Mission Vatsalya answer avoids details on Uttar Pradesh expenditure gaps

The question asked the Ministry of Women and Child Development to state whether it had reviewed the budget, expenditure, and achievements of Mission Vatsalya for 2025-26, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, and to address concerns regarding service delivery, child protection homes, and the Child Helpline.

Asked and answered by: Asked by Shri Babu Singh Kushwaha and Shri Neeraj Maurya; Answered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (Minister Shrimati Annpurna Devi).

What the government said

• Mission Vatsalya is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented in all States and UTs on a predefined cost-sharing basis.
• The scheme provides Rs. 4,000 per month to children eligible for non-institutional care (Sponsorship, Foster Care, or After Care).
• Beneficiaries of the PM CARES for Children Scheme below the age of 18 also receive Rs. 4,000 per month under Mission Vatsalya.
• An integrated unified Mission Vatsalya Portal has been developed for real-time monitoring and service delivery, integrating TrackChild and Khoya-Paya modules.
• The Child Helpline (#1098) is a 24x7x365 service integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) and Women Helpline (181).
• Uttar Pradesh received Rs. 107.15 Crore in funds released under Mission Vatsalya for FY 2025-26.
• The Ministry conducts periodic reviews of budget allocation and expenditure through Project Approval Board (PAB) meetings with States and UTs.

Also in the document

• The answer does not provide specific figures for actual expenditure incurred or the gap between allocation and utilization, stating only that reviews are conducted via PAB meetings.
• The answer does not directly address the specific allegations of difficulties in receiving time-bound assistance or deficiencies in Child Protection Homes and rural helpline services, instead describing the general framework and mechanisms in place.
• The answer does not provide details on a 'special monitoring system' for social inclusion and protection from trafficking, but rather describes the general Mission Vatsalya Portal and TrackChild integration for missing children.