Central Idea

The Centre has introduced a special scheme to provide medical, financial, and infrastructural support to minor rape victims who become pregnant as a result of sexual assault.

Supporting Minor Rape Victims

The scheme, operating under the Nirbhaya Fund, aims to address the needs of minor victims and has been allocated ₹74.1 crore in funding.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has collaborated with State governments and Child Care Institutions (CCIs) to implement this initiative.
It leverages the existing administrative structure of Mission Vatsalya, which focuses on child protection and welfare.

Integrated Support: The scheme aims to provide comprehensive assistance and support to girl child victims in a single framework.
Range of Services: Immediate and non-emergency services include access to education, police assistance, healthcare (including maternity, neo-natal, and infant care), psychological support, and legal aid.
Insurance Coverage: The scheme offers insurance coverage for the minor victim and her newborn,

Criteria: Victims eligible for support under the scheme are girls below 18 years of age who become pregnant due to rape under the provisions of the POCSO Act and are either orphans or abandoned by their families.
No Mandatory FIR Requirement: Victims do not need to possess a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) to avail benefits under the scheme.

Establishment of POCSO Fast-Track Courts: The government has set up 415 fast-track courts across the country to expedite the legal proceedings for minor victims of rape.
Additional Support: The new scheme complements the judicial measures by providing comprehensive support to minor victims.

High Incidence of Cases: The National Crime Records Bureau reported 51,863 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in 2021.
Predominantly Girls as Victims: Analysis reveals that 99% of the cases involved girls, many of whom experience physical and mental health concerns when they become pregnant as a result of the assault.
Vulnerable Situations: Some victims are disowned or abandoned by their families, while others are orphans, exacerbating their challenges.