Ministry to Launch Unified Child Protection Portal under Vatsalya Mission

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is launching a new portal for the Vatsalya Mission to better integrate child protection services. Secretary Anil Malik announced the portal at a national consultation, emphasizing improved coordination and faster decisions. The move includes integrating the national child helpline with emergency services.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is preparing to unveil a revamped portal under the Vatsalya Mission, aimed at centralizing child protection services currently scattered across multiple platforms.

Addressing the closing session of the ninth Annual National Stakeholders Consultation on 'Protecting the Rights of Children living with Disabilities,' Ministry Secretary Anil Malik outlined the upcoming changes, stressing the importance of a streamlined and efficient approach to child protection.

'In the forthcoming weeks, we will launch a revamped portal for the Vatsalya Mission, integrating existing portals like Khoya-Paaya, TrackChild, Child Protection Services, and CARINGS,' Malik announced.

The initiative seeks to address gaps and overlaps in child protection data, ensuring quicker and more coordinated decision-making in emergencies, Malik noted. He highlighted current system challenges, where immediate and cohesive action is crucial for children in crisis.

Additionally, Malik disclosed that the government has taken full control of the national child helpline, previously managed with non-state partners. This helpline is now integrated with the national emergency helpline, 112, and the women's helpline, enhancing support networks and reducing response times.

Malik also mentioned the development of specialized child care institutions for children with disabilities in certain states and emphasized the importance of mental health training for government officers to improve their ability to protect and care for these vulnerable children.

(With inputs from agencies.)