SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant increase in the number of childcare institutions and children supported under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme over the past four years, as revealed in a statement by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Lok Sabha on December 13.
According to the data provided, the number of childcare institutions in Jammu and Kashmir has risen from 16 in 2021-22 to 71 in 2024-25. This expansion underscores the government’s focus on enhancing the infrastructure for children in need of care and protection in the region. The number of children benefiting from these institutions has also increased markedly, from 579 in 2021-22 to 1,104 in 2023-24, reflecting the impact of the scheme.
Mission Vatsalya, a centrally sponsored initiative, aims to provide institutional and non-institutional care for vulnerable children, including those in orphanages. It supports their rehabilitation and reintegration into society while ensuring access to education, vocational training, healthcare, counselling, and recreation. The scheme also facilitates sponsorship, foster care, and aftercare services, extending a safety net to children in need.
Jammu and Kashmir’s progress aligns with the national trend of bolstering child welfare services. Across India, the total number of childcare institutions under the scheme has grown from 2,245 in 2021-22 to 3,010 in 2024-25, supporting over 62,000 children annually.
The Ministry further emphasised that Mission Vatsalya complements the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which serves as the primary legislation for child protection. This framework ensures the safety, dignity, and well-being of children, particularly those classified as Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP) and Children in Conflict with Law (CCL).
The government’s efforts in Jammu and Kashmir are seen as a crucial step towards strengthening child welfare services in a region that has faced socio-political challenges. By scaling up institutional support and integrating children into mainstream society, the scheme aims to create a better future for the region’s vulnerable youth.
