Court Directs Central and State Governments to Expedite Disbursement under Mission Vatsalya Scheme
In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court has expressed its discontent over the procedural delays affecting the release of funds under the Mission Vatsalya scheme, which are intended for the welfare of juveniles housed in NGO-run homes. The Division Bench at Lucknow, comprising Justices Rajan Roy and Jaspreet Singh, emphasized that such delays are undermining the constitutional and statutory rights of juveniles as enshrined in the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
The court highlighted that the delay is primarily due to inefficiencies in the S.N.A. Sparsh Scheme. It urged both the Union and State Governments to ensure that Project Approval Board (PAB) meetings and related formalities are completed well in advance to facilitate timely release of funds at the start of each financial year. The judgment stressed that procedures should not override the fundamental rights to life and dignity of juveniles.
During the proceedings, it was disclosed that despite the financial year commencing in April 2026, necessary funds have not been disbursed, placing a financial strain on NGO-run homes like Drishti Samajik Sansthan, which is struggling to meet monthly expenses of Rs. 80,00,000. The court directed the Ministry of Women and Child Development to expedite the PAB meeting and fund release process to prevent further hardship to juveniles.
The court also noted that the new mechanism, S.N.A. Sparsh, initiated in 2023, has not been effectively implemented, causing significant delays. It called for immediate solutions and warned that failure to do so would compel the court to pass necessary orders to safeguard juvenile rights.
The bench expressed disappointment over the lack of urgency shown by the authorities and emphasized that the welfare of children in need should be prioritized. It concluded by setting a deadline for the Central and State Governments to propose a solution for fund release, failing which the court would intervene to protect the interests of juveniles.
Bottom Line:
Delay in the release of funds under the Mission Vatsalya scheme is adversely impacting the welfare of juveniles housed in NGO-run Juvenile Homes. The procedure for fund disbursement should align with the constitutional obligation to protect the rights and welfare of children under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
Statutory provision(s): Juvenile Justice Act, 2015
Anoop Gupta v. Union of India, (Allahabad)(DB)(Lucknow) : Law Finder Doc id # 2908136
