Odisha to Roll Out Centre’s ‘Mission Vatsalya’ Scheme to Strengthen Child Protection Systems

Bhubaneswar, July 24:
In a significant move to enhance child welfare and protection services, the Odisha Government on Wednesday announced the implementation of the Central Government’s Mission Vatsalya scheme across the state. The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting of the State-Level Child Safety and Welfare Monitoring and Review Committee, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.

The scheme, formerly referred to as the “Mission Year Scheme,” aims to build a robust child protection framework by strengthening existing institutions and service delivery mechanisms. During the meeting, Monisha Banerjee, Director of Women and Child Development (WCD), provided a comprehensive overview of the current infrastructure dedicated to child care and safety.

Odisha’s child protection network currently includes:

• 30 District Child Protection Units (DCPUs)
• 31 Child Welfare Committees (CWCs)
• 34 Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs)
• 36 Special Juvenile Police Units
• 220 Child Care Institutions (CCIs), including 160 Children’s Homes and 33 Special Adoption Agencies

Nearly 8,150 children are currently in institutional care, while 6,317 receive support through non-institutional means such as foster care and adoption. Remarkably, 98% of children in institutional settings have Aadhaar registration, ensuring their access to government services.

The state’s progressive steps in vocational training and education were also spotlighted. Around 8,130 children have completed vocational training in 264 courses, 672 have enrolled in technical education programs, 211 have secured jobs, and 79 have started their own ventures.

Innovative practices such as mental health support for traumatized children, smart education initiatives, and video conferencing for juvenile court hearings have been acknowledged as best practices in the state’s child welfare landscape. Emergency services have also been streamlined, with the integration of Child Helpline (1098), Women Helpline (181), and Emergency Response (112).

Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary of WCD, informed the committee that over 51,000 children have benefited under the state-run Dabhu Yojana, receiving diverse support services.

Proposals were also tabled for establishing Child Help Centers at railway stations and bus stands to further improve the reach of child protection services. Emphasizing a coordinated approach, Chief Secretary Ahuja called for enhanced inter-departmental collaboration and stronger supervision at the district level to ensure swift and effective response to child safety concerns.

The implementation of Mission Vatsalya is expected to significantly bolster Odisha’s child welfare ecosystem and ensure a safer, more nurturing environment for children across the state.