to preventive and development approaches in social welfare with the

1
Das, Dipak, ‘Child Labour in India, Rights, Welfare and Protection’, Deep and Deep, New Delhi,
p. 2 , 2011.
 54

joining of the UN by a larger number of developing countries and those liberated

from colonial rule were admitted as its members.

The most important contribution of the UN regarding Child Welfare and

Development is the creation of United Nations Children‘s Fund (UNICEF) by the
General Assembly on December 11, 1946 to provide massive emergency relief to
the destitute young victims of the Second World War. The Fund began to focus its
attention on the widespread malnutrition, diseases and illiteracy afflicting millions of
children throughout the developing world.2 Accordingly, the UNICEF promotes and
augments the available resources for the success of “Child Survival and
Development Revolution.” Though the UNICEF relies on the contributions from
member-Governments and private donors, its contribution in child welfare in India
has been significant. The UNICEF has given assistance for rural primary health
centres, pre-vocational training, Integrated Child Development Services Projects,
Applied Nutrition-Programme, children in difficult circumstances etc.

After signing the Framework of Basic Agreement with India in 1978, the
UNICEF Projects are being implemented in India through various Ministries and
Departments dealing with children which includes Ministry of Women and Child
Development, Department of Elementary Education, Department of Family Welfare
and NACO, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Labour,
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,
and Department of Drinking Water Supply (Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water
Mission). As the nodal Ministry, the Ministry of Women and Child Development
coordinates the implementation of the Master Plan of Operations (MPO) which,
inter alia, aims at improving the care and protection of children, levels of their
nutrition and ensuring universal elementary education. The nodal Ministry conducts
periodic review meetings to coordinate and monitor the implementation and
expenditure of the UNICEF programmes in India.3

The International Labour Organisation (ILO), which was created under the
League of Nations in 1919, aims at improving labour conditions, raising living
standards and promoting economic and social stability. ILO also aims at promoting

2
Sachdeva , D. R., ‘Social welfare Administration in India’, Kitabmahal, Allahabad, p. 314, 1993.
3
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social justice and peace. It assists states for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation
of working children through child welfare programmes, social security measures and
anti-child labour measures etc.4

World Health Organisation (WHO) has assisted India in developing child

health services as an integral part of maternity and child welfare and nutritional
services.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), founded in 1945, has played
an important part in increasing food production and taking measures aimed at
development of rural families with particular reference to women and children. It
also helps the people of the world in their continuing fight against hunger and
malnutrition. This has been sought to be done through the People’s Action for
Development (India) (now CAPART) and the World Food Programme.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

(UNESCO) helps to develop text books and promotion and teaching of national
languages to the children of migrant workers, training of staff for pre-school
children and assists projects to set up production of children’s books and libraries
especially for destitute children. A National Commission on UNESCO is
functioning as part of the Ministry of HRD in India.5

The UNESCO and the ILO have helped India in child education and
prevention of child labour respectively. The International Union for Child Welfare,
CARE, Children Christian Fund, India Sponsorship Committee, CASP, PLAN,
USAID, Norwegian Agency for Development and other international voluntary
agencies have taken keen interest in developing child welfare services in India. 6
Besides these, the other international agencies contributing towards women and
child development in India are: Swedish International Development Authority
(SIDA) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). However, the
efforts of the international bodies are only supplementary to the national effort. It

4
Chowdhry, D. Paul, ‘Child Welfare and Development’, Atma Ram & Sons, Delhi, p. 380, 1963.
5
Ibid, p. 381.
6
Ibid, p. 12.
 56

would be necessary to get assistance from different agencies for the benefit of the
children.7

4.2 Child Welfare Schemes and Programmes in India

During the British rule in India, Child Welfare Administration included only
education, maternity and child welfare services. In the absence of proper
institutional arrangements from the Government side, various voluntary agencies
had shouldered almost all the responsibilities for ensuring welfare and development
of children in the country. During those tedious years, child welfare and
development including social welfare in India are suffering from over three decades
of neglect and under funding. When the Constitution of India was enacted after
independence, Child Welfare Administration was taken over by the Central and the
State Governments. It was only after the setting up of Planning Commission in India
in 1951 that child welfare and development started receiving greater attention. Even
the contents of the succeeding Five Year Plan Documents of the Planning
Commission have emphasised the importance of accelerating child welfare and
development of the nation. So, in order to cater to the needs of thousands of
children, Government of India has widened the scope of child welfare to include
various recreational activities like playground, holiday homes, libraries, clubs,
children’s home etc., treatment of psychological problems through child guidance
clinic or education and welfare of special children like handicapped, abandoned,
delinquent, orphaned, working children etc.

Although the post-independent India took up the responsibility of promoting

welfare, the Government of India did not have either a separate Department or
Ministry of Social Welfare. Till 1964, Central Social Welfare Board, which was
established in August 1953, was given the responsibility of planning, initiating and
implementing child welfare programmes in India. Apart from giving Grants to
Agencies running various child welfare programmes, the Board initiated a scheme
called “Welfare Extension Projects,” and thereafter, child welfare became one of the

7
Ibid., p. 384.
 57

important and major components of this scheme.8 Child Welfare Schemes in India
comprises of the following:

(1) Financial Assistance to Dependent Children:

This scheme was initiated to provide assistance to orphan and destitute

children below the age of sixteen whose parents are unable to maintain them due to
some chronic disease or permanent disability, but to no more than two children in a
family, preference being given to the school going children.

(2) Maintenance of Orphan and Destitute Girls:

The State Government is to provide free of cost maintenance to orphan girls

between the ages of 6-16 years at Bal Bhawan Jalandhar.

(3) Foster Care Services Scheme:

In 1961, Foster Care Services Scheme was started for providing destitute,
orphan and unattached children proper physical, mental and emotional growth and a
normal family setting thus eliminating the ill effects of impersonal treatment of
institutionalization.

(4) State After Care Home for Boys:

Among the States of the Indian Union, Ludhiana (started in 1967-68) for
orphan and destitute boys between the age group of 16-21 years, discharged from
correctional or non-correctional institutes to provide education and training in
various crafts.

(5) Implementation of the East Punjab Children Act, 1969:

The Act provides for the setting up of institutions for admission of the
destitute, delinquent and school dropouts between the age of 8-16 years as well as
those who, due to immaturity, commit some crimes, for preparing a congenial
atmosphere for their physical and mental development. This is to enable them to
develop into normal and law abiding citizens. Such children are, in the first instance,
8
Chowdhary, D. Paul, op.cit., p. 4.
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admitted in the Reception-cum-observation Homes, where the Superintendent

prepares their case history and produces them before the children’s Courts, which
order either for their restoration to their parents or transfer to a certified school.

(6) Special Nutrition Programme:

The programme provides protein diet to the children in the age group of 0-6
years and expectant and nursing mothers for a period of 33 days in a year.

(7) Family and Child Welfare Project:

This project caters to the needs of children up to the age of 5years and
women living in rural areas. Children are provided preschool education and
refreshment while in Balwaris; camps are arranged for girls and women in rural
areas where they are taught home craft, mother craft, poultry and dairy keeping etc.

(8) Integrated Development Services Scheme (IDSS):

This Scheme provides free package of services namely supplementary

nutrition, immunization health and nutrition education, health check-up, non-formal
preschool education and referral services to children below six years. It is a centrally
sponsored scheme and was first introduced in Nurpur Bedi Block of the State in
1975-76. Since then it has been extended to other blocks and slum areas in Amritsar,
Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala. The scheme has brought substantial benefits to the
children and mothers particularly those belonging to poor socio economic groups in
reducing infant mortality, improving health and nutritional status of children and
providing preschool education for children.9

4.3 Role of Government of India in Child Welfare and Development

The long reign of the British rule and the consequent struggle for freedom by
the Indians against the colonial rulers had far-reaching consequences on Child
Welfare and Development in India. When India got Independence in 1947, the
Government recognised the need for providing Child Welfare and Development
services as an essential pre-requisite for the development of India as a new nation.

9
Sachdeva. D.R., op.cit., p. 147.
 59

Hence, Child Welfare and Development has become one of the most important
priorities almost in all sectors of development planning.

The adoption of National Children’s Policy and creation of National

Children’s fund by the Government of India is an evidence of the nation’s concern
and interest in child welfare and development. Launching of Integrated Child
Development Services (ICDS) Scheme in October 2, 1975 in the country was-to
improve the nutrition and health status of children in the age group of 0-6 years; to
lay the foundations for proper psychological, physical and social development of the
child; to reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school drop
outs; to achieve effective coordination of policy and implementation amongst the
various departments to promote child development; and to enhance the capability of
the mothers through proper nutrition and health education, for looking after the
normal health and nutritional needs of the child. All these major measures indicate
Government of India’s commitment in providing various services for the welfare
and development of children.

The Government of India has set up Ministry of Welfare as the nodal

Ministry to formulate Social Welfare Policy to provide for infrastructure in the form
of various institutions and to coordinate the welfare programmes of other ministries,
and trained personnel for the execution of its welfare programmes of multi-
dimensional nature. The founding Fathers of our Constitution provided safeguards
for children in Articles 15, 24, 39, 55 of the Constitution. The adoption of Policy
Resolution for children by Parliament and the Constitution of National Children’s
Board are other land-marks towards safeguarding the interests of children.10

All the Union Territories and State Governments in India have established
their Departments of Social Welfare to administer the Centrally Sponsored Projects
and to manage different Programmes at the State level. The State Social Welfare
Advisory Boards (SSWAB) and the Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) have
been entrusted with the responsibility of motivating Voluntary Organizations
through an elaborate grants-in-aid system to undertake welfare programmes on a

10
Chowdhary, D. Paul., op.cit., p. 3.
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large scale both in urban and rural areas to supplement and support the efforts of
various Governments which have been formed from time to time.

However, financial constraints and population explosion have been

preventing the Government of India against provision of welfare services on the
range and scale of western countries. Social services for children are being organised
both by Government and voluntary agencies. Economically, politically and socially,
children are the need of future national growth. Recognizing this fact, the
Government of India during the last five decades, has taken various legislative as
well as executive steps to protect children as provided in the Indian Constitution.

The National Policy for Children lies down that the State shall provide
adequate services towards children, both before and after birth and during the
growing stages for their full physical, mental and social development. The
Government of India has also adopted the National Charter for Children; it is a
statement of intent embodying the Government’s agenda for children. . The
document emphasizes Government of India’s commitment to children’s rights to
survival, health and nutrition, standard of living, play and leisure, early childhood
care, education, protection of the girl child, empowering adolescents, equality, life
and liberty, name and nationality, freedom of expression, freedom of association and
peaceful assembly, the right to a family and the right to be protected from economic
exploitation and all forms of abuse. The document also provides for protection of
children in difficult circumstances, children with disabilities, children from
marginalized and disadvantaged communities, and child victims. The document
while stipulating the duties of the State and the Community towards children also
emphasizes the duties of children towards family, society and the nation. The
National Charter for Children was notified in the Gazette of India on 9 th February,
2004.11

Ministry of Women and Child Development has prepared a National Plan of

Action for Children 2005 after harmonizing the goals for children set in the UN
General Assembly Special Session on Children held in 2002 and the monitorable
targets set in the tenth Five year Plan and goals for children in related Ministries or

11
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Departments. The Action Plan has been prepared in consultation with concerned
Ministries and Departments, States or UT Governments, Non-Governmental
Organizations and experts. The National Plan of Action includes goals, objectives,
strategies and activities for improving nutritional status of children, reducing IMR
and MMR, increasing enrolment ratio and reducing dropout rates, universalization
of primary education, increasing coverage for immunization etc. Several Ministries
and Departments of the Government of India are implementing various schemes and
programmes for the benefit of children. Some of the Schemes and Programmes are
as under:12

(1) Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS):

Integrated Child Development Services as a part of the world’s largest

programme are implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development
with the aim of enhancing the health, nutrition and learning opportunities of infants,
young children (0-6 years) and their mothers. The Scheme provides an integrated
approach for converging basic services through community based workers and
helpers. The services are provided at a centre called the ‘ANGANWADI’, which
literally means a courtyard play centre, a child care centre located within the village
itself. The package of services provided includes-

- Supplementary nutrition,
- Immunization,
- Health check-up,
- Referral services,
- Pre-school non-formal education and
- Nutrition and health education

It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented through the State

Governments with 100% financial assistance from the Central Government for all
inputs other than supplementary nutrition which the States were to provide from
their own resources. However, from the year 2005-06, the Government of India has
decided to provide Central assistance to States for supplementary nutrition to the

12
Ibid.
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extent of 50% of the actual expenditure incurred by the States or 50% of the cost
norms, whichever is less.

(2) Creche Scheme for the Children of Working Mothers:

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched a new Crèche
Scheme in January 2006. The Scheme has been named Rajiv Gandhi National
Crèche for the Children of Working Mothers. These crèches have been allocated to
the Central Social Welfare Board, Indian Council for Child Welfare and Bhartiya
Adim Jati Sevak Sangh in the ratio of 80:11:9. The priority has been given to
uncovered districts or areas and tribal areas while extending the scheme to maintain
balance regional coverage. Eligibility criteria under the Revised Scheme have also
been enhanced from Rs. 1800/- to Rs. 12000/- per month per family. So far about
25605 crèches have been sanctioned including 5137 crèches sanctioned under
erstwhile National Crèche Scheme up to 20th November, 2006.13

(3) Nutrition Component of Prime Minister Gramodya Yojana and

Nutrition Programme for Adolescent Girls:

Implemented in 51 districts with additional central assistance provided by the

Planning Commission, this scheme directly and indirectly contributes to promoting
nutrition of children. A National Nutrition Mission has also been set up with a view
to enable policy direction to concerned Departments of the Government for
addressing the problem of malnutrition in a mission mode.

(4) Reproductive and Child Health Programme:

Implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the programme

provides effective maternal and child health care, micronutrient interventions for
vulnerable groups, reproductive health services for adolescent etc. some important
programmes cover are- immunization for children for DTP, polio and Tetanus
Toxoid for Women, Iron and Folic for pregnant women. This programme integrates
all family welfare and women and child health services with the explicit objective of
providing beneficiaries with ‘need based, client cantered, demand driven, and high

13
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quality integrated RCH services’. The strategy for the RCH programme shifts the
policy emphasis from achieving demographic targets to meeting the health needs of
women and children.

(5) Pulse Polio Immunization Programme:

Implemented by the Ministry of health and family Welfare, this programme

covers all children below five years. It is a massive programme covering 166 million
children in every round of National Immunization day. The other immunization
programmes include Hepatitis B, DPT and other routine immunization. Other
notable programmes for child health include, Universal immunization programme,
control of deaths due to acute respiratory infections, control of diarrhoeal diseases,
provision of essential new-born care to address the issue of the neonates,
prophylactic programmes for the prevention and treatment of two micronutrient
deficiencies relating to Vitamin A and Iron, Anaemia control programme, border
district Cluster strategy and Integrated Management of Neo-natal and childhood
illness.

(6) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA):

Implemented by the Department of Education, this programme provides for

school infrastructure and quality improvement in education of the children. The
specific objectives are: All children to be in school; Universal retention by 2010;
Bridging all gender and social gaps at primary stage by 2007 and at elementary
education level by 2010. The Government of India is committed to realising the goal
of universalization of elementary education by 2010. Under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
(SSA), the National flagship programme, the Government aims to provide free and
compulsory elementary education to all children in the 6-14 age groups by 2010.

(7) A National Programme for Education of Girls at Elementary Level:

This programme has been implemented by the Department of Education for

children in difficult circumstances including dropout girls, working girls, girls from
marginalized social groups, girls with low levels of achievement to gain quality
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elementary education and to develop self-esteem of girls through a community based

approach.

(8) Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya:

This is a new scheme being implemented by the Department of Education,

which enables opening of 750 special residential schools for the girl child belonging
to SC or ST, OBC and minority in educationally backward blocks having low
female literacy.

(9) Mid-Day Meal Scheme:

This is also one of the important schemes of the Government for universal
enrolment and retention of children in schools. Under the programme, nutrition and
snacks are provided to children attending schools. However, this scheme has been
implemented in Mizoram as a component of the National Flagship Programme of
SSA.

(10) Integrated Programme for Street Children:

This programme is being implemented by the Ministry of Social justice and

empowerment. This programme aims at preventing destitution of children and
facilitates their withdrawal from life on the streets. The programme is targeted
towards children without homes and family ties, especially vulnerable to abuse and
exploitation.

(11) Integrated Programme for Juvenile Justice:

This programme is being implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and

Empowerment with a view to providing carte to children in difficult circumstances
and children in conflict with the law through Government institutions and through
NGOs. Some special features of the scheme are: - Establishment of a National
Advisory Board on Juvenile Justice; Creation of a Juvenile Justice Fund; training,
orientation and sensitization of judicial, administrative police and NGOs responsible
for implementation of LL Act; Financial assistance to bring about a qualitative
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improvement in the existing infrastructure; Expansion of non-institutional services

such as sponsorship, foster care, probation etc. as and an alternate institutional care.

(12) Child Helpline:

Childline India Foundation (CIF) is a toll free telephone service (1098)

which anyone can call for assistance in the interest of children. Being run with the
support of Women and Child Welfare Ministry is working in 72 cities across the
country. The Shishu Greh Scheme is also being implemented by the Ministry to
promote adoptions within the country and to ensure minimum standards in the care
of abandoned, orphaned, destitute children. Grant-in-Aid up to a ceiling of Rs. 6
lakh is provided per unit of 10 Children in a Shishu Greh.

(13) The National Rural Health Mission:

It is a scheme of health Ministry seeks to provide effective healthcare to rural

population including large population of children throughout the country with
special focus on 18 States. It aims to undertake architectural correction of the health
system to enable it to effectively handle increased allocations as promised under the
national Common Minimum Programme and promote policies that strengthen public
health management and service delivery in the country.

(14) Elimination of Child Labour:

This is the Project implemented by the Ministry of Labour for rehabilitation

of working children and elimination of child labour. Under the Project based Action
Plan of the Policy, National Child Labour Projects (NCLPs) have been set up in
different areas to rehabilitate child labour. A major activity undertaken under the
NCLP is the establishment of special schools to provide non-formal education,
vocational training, supplementary nutrition etc. to children withdrawn from
employment. 150 Child Labour Projects have so far been sanctioned for
rehabilitating children in the most endemic areas and 1.5 lakh children have already
been mainstreamed in the special schools.
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(15) Prevention of Offences Against Children:

After wide consultations, a Draft Bill for offences against children has been
prepared and circulated to the State Governments for their comments and views.
After obtaining the comments of the state Governments and concerned ministries
and departments, a draft has been prepared and circulated to the concerned
Ministries and Departments for their comments and use.

(16) Child Budgeting:

The Government of India is also introducing child budgeting. The key

objectives of this endeavour are: (a) to analyse budgetary provisions on social sector,
(b) to identify the magnitude of budgetary allocations made by the Centre or State
Governments on schemes meant for addressing specific needs of children, and (c) to
examine the trend in child specific expenditure etc.

The main agendas for the exercise of child budgeting is to review resource
allocations for children; explore ways to increase budgetary allocations for children;
assess budget utilization rates for social sector and child specific programmes,
identify blockages and constraints to effective utilization; identify methods for
tracking expenditure and monitoring performance to ensure that outlays translate
into outcomes for children.

(17) Pilot Project for Combating Trafficking of Women and Children:

The Pilot Projects being implemented are viz:- (1) to combat trafficking
women and children for commercial sexual exploitation under the sanction of
tradition (2) pilot project to combat trafficking of women and children for
commercial sexual exploitation in destination areas. So far 30 projects have been
sanctioned benefiting about 1500 women and girls.14

(18) The Commission for Protection of the Child Rights Act 2005

The Government of India has recently notified the Commissions for

Protection of Child Rights Act 2005 in the Gazette of India on 20th January, 2006 as
Act No. 4 of 2006. The Act envisages setting up a National Commission at the
14
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National level and the State Commissions at the state level. The proposed
Commission would be set up for proper enforcement of children’s rights and
effective implementation of laws and programmes relating to children. The National
Commission for Protection of Child Rights will be a statutory body to be set up
under the commission for Protection of Childs Rights Act. The proposed
Commission will have a chairperson and six other Members, including two women
members, a Member Secretary and other supporting staff. The Chairperson would be
a person of eminence in the field of child development. The members would be the
experts in the field of child health, education, child care and development, juvenile
justice, children with disabilities, elimination of child labour, child psychology or
sociology and laws relating to children. The officers and the staff of the Commission
will be provided by the Central Government. The proposed Commission would be
set up for proper enforcement of children’s rights and effective implementation of
laws and programmes relating to children.15

(a) The Functions of the Commission are:

(1) To examine and review the safeguards provided by Constitution or

any law for the protection of child rights and recommend measures
for their effective implementation.
(2) To present to the Central Government, annually reports upon the
working of those safeguards.
(3) To examine all factors that inhibits the enjoyment of rights of most
vulnerable children and children in need of special care and
protection.
(4) To study treaties and other international instruments and undertake
periodical review of existing policies, programmes and other
activities on child rights and make recommendation for their effective
implementation in the best interest of children.

15
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(b) The Commission is to undertake and promote research in the following field
of child rights.
(1) Spread child rights literacy among various sections of the society and
promote awareness.
(2) Inspect any juvenile custodial home, or any other place of residence
or institution meant for children for the purpose of treatment,
reformation or protection and take up with these authorities for
remedial action.

(c) The Powers of the Commission include the following:

(1) Summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and
examining him on oath.
(2) Requiring the discovery and production of any document.
(3) Receiving evidence on affidavits.
(4) Requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or
office.
(5) Issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses and
documents.
(6) Forwarding any case to a Magistrate having jurisdiction to try the
same and the Magistrate to whom any such case is forwarded shall
proceed to hear the complaint against the accused.
(7) Recommending to the concerned Government or authority the
initiation of proceedings for prosecution or such other action as deem
fit against the concerned persons.
(8) Approaching the Supreme Court or the High Court concerned for
such directions, orders or writs as that Court may deem necessary.
(9) Recommending to the concerned Government or authority for the
grant of such interim relief to the victim or the members of his family
as the Commission consider necessary.16

16
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4.4 Child Welfare Schemes and Projects Implemented in Aizawl District of

Mizoram:

Mizoram Government has been implementing various Child Welfare

Schemes, Programmes and Projects covering the length and breadth of the State.
The Centrally Sponsored Child Welfare and Development Schemes which were
adopted or introduced in the state of Mizoram have been implemented within
Aizawl district. Out of the Central Schemes and Projects, the Government of
Mizoram has been implementing the following Child Welfare Schemes,
Programmes and Projects in Aizawl District:

A. Integrated Child Development Services (I.C.D.S): The following

programmes have been implemented under IDCS.

17
(a) Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP): Supplementary Nutrition
Programme aims at eradicating the protein-Calorie and micronutrient or deficiency
prevalence in the developing States. The programme covers various categories of
beneficiaries like 6 months to 6 years children, pregnant women, lactating mothers
and adolescent girls. Besides, children below 6 years of age who are regular children
registered in the Anganwadi Centres are entitled to this facility.

(b) Nutrition Programme for Adolescent Girls (NPAG): A pilot project of

NPAG (Nutritional Programme for Adolescent Girls) was launched by the Planning
Commission during 2002 – 2003. Under the scheme, all adolescent girls of 11 – 19
years should be weighed and undernourished adolescent girls less than 35 Kgs.
would be identified and provided food grains, i.e. Rice, free of cost @ 6 Kgs. Per
month for 3 consecutive months. The nutritional status of the identified
undernourished adolescent girls will be checked regularly as per the operational
guidelines framed by the Government of India.

(c) Kishore Shakti Yojana (KSY): Kishori Shakti Yojana (KSY) seeks to
empower adolescent girls, so as to enable them to take charge of their lives. It is
viewed as a holistic initiative for the development of adolescent girls. The
programme through its interventions aims at bringing about a difference in the lives

17
Citizens’ Charter, Social Welfare Department, Government of Mizoram, pp. 17, 19.
 70

of the adolescent girls. It seeks to provide them with an opportunity to realize their
full potential.

(d) Capacity Building for Poverty Reduction Programme (CBPR): In order

to combat micronutrient deficiency disorders and to fill the gap left by the
Supplementary Nutrition Programme in providing protective nutrients in lactating
and nursing mothers and children below 6 years, the CBPR programme will be
implemented in Mizoram during the 11th Five Year Plan. The programme is to be
implemented in 100 pilot projects within Aizawl district.

The programme aims to provide a minimum of three days of vegetables and

greens in a week to children below 6 years and pregnant and nursing mothers
through the Anganwadi Centres. Its objective is to develop kitchen gardens for
growing greens and vegetables at select Anganwadi Centres and introduce the same
in the SNP menu.

(e) Balica Samriddhi Yojana (BSY): The recast Balica Samriddhi Yojana will
be a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme to extend 100% central assistance to State
or Union Territories to provide benefits under the Scheme in accordance with the
norms, guidelines and conditions laid down by the Central Government.

The main objectives of the Scheme are to change negative family and
community attitudes towards the girl child at birth and towards her mother, to
improve enrolment and retention of girl children in schools.

(f) Mini Kitchen Gardening (MKG): Anganwadi Kitchen Gardening is a new

thing in the ICDS operation. 10 (ten) pioneer ICDS Projects are selected which
would launch the Scheme in the selected Anganwadi Centres. The idea is that the
Anganwadi may provide fresh vegetables to the children and set examples for the
mothers and the villagers on the benefit of kitchen gardening.

(g) Anganwadi Training Centre (AWTC): Anganwadi Workers’ Training

Centre established by Social Welfare Department at Aizawl in 1984, is the only
training centre catering to the training needs of all Anganwadi Workers and
Anganwadi Helpers all over Mizoram State.
 71

(h) Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG-

SABLA): This scheme is being implemented in selected 200 districts across the
country using the ICDS platform. The target groups of this scheme are Adolescent
Girls: 11–18 years. The main objectives of this project are to enable self-
development and empowerment of adolescent girls, to improve their nutrition and
health status. This scheme also spread awareness among adolescent girls about
health, hygiene, nutrition, ARSH, family and child care. This scheme upgrade their
home-base skill, life skill and vocational skill and give out–of–school adolescent
girls formal or non-formal education. SABLA scheme inform and guide adolescent
girl about existing public services like PHC, Post Office, Bank, Police Station etc.

(i) Kishori Diwas (KD): Kishori Diwas is a special Health Day under the non-
nutrition component of RGSEAG – SABLA. Kishori Diwas is celebrated once in
three months with the corresponding Monthly village Health and Nutrition Day. On
this day, the Anganwadi Workers with the help of health functionaries, including
Medical Officer, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) and Accredited Social Health
Activist (ASHA), will mobilize Adolescent Girls and their families, especially
Mother, to assemble at the Anganwadi Centre.

(j) Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY): The main objectives
of this scheme are promoting appropriate practices, care and service, utilization
during pregnancy, safe delivery and lactation. This scheme also encourages women
to follow (optimal) Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices including
early and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. IGMSY scheme contribute
a better enabling environment by providing cash incentives for improved health and
nutrition to pregnant and lactating women.

B. Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS): The Government of India,

Ministry of Women and Child development has formulated a new Centrally
Sponsored scheme called Integrated Child Protection Scheme to be implemented
based on the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act 2000, amended by
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act 2006 Dt.
22.8.2006.
 72

(a) Child Line: Child helpline is a toll free telephone service (1098) which
anyone can call for assistance in the interest of children. The child line functions for
24 hours a day by dialling Phone number 1098 (toll free) through BSNL (Landline
and Mobile) and Aircel for children in need of care and protection. In Mizoram, the
Child Line functions only in Aizawl District.

Being run with the support of women, Child Welfare Ministry is working in 72
cities across the country. The Shishu Greh Scheme is also being implemented by the
Ministry to promote adoptions within the country and to ensure minimum standards
in the care of abandoned or orphaned or destitute children. Grant-in-Aid up to a
ceiling of Rs. 6 lakh is provided per unit of 10 children in Shishu Greh.18

(b) Family-Based Non - Institutional Care:

(i) Sponsorship: The State Government may make rules for the purposes of
carrying out various schemes of sponsorship of children, such as individual
to individual sponsorship, group sponsorship or community sponsorship. 19

(ii) Foster Care: Foster Care services are designed for neglected or
dependent children who lack the protective atmosphere of families or
institutions. The foster care may be used for temporary placement of those
infants who are ultimately to be given for adoption. The State Government
may make rules for the purpose of carrying out the scheme of foster care
programme of children.20

(iii) Adoption: Adoption means the process through which the adopted child
is permanently separated from his biological parents and become the
legitimate child of his adoptive parents with all the rights, privileges and
responsibilities that are attached to the relationship.21 The State Government
has set up Adoption Cell in Social Welfare Department to co-ordinate,
regulate and monitor the works of adoption and to render all assistance to the

18
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=23966.
19
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, p. 14.
20
Ibid.
21
The Juvenile Justice (Care and protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2006.
 73

Advisory Board on adoption. Programme Officer (District ICDS Cell) is to

function as Nodal Officer.

(iv) After-Care: Under Section 44 of Juvenile justice (Care and Protection

of children) Act, 2000, the State Government may make Rule for recognition
of after-care organisations for the purpose of taking care of juveniles or the
children after they leave Special Homes.

(c) Institutional Services: Following are some of the Institutional services

provided to juveniles or children in need of help.

(i) Shelter Homes: The State Government may recognize reputed and
capable Voluntary Organisations and provide them assistance to set up and
administer Shelter Homes for juveniles or children as may be required to
function as drop-in-centres for the children in the need of urgent support.

(ii) Children’s Homes: The State Government may establish and

maintain either by itself or in association with the Voluntary Organisations,
Children’s Homes, in every district or group of districts, as the case may be,
for the reception of child in need of care and protection during the pendency
of any inquiry and subsequently for their care, treatment, education, training,
development and rehabilitation.

(iii) Observation Homes cum Special Homes: Remand Home

(Correctional Institution) “Observation Homes” means a Home established
by a State Government or by a Voluntary Organisation and certified by that
State Government under section 8 as an Observation Home for the Juvenile
in Conflict with Law.22

To implement the Juvenile Justice Act 1986, the Government of Mizoram

established the Remand Home or Correctional Institution under the Department of
Social Welfare in the year 1986. The Remand Home at Durtlang is to keep the
Juveniles in Conflict with Law in safe custody until the final disposal of the cases.

22
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of children) Act, 2000, p. 3.
 74

(d) Juvenile Justice Board (JJB): For the State of Mizoram, one Juvenile
Justice Board has been constituted to exercise powers and discharge the duties
conferred or imposed on such Boards in relation to Juveniles in Conflict with Law23
under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 which is
implemented in the State of Mizoram. In the year 2003, the Juvenile Justice Rules
has been framed and implemented.24 The Board consists of a Judicial Magistrate of
the first class and two Social Workers.

(e) Child Welfare Committee (CWC): The State Government may, by

notification in Official Gazette, constitute for every district or group of districts,
specified in the notification, one or more Child Welfare Committees for exercising
the powers and discharge the duties conferred on such Committees in relation to
child in need of care and protection under this Act. The Committee shall consist of a
Chairperson and four other members as the State Government may think fit to
appoint, of whom at least one shall be a woman and another, an expert on matters
concerning children.

The Committee shall function as a Bench of Magistrates and shall have the
powers conferred by the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 on a Metropolitan
Magistrate or, as the case may be, a Judicial Magistrate of the first class.25

(f) Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU): Under the Juvenile Justice (Care and
Protection of Children) Act, 2000, a Special Juvenile Police Unit is to be created in
every district to coordinate and upgrade police treatment of the Juvenile and the
Children in Need of Care and Protection.

(g) Pre School: The Scheme of Pre-school Education is implemented by Social

Welfare Department through MHIP within Aizawl District where Anganwadi Centre
under ICDS Scheme does not operated 26 (Twenty Six) Pre-School Centres have
been opened in Mizoram. The Scheme has benefited children below 6 years.

23
The term ‘children in conflict with the law’ mainly refers to any children below 18 years of age
who are in contact with the justice system as a result of being suspected or accused of
committing an offence.
24
Citizen’s Charter 2010, p 20.
25
The juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, pp. 10,11.
 75

(h) Day Care (Crèches): This Scheme was implemented in the State with as
many as 40 Nos. of Crèches or Day Care Centre. However, as 2 Creches or day Care
Centre have been converted to Anganwadi Centres, there are 38 Day Care Centres,
28 are at Aizawl District and 10 Centres are at Lunglei District. The Scheme benefits
children below 3 years of age.

(i) Bal Bhavan: Bal Bhavan was founded by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in 1956 and
is a creativity resource centre for children within the age group of 5-16 years. It is an
out of school activity centre aims at identifying, nurture and enhances the many
hidden talents of children. Under the Department of Social Welfare, the Mizoram
Bal Bhavan Society was formed as per the instruction of National Bal Bhavan,
Government of India and is registered under the Mizoram Societies Registration
Act, 2005 (Act No. 13 of 2005)26

(j) Child Marriage Act: The prohibition of Child Marriage Act is enacted and
notified in the Gazette of India on 11th January, 2007 and repealed 192 Act. Draft
Rules for Mizoram State being proposed and sent to Government for obtaining
further vetting from the law and Judicial Department, Government of Mizoram on
10th July, 2008. Cases of Child Marriage have not been heard much in the State of
Mizoram.

(k) State Council for Child’s Welfare (SCCW): The State Council for Child
Welfare has been constituted by Ad hoc Members and Registered under Registrar,
Firms and Societies Mizoram, Aizawl on 7.5.2002 under SR/MZ-08 of 2002-2003
and affiliated in Indian Council for Child Welfare dealing with National Bravery
Awards to Children etc. and various National Awards running with pre-school etc.

(l) The Mizoram Commission for the Protection of Child’s Rights: The
National Commission for protection of Child Rights has been constituted as a
Statutory Organization under the Commission’s for Protection of Child’s Right Act
2005. State Governments are requested to constitute State Commission for
Protection of Child Rights in line with National Commission for Protection of Child
Rights as required under the Act.

26
Registration No. MSR 233 of 12.2.2009.
 76

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights is concerned about

the violence on children or child abuse in the country. Hence the Draft Rules for the
Mizoram Commission for Protection of Child Right Rules, 2009 has been drafted
and sent to Government for approval on 31.8.2009.27

(m) Children Library: Children Recreational Centre-Cum Library scheme

provides materials and financial assistance on yearly basis to eight branches of
Voluntary Organization imparted through i.e. YMA those who are running children
recreational centre-cum-library for strengthening and up-gradation of library etc. as
under

4.5 Views of Inmates of Various Children’s Homes About Different Aspects

of Child Welfare Administration in Aizawl District - Results and
Discussions

In order to make an empirical study of the performance of Child Welfare

Programmes the researcher has administered questionnaires to 200 Inmates of
Homes randomly selected as samples and then used those data collected from 100
male and 100 female Inmates for the present study.

First of all, with a view to finding out the reason for joining Homes by
members of the Target Group, the researcher asked the question to the Home
Inmates.

Table: 4.1 The Main Reason for Joining of Homes by the Target Groups
Sl. Questions Poverty Divorce Demise of
No of parents parents
1. What is the main reason for joining 27.77% 38.85% 33.38%
Children’s Home?
Source: Field Work

From the above table, it has been found that the main reason for joining
Children Home by various inmates is divorce of parents, 33.88% of the respondents
joined Children’s Home due to divorce of parents, 27.77% joined because of poverty
and 33.38% joined due to demise of parents.

27
Citizens’ Charter 2010, Social Welfare Department Government of Mizoram, p.28.
 77

Table: 4.2 Condition of Inmates

Questions Yes No
Have you ever been in similar Home earlier 20.93% 79.06%
Source: Field Work

The score from the respondents’ shows that most of the inmates have never
been in similar Homes earlier.79.06% of the respondents have never been in similar
Home, 20.93% were shifted from other Homes to their present Home.

Table: 4.3 Reason for Shift to Other Homes

Questions Age bar of the Financial Health
Home rule problem problem
Why leaved the earlier? 69.64% 5.35% 25%
Source: Field Work

They have been staying in their respective Homes for as long as possible.
The 69.64% of the respondents were shifted to other Homes from the earlier mainly
due to age bar of the Home rule. Only 5.35% of the respondents were shifted from
other Homes due to financial problems and 25% were shifted due to health problem.

Table: 4.4 Admission or Referral to Children’s Home

Questions Relatives Neighbours NGOs
Who brought you in the Home? 82.05% 7.69% 10.25%
Source: Field Work

The touching result coming out from the analysis of respondent from
various inmates is that majority of the respondent around 82.05 % were registered in
the Children’s Homes by their own relatives. 10.25% of the respondents were placed
in the Home by NGOs while 7.69% were brought by their neighbours. It was further
exposed that the relatives of the inmates were not willing to look after their
relative’s children who are in need of care and protection.

Table: 4.5 General Awareness of MSCCW/CWC

Sl. Questions Yes No
No
1. Are you aware of the existence of State Council for 20.00% 80.00%
Child Welfare?
2. Can you tell any name of Child Welfare Committee 19.56% 80.43%
members?
 78

3. Have any such person (SCCW/CWC member) 26.08% 73.91%

talked to you?
4. Have you ever been visited by MSCCW/CWC 32.55% 67.44%
officials
Source: Field Work

The main reason behind the existence of State Council for Child Welfare is
to promote and develop children under difficult circumstances including physically
and mentally handicapped, refugee children and orphan etc. An analysis of data
concerning awareness on the existence of SCCW reveals that only 20.00% of the
respondents knew about this Council whereas, 80% of the respondents were not
aware of SCCW which has been established for them. This finding reveals that the
SCCW has yet to do many things in order to achieve its aims and objectives.

When asked whether they know any name of Child Welfare Committee
member, only 19.56% of the Children in Need of Care and Protection who are
presently enrolled in Children’s Homes know member of CWC, whereas, 80.43%
of them do not know even one of the members of CWC who are supposedly there
for them. Apart from this, 73.91% of the respondents declared that any such person
i.e. (member of SCCW/CWC) have never spoken to them. Whereas, 26.08% of the
respondents mentioned that some of the members have had a conversation with
them. 67.44% of the responses received indicated that SCCW/CWC officials have
never visited them, whereas, 32.55% disclosed that they were often visited by these
officials. This is mainly because such officials seldom visit the Homes but only as
and when called for a purpose. From this study, it may be suggested that the Homes
should be visited more often by the officials to further establish welfare of the Home
and inmates.

This finding clearly shows that there is a wide gap between the member of
SCCW/CWC and the children who are in need of care and protection, who are
considered as the main causes for the existence of SCCW/CWC.

Table: 4.6 Various Activities in Children’s Homes

Sl. Questions Study Devotion/ Working All of
No worship service them
1. What are the main 17.64% 3.92% 7.84% 70.58%
activities in the Home?
 79

Questions Library Laboratory Computer

2. Which study facilities are available 33.96% 7.54% 58.50%
in the Home?
Questions Foot Cric Badmin Basket Table All of
ball ket ton ball Tennis them
3. What type of 38.38% 7.07% 18.18% 21.21% 12.12% 3.03%
sport facilities
are provided in
the Home?
Source: Field Work

The common activities in Children’s Homes are: - study; devotion or

worship service; working and playing games. Most of the respondents highlighted
that they were nurtured with various good activities in their respective Homes.
Majority of the respondents i.e. 70.58% have expressed that all the above activities
as their main activity. 17.64% of the respondents narrated that study of their lesson
is the main activity, 7.84% clarified that working is their main activities, only 3.92%
revealed that devotion and worship service is the main activity of their Home.

The different study facilities mainly available in the Children’s Homes are
computer or internet; library; and few homes i.e. 7.54% have laboratory. The score
signified that 58.50% have computer or internet facility and around 33.96% have
libraries.

Responses received indicated that a very few respondents 3.03% were

endowed with a good and satisfactory sport facilities like football, cricket,
badminton, basketball, table tennis etc. 38.38% of the respondents clarified that the
available sport facility in their Home is football, Basketball is also another common
available sport facility, 21.21% of the respondents have basketball, 18.18% of the
respondents can play badminton in their Home, only 7.07% of the respondents can
play cricket in their Home.

Table: 4.7 Medical Reports in a Month

Sl. No Questions Once Twice More than twice Never
1. How many times in a 6.97% 2.32% 0% 90.69%
month you received
medical attendants?
Source: Field Work
 80

The overall sample aggregation show that the medical attendance received
by almost all the Homes was not satisfactory. 90.69% of the respondents revealed
that they never receive medical attendance in their respective Homes. 6.97% of the
respondents proclaimed that they receive a visit from a doctor once a month. Only
2.32% reported that they are visited by two times in a month by a doctor.

Table: 4.8 Ground Information

Sl. No Questions Yes No
1. Have you ever quarrelled with other inmates? 34.09% 65.90%
Questions Very Normal Very
strict free
2. How strict the Home discipline is? 6.8% 93.18% 0%
Questions Yes No No idea
3. Are other inmates friendly to you? 95.34% 2.30% 2.30%
4. Is the Home good for you? 95.23% 0% 4.76%
Questions Satisfactory Normal Not satisfactory
5. How do you comment 72.09% 25.58% 2.32%
about your diet?
Source: Field Work

Among the various respondents taken up for analysis under the present
study, it has been found that the inmates do not quarrel with each other. Around
34.09% alleged that they often quarrelled with other inmates. 65.90% of the
respondents never quarrel with other inmates. Almost all the inmates’ respondents
said that other inmates of the Home are friendly. 95.34% of the respondents
proclaimed that other inmates are friendly and 2.30% said that they are not friendly;
again only 2.30% dare not say so.

Unlike various Recreation Centres and Jails, the discipline in each and every
Home is very free. 93.18 % of the respondent said that the Home discipline is loose.
Only 6.8% said that the Home discipline is very strict. This analysis shows that
various Children’s Homes provided a good atmosphere for inmates. It is also very
interesting to note that the entire Children’s Homes are good enough for the up-
bringing of children; each and every child has their own right to live happily and
freely. 72.09% of the respondents are satisfied with their diet, 25.58% have no idea
and only 2.32% are not satisfied with their diet.
 81

Table: 4.9 Respondents View on Workers in the Home

Sl. No Questions Yes No
1. Do you know the name of your Home in charge? 90.69% 9.30%
2. Is the Home in charge kind to you? 97.61% 2.32%
3. Are the workers of the Home friendly? 100% 0%
Questions Yes No No Idea
4. Do you want to go out from Home? 2.38% 83.33% 14.25%
Questions Every Every Once a
morning night week
5. When does Home in charge visit you? 57.14% 16.32% 26.53%
Source: Field Work

Most of the Home in-charge lives together with the inmates in the Home.
This must be the reason why most of the respondents are in close contact with their
Home in-charge and are very much fond of them. 90.69% know their Home in
charge’s name and only 9.30% of the respondents did not know the name of their
Home in charge. Almost all the respondents pointed out that the Home in charge is
kind to them. This may be because of shyness. Only 2.32% of the respondents
alleged the Home in charge is cruel towards them.

Cent percent of the respondents declared that other workers in their Homes
are very kind and helpful. 57.14% of the respondents said that the Home in charge
visits them every morning, while 16.32% were visited by their Home in charge
every night. 26.53% of the respondents reported that they were visited only once in a
week by their Home in charge. Responses received indicated that majority of the
respondents did not want to go out from their Home. Only 2.38% want to go out
from Home, 83.33% did not want to go out and they believed that staying in the
Home is good for them.

Table: 4.10 Devotion Report

Question Daily Only on Never
Sunday
How many times devotion you have? 62.5% 37.5% 0%
Source: Field Work
 82

Most of the Children’s Homes are a good ground for spiritual

development and upliftment. Almost all the respondents have devotion services in
their respective Homes. 62.5% of the respondents have devotions daily, while 37.5%
have on sun days only.

4.6 Conclusion

This chapter is devoted to discussing various Child Welfare Schemes and

Programmes and the process of their implementation in Mizoram under different
situations. It deals with a global view of Child Welfare Schemes and Programmes. It
also deals with different Child Welfare Schemes in India since 1951, after the
inception of Planning Commission in India child welfare started getting greater
attention. Before independence, child welfare included only education and maternity
and child welfare services, though there were few institutions for the care and
protection of handicapped children. The various voluntary agencies shouldered
almost all the responsibilities for the welfare and development of children. It was
only after independence and the Constitution was enacted that the responsibility for
child welfare and development was taken over by the Government. This chapter also
study views of inmates of various Children’s Homes about different aspects of Child
Welfare Administration in Aizawl district.