Mission Vatsalya is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at ensuring the care and protection of children in vulnerable circumstances. Launched nationwide in 2021–22, Karnataka began implementing the scheme in 2022–23. It aligns with the objectives of the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) and seeks to provide both institutional and non-institutional support to children in need.
Objective
Mission Vatsalya is designed to support children facing difficult life situations, including:
- Orphans
- Abandoned or surrendered children
- Children with a single parent or those who have lost their father
- Victims of abuse, child labour, trafficking, or natural calamities
- Children with disabilities or from marginalised backgrounds
The goal is to ensure holistic care, protection, and rehabilitation of these children through a network of services, while also encouraging family- and community-based care wherever possible.
Financial Assistance
Under Mission Vatsalya, eligible children receive a monthly financial assistance of ₹4,000 (equivalent to ₹48,000 annually), directly transferred to their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. This support began on April 1, 2022, and is intended to help meet the child’s basic needs, including education, nutrition, health, and shelter.
Eligibility Criteria
Children up to the age of 18 years are eligible to apply if they fall into any of the following categories:
- Orphans (both parents deceased)
- Fatherless children (where only the mother survives)
- Children with one or both parents abandoned, incarcerated, or divorced
- Victims of child labour, trafficking, or abuse
- Children with disabilities
- Children from sex worker or Devadasi families
- Children affected by natural disasters
- Street-connected children or those already in foster care or sponsorship programs
Application Process
Applications for Mission Vatsalya are processed offline only. Interested families or guardians must apply through the:
- District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) or
- Taluka Child Development Project Office
Verification Procedure:
- Each application undergoes a detailed review by the District Magistrate and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
- A mandatory home visit is conducted to assess the child’s background, verify eligibility, and examine living conditions.
Required Documents
Applicants need to submit the following documents along with their application:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Death certificate of deceased parent(s) / divorce or abandonment proof
- Disability or medical certificate (if applicable)
- Income and caste certificate (as per applicable limits)
- School attendance or registration proof
- Aadhaar card (of the child and parent/guardian)
- Bank passbook (first page)
- Recent photograph of the child
Support Services under Mission Vatsalya
The scheme includes both institutional and non-institutional child care approaches:
- Institutional Care: Children’s homes, shelter homes, observation homes, and special adoption agencies
- Non-Institutional Care:
- Foster Care
- Sponsorship Programs
- After-Care Support for those transitioning out of institutional care
Conclusion
Mission Vatsalya represents a significant step toward safeguarding the rights and well-being of children in distress across Karnataka. Through financial aid and a comprehensive protection framework, the initiative strives to provide children with the opportunity to grow in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.