Government Schemes and their Role in Amplifying NGO Impact

List of Government Schemes

The Government of India is actively fostering the growth and well-being of its children, through a range of government schemes. Collaborating with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) across the nation, these programmes are shaping a brighter future for our youngest citizens. Central to this effort are the Centrally Sponsored government schemes, wherein the Central Government allocates resources to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. This financial support empowers the local entities to execute various child welfare initiatives, some of which are executed in partnership with NGOs.

A look at this Government schemes list reveals that it goes beyond providing funding, and includes a built-in monitoring system to ensure NGOs efficiently implement them. The government also undertakes regular reviews to fine-tune and enhance the execution of these initiatives.

Child Protection Services (CPS) Scheme

The Child Protection Services (CPS) Scheme stands as a steadfast pillar of support for State and Union Territory Governments, enabling them to provide crucial services to children facing challenging circumstances. Under the CPS scheme, Child Care Institutions (CCIs) have been established, offering a broad spectrum of assistance to children, including age-appropriate education, vocational training, recreational opportunities, healthcare, and counseling. Importantly, this initiative reaches out to children in both rural and urban areas, ensuring equitable access to these essential services.

Overseeing the realization of child rights and welfare is the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), an autonomous body operating under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Their paramount responsibility is to ensure that all laws, policies, programs, and administrative mechanisms align harmoniously with the perspective of child rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of India and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

NCPCR, in collaboration with State Commissions for the Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs), undertakes a diverse range of activities. These include consultations, webinars, and the development of creative materials aimed at promoting children’s rights, well-being, nutrition, and more. These endeavors are financed through their allocated budget, reinforcing their dedication to safeguarding and nurturing the future of our nation.

One remarkable facet of this scheme is the 24×7 outreach helpline service designed to aid children facing distressing situations. Accessible through a dedicated toll-free number, this lifeline is available to children in crisis and caring adults seeking assistance, from any corner of India. It’s a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our nation’s future generation.

Inclusive Education for Disabled Secondary Stage Scheme (IEDSS)

In the quest for inclusive and accessible education, the Inclusive Education for Disabled Secondary Stage Scheme (IEDSS) emerged in the academic year 2009-10. As the successor to the Integrated Education for Disabled Children scheme, IEDSS is a beacon of hope for disabled students in classes XI and XII, ensuring that they receive a holistic education within an inclusive setting.

IEDSS extends its reach to cater to the unique learning needs of children, spanning from preschool all the way up to the XII grade. This scheme extends a helping hand to children with multiple disabilities, falling within the purview of the Right of the Person with Disabilities Act-2015. IEDSS embraces diversity by encompassing disabled students enrolled in a wide array of educational institutions, including local bodies, non-governmental organizations, and government schools.

Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP)

While tuberculosis (TB) knows no socio-economic boundaries in India, its heaviest burden falls upon the shoulders of the most vulnerable and marginalized communities, especially the impoverished. Regrettably, children are not exempt from the ravages of this disease. Recognizing this pressing issue, the Government of India has taken bold steps by spearheading the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP).

India boasts a vast private sector, encompassing a diverse array of healthcare providers, ranging from modern medical practitioners to traditional healers. Within this expansive landscape, thousands of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private healthcare providers have rallied together to contribute to the TB program in multifaceted ways. Through a synergy of public, private and civil society initiatives, the nation is steadfastly working towards a healthier and TB-free future for all its citizens.

PM CARES for Children scheme

The PM CARES for Children scheme supports children who have lost both parents, a surviving parent, legal guardian, or adoptive parents in the pandemic.

The scheme’s noble objective is to ensure the holistic well-being of these vulnerable children through a sustained commitment. It accomplishes this by offering them essential health insurance coverage, empowering them with education, and providing crucial financial support until they reach 23 years of age.

Education, a cornerstone of their future, is also addressed through the scheme. Children have access to education loans for professional courses or higher education in India, with the interest burden borne by the PM CARES Fund. Moreover, all children are enrolled in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojna (AB PM-JAY) health insurance program, guaranteeing health coverage until they reach adulthood.

Bal Raksha Bharat, also known as Save the Children, supports the Government schemes list of initiatives by strategically engaging with various ministries and state governments. They collaborate with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NITI Aayog, and other research and academic institutions.

Pulkit Arora

Manager-Brand & Communication

“With over 12 years of dedicated experience in the social development sector, I am passionate about championing child rights and community empowerment through innovative communication strategies. As a Digital Marketing Manager for digital Campaigns and Communication with Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children), I have honed my expertise in orchestrating impactful campaigns online and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders to drive positive change."