Welfare Schemes Centre announces scheme to support minor rape victims. Recognising the trauma faced by minor rape victims, the Union government has decided to provide medical, financial and infrastructure support to victims in cases where the sexual assault results in pregnancies. The special scheme, announced by the Women and Child Development Ministry (WCD) would operate under the aegis of the Nirbhaya Fund and an amount of Rs.74.1 crore has been allocated. Additional support would be available at the level of CCIs up to the age of 18 and thereafter up to the age of 23 in aftercare facilities. Note: Mission Vatsalya, launched in 2021, is focused on the protection and welfare of children. In 2021, the National Crime Records Bureau reported 51,863 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The government had already accelerated access to justice for minor victims of rape by establishing 415 POCSO fast track courts in the country. This scheme aims to provide integrated support to girl child victims under one roof, facilitate immediate, emergency and non-emergency access to a range of services. eSARAS mobile App Deendayal Antyodaya Yojna-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has launched eSARAS mobile App. eSARAS an e-commerce mobile app will be used as a more effective platform for marketing of the products made by women of self-help groups. eSARAS fulfilment centre will be used for processing, packaging and shipping of products that customers purchase through eSARAS Portal and eSARAS mobile App. DAY-NRLM, launched by Ministry of Rural Development, aims to improve living conditions of rural Indians by enhancing livelihoods through SHG ecosystem and providing SHG members’ better income.
