Mission Vatsalya-DNH&DD
Category: Social welfare & Empowerment, Women and Child, Housing & Shelter, Skills & Employment, Health & Wellness, Education & Learning
Level: Central | State: Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development

Details:
**1.	To ensure Rights of the Children:** 
•	The Right to Life 
•	The Right to Protection 
•	The Right to Participation 
•	The Right to Development **2.	Acts related to children ...** **a)  Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act – 2012:** 
           To control incidents related to sexual and physical abuse of children (boys/girls) under the age of 18. It classifies such offenses as non-bailable crimes like to shows obscene literature; engages in physical harassment; or display of pornographic videos to children through mobile phones  
 
**b)  Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006:** - Child marriage deprives children of their fundamental rights such as access to education, health, nutrition, and protection from violence and exploitation. 


- Any marriage in which the girl is under 18 years of age and the boy is under 21 years of age is considered a child marriage. It is a criminal offense under the law. The punishment includes up to two years of imprisonment, or a fine of up to one lakh rupees, or both. 


- Parents, the priest performing the ceremony, guests attending the wedding are liable. 


- If any one comes to know that a child marriage is taking place, to immediately inform local authorities such as the police, panchayat members, District Child Protection Officer, District Collector, or call the 1098 Child Helpline. 


- Mamlatdars are Child Marriage Prohibition Officers.

 
**c)	  Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016:** i.	Employing children below the age of 14 years is a punishable offense under the law. 
ii.	Children aged between 14 and 18 years are prohibited from working in hazardous occupations or with flammable/dangerous materials. 
iii.	Violation of this law can lead to a fine between ₹20,000 and ₹50,000, or imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years, or both. 
iv.	Section 76(1) of JJ Act: Forcing a child to beg or using a child for begging is a criminal offense. Punishment includes up to 5 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh. 
v.	Section 79 of JJ Act: Any person who employs children or forces them to work can face up to 5 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh. **d)  Right to Education Act, 2009:** •	This Act guarantees free and compulsory education for every child between the ages of 6 and 14 years. Under this Act, it is illegal to hit or physically punish children. **3.	Child Helpline – 1098: 24x7, free, emergency national phone service** 
 
Anyone can call 1098 to help a child in need. This service is free of cost and for situations like: 

- An abandoned child 


- A child in need of shelter 
- If a child has been abandoned or has gone missing. 
- A child being abused or beaten 
- An orphaned or neglected child 
- A child being forced into labour or not paid for work 
- A child facing abuse or violence on the streets 
- **4.	Children’s Home (CCI):** 
The UT has established a children’s homes for boys at Dapada in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and another for girls at Zari in Daman. These homes aim to improve the lives of children aged between 6 and 18 years who are orphans, destitute, or in need of care and protection. The children are provided with shelter, nutritious food, medical care, protection, education, and vocational training. 
  
**5.	Specialized Adoption Agency (SAA):** 
The UT has established a “Shishu Gruh” (Infant Care Home) at Zanda Chawk, Silvassa in DNH for children aged 0 to 6 years who are orphans, surrendered, or abandoned, and are in need of care and protection, for the purpose of adoption. These children are provided with shelter, nutrition, medical care, protection, and early education. 
 
Children from this home are legally adopted both within India and internationally through Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). 
 
**6.	Open Shelter Home:** 
•	An Open Shelter Home has been set up at Zanda Chawk, Silvassa in DNH for children aged 6 to 18 years in need of temporary care and protection. 
•	It serves 25 children, offering temporary shelter until they are either reunited with their families or given long-term care. 
•	The shelter provides physical, emotional, social, and intellectual support, including food, shelter, education, medical care, and training. 
 
**7.	Adoption:** 
•	Any childless couple or individuals interested in adopting a child should contact the State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) and register online through the CARINGS portal. 
•	Adoption must be done through legal procedures only. 
•	Do not adopt from hospitals, nursing homes, unauthorized institutions, or individuals. 
•	Adoption is a beautiful option. By adopting a child, you can transform both your life and the life of the child. 
 
**8.	Sponsorship Scheme:** 
Aims to provide financial assistance to vulnerable children living with extended families or biological relatives. This initiative ensures that children in need receive support of Rs. 4000/- per month for their education, nutrition, and health needs. 
 
**	Age Limit:**  up to 18 years. 
 
**Eligibility Criteria:** 
•	Orphans living with extended families. 
•	Children of widowed, divorced, or abandoned mothers. 
•	Children whose parents are incapacitated or suffering from life-threatening illnesses. 
•	Children in need of care and protection, including those affected by natural calamities, child labour, child marriage, trafficking, HIV/AIDS, disabilities, or abuse. 
•	Children covered under the PM CARES for Children scheme. 
•	Income Criteria:- 
**	Rural areas:** Annual family income should not exceed ₹72,000. 
**	Urban areas:** Annual family income should not exceed ₹96,000.

Benefits:
Mission Vatsalya is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at ensuring child protection and welfare, providing financial assistance of ₹4,000 per month for sponsorships, foster care, and after-care for vulnerable children. Key benefits include 24/7 child helplines (1098), emergency support, non-institutional care, and rehabilitation services for children in need.


Eligibility Criteria:
This Scheme targets children under 18 in need of care, protection, or rehabilitation, including orphans, street children, victims of abuse, or children in conflict with the law. It offers financial aid, sponsorship and rehabilitation for children in difficult circumstances, with a monthly support of ₹4,000 per child.