The Jharkhand government is preparing to expand its child welfare efforts by proposing a target to support over 9,000 children under the 'Mission Vatsalya' initiative for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The state department of women, child development and social security has submitted a proposal to the Union Ministry seeking to link 9,000 beneficiaries with sponsorship scholarships and 150 children with foster care programmes.
Approval Process and Implementation
A high-level meeting is scheduled for the first week of May to secure necessary approvals. Following this, the state will begin identifying and enrolling eligible children. Deputy Secretary Vikas Kumar revealed that in 2025-26, the state aimed to connect 7,000 children with sponsorship schemes and 100 with foster care, ultimately integrating 6,600 and 38 children respectively into the programmes.
Foster Care Expansion
To strengthen the foster care scheme, the department has identified approximately 210 potential foster families across Jharkhand. The sponsorship scheme provides a monthly grant of Rs 4,000 per child to ensure access to education, nutrition, and healthcare. This safety net targets vulnerable children, including those raised by single parents, children of parents with disabilities or chronic illnesses, orphans living with extended family, and children deemed 'in need of care and protection' under the Juvenile Justice Act, such as survivors of trafficking, child labour, and abuse.
Unlike institutional care, the foster care programme enables children to grow up in a family environment. Foster parents act as local guardians while the state retains legal guardianship, offering a monthly stipend of Rs 4,000 per child.
Addressing Awareness Gaps
While the sponsorship scheme has gained significant traction, Kumar acknowledged that foster care still faces a lack of public awareness. To address this, the department is prioritising grassroots campaigns involving Panchayat representatives and the general public to promote the programme.
