Integrated Child Protection Scheme
	16:19 IST

RAJYA SABHA Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched a centrally sponsored scheme, namely ‘Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)’, with the objectives to provide a safe and secure environment to the children in need of care and protection including street children, children in conflict with law and any other vulnerable child in the country. This scheme is implemented from the current financial year through the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, Childline India Foundation (CIF), Mumbai and National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD). ICPS provides for setting up of open shelters for such children particularly in urban areas. Such centres provide a space for children where they can play, use their time productively and engage themselves in creative activities through music, dance, drama, yoga & meditation, computers, indoor and outdoor games, etc. This is aimed at ensuring their overall growth and development, and keeping them away from socially deviant behaviour in addition to fulfilling their basic requirements for food, nutrition and health. These shelters also have provisions for health care, quality and flexi-time education and vocational training, including provision for children to safely keep their belongings and earnings. This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Smt. Krishna Tirath in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today. ***** NCJ/SR