The Jharkhand BJP has launched a scathing attack on the state government for the complete standstill of the central government’s Mission Vatsalya scheme. This nationally sponsored initiative is dedicated to ensuring the protection, welfare, and rights of children, aiming to provide them with a healthy, secure, and joyful childhood and develop their capabilities as per Sustainable Development Goals. The scheme operates under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. Unfortunately, the program has been inactive in Jharkhand for the past 12 months.
According to BJP spokespersons, officials and staff involved with Mission Vatsalya are being subjected to deplorable conditions, akin to forced labor. The very people entrusted with safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring their justice are themselves denied their fundamental right to timely remuneration. For an entire year, personnel including CWC Chairpersons and members, JJB members, IT support, social workers, outreach staff, accountants, and shelter home employees have not received their salaries. This has plunged many into severe financial difficulties, with debt becoming a major burden. The situation is so grave that essential medical expenses are beyond the reach of some. A distressing example cited is that of accountant Santosh Kashyap, who is currently hospitalized due to mental health issues stemming from this prolonged financial insecurity.
The BJP highlighted that the central government consistently remits its share of funding for Mission Vatsalya. However, the state administration has failed to meet its obligations. They sarcastically noted that while the government seems to have funds for ‘publicity and photo-ops’ related to child rights, it lacks the resources to pay its essential workforce. The party has issued a strong demand for the immediate disbursement of pending salaries to all officials and staff involved in child rights protection, urging a shift from symbolic gestures to tangible support for these crucial workers.
