UPSC Notes

Mission Vatsalya Scheme

PYQs

7

Articles

2

Momentum

24

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

This scheme is a flagship government initiative addressing child protection and welfare, directly relevant to social justice, vulnerable sections, and the implementation of welfare policies under GS2. Its 'Centrally Sponsored' nature also touches upon federal fiscal relations.

Mission Vatsalya is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by States and Union Territories, aimed at ensuring the care, protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children in difficult circumstances, including missing and vulnerable children, and those in conflict with law. It consolidates various child protection services under a unified framework.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Scheme Type

Centrally Sponsored Scheme

Objective

Care, protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP) and Children in Conflict with Law (CCL).

Implementation

By States and UTs with support from the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Digital Integration

Unified portal integrates TrackChild, Khoya-Paya, and Go Home and Re-Unite (GHAR) portals, also linked with CCTNS.

Implementing Bodies

States and Union Territories

Statutory Framework

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaSocial Justice & Development
Conceptual areaWelfare Schemes & Social Policies

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Women and Child DevelopmentNodal ministry, develops and oversees the scheme and portal
State Governments and UT AdministrationsImplements the scheme, appoints nodal officers
Child Welfare Committees (CWCs)Involved in care and protection of cncp
Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs)Involved in cases of ccl
Ministry of Home AffairsIntegrates cctns with the portal for tracing missing children
NITI Aayog (DMEO)Evaluates the scheme
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding

Quick revision

  • Centrally Sponsored Scheme for child protection.
  • Focuses on CNCP and CCL (care, protection, rehabilitation, reintegration).
  • Unified digital portal integrates TrackChild, Khoya-Paya, GHAR.
  • Linked with MHA's CCTNS for tracing missing children.
  • Implemented by States/UTs; involves CWCs, JJBs.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Social Justice & DevelopmentWelfare Schemes & Social Policies

Ministry of Women and Child Development continuously monitors and reviews the implementation of Mission Vatsalya

22 Jul 2026 · Mission Vatsalya is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, providing care, protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration services for children in difficult circumstances, guided by the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.

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Ministry of Women and Child Development has developed integrated unified Mission Vatsalya Portal

22 Jul 2026 · Mission Vatsalya is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for child protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration, implemented by States/UTs. It uses a unified digital portal integrating TrackChild, Khoya-Paya, and GHAR, and links with CCTNS for tracing missing children.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 7 linked questions on Mission Vatsalya Scheme in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.