Jammu Kashmir Spends Over Rs 146 Crore Under Mission Vatsalya in 5 Years to Support Vulnerable Children

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant flow of funds under the Centre’s Mission Vatsalya scheme, spending over Rs 146 crore between 2020 and 2025 to support children in difficult circumstances, including victims of trafficking and those in need of care and protection.

According to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, the Union Territory received Rs 14.91 crore in 2020–21 and steadily increased its funding over the years to Rs 44.75 crore in 2024–25. Notably, the highest utilisation occurred in 2023–24, when Rs 64.68 crore was spent, well above the amount released that year, indicating the use of carry-forward funds or previous surpluses.

In the current financial year 2024–25, Jammu and Kashmir has funded 62 Child Care Institutions (CCIs), supporting 1,385 children across various districts. These institutions offer shelter, education, healthcare, vocational training, and psychological counselling to children rescued from abuse, trafficking, abandonment, and other vulnerable conditions.

The data came in response to a question on intergenerational trafficking, particularly concerning children of sex workers coerced into the trade. The Ministry clarified that while the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) does collect general data on human trafficking, it does not specifically track intergenerational trafficking. Nor are central records maintained for the number of FIRs filed or convictions secured in such cases.

Despite this gap, the Government of India emphasised that the Juvenile Justice Act of 2015 — amended in 2021 — remains the primary legal framework for protecting such children. Under this Act and Mission Vatsalya, support is delivered through State Child Protection Societies, District Child Protection Units, and Child Welfare Committees.

The Ministry also noted that responsibility for law enforcement lies primarily with the states and Union Territories. However, the central government continues to support states by issuing advisories, funding Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs), and conducting training workshops and judicial colloquiums to raise awareness among police and legal officers.