HC seeks explanation from U.P. over delayed implementation of Mission Vatsalya

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court has asked the state government to explain why the 'Mission Vatsalya' scheme was implemented later than notified. The court directed the government to release funds to NGOs from the date it was notified by the union government. The scheme, launched on April 1, 2022, is for the welfare and rehabilitation of children in difficult circumstances. The court has asked for an affidavit explaining the delay and the incorporation of the scheme's guidelines. The next hearing is scheduled for August 25.

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HC seeks explanation from U.P. over delayed implementation of Mission Vatsalya (file photo)

Lucknow: The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court has sought explanation from the state government for implementing the ‘Mission Vatsalya’ scheme of the Centre from July 17, 2023, instead of April 1, 2022, when it was notified by the Centre.

A division bench of Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Jaspreet Singh directed the state government on August 11 to release funds under the centrally sponsored ‘Mission Vatsalya’ scheme to NGOs concerned from the date it was notified by the union government and not after one year when the state government issued a government order (GO) for it on July 17, 2023.

The union ministry of Women and Child development had launched the ‘Mission Vatsalya’ scheme from April 1, 2022.

Formerly known as ‘Child Protection Services Scheme’, it is for the welfare and rehabilitation of children in difficult circumstances. The scheme will benefit child protection homes, both government and private.

However, in U.P. the scheme was implemented from July 17, 2023, the date from which the state cabinet issued a GO.

Passing the order, the court directed the government to file an affidavit stating why the scheme was made applicable from July 17, 20023 and not from April 1, 2022.

The court also directed that a state government official not below the rank of Principal Secretary, Women and Child Welfare department, will file the affidavit

The affidavit will clearly state whether the guidelines of the scheme have been incorporated by the state government completely or partially, said the court.

The court also stated that reasons in both cases must be clearly mentioned in the affidavit.

“The rationale for adoption of the scheme only in part, if it is so, shall also be given,” said the court.

The court also directed the state government to release pending funds of the NGOs concerned whose social audit was complete, including Drishti Samajik Sansthan.

The court fixed August 25 as the next date of hearing of the case.