‘Every child deserves protection’: Delhi CM announces scheme for orphans, young adults on Mother’s Day
Beneficiaries to get support for higher education, access to skill development and vocational training
The government has allocated Rs 3.5 crore for the scheme in the current financial year. (Image: @gupta_rekha/X) Assistance for higher education, access to skill development and vocational training programmes are among the highlights of a new government scheme announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday for the rehabilitation and support of young people leaving institutional care after turning 18.
Stating that the government’s responsibility does not end with providing shelter and protection to orphans and children in child care institutions, the CM said that the ‘Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons’ — launched on the occasion of Mother’s Day — includes monthly stipends, counselling, mentoring, rehabilitation and emergency assistance.
“Mother’s Day reminds us that every child deserves protection, care, guidance and the opportunity to move forward in life. The aim is to ensure that every child and young adult gets the opportunity to build a safe, dignified and self-reliant future,” Gupta said as she visited the Village Cottage Home in Lajpat Nagar on Sunday and interacted with children at the facility, run by the Women and Child Development Department.
An allocation of Rs 3.5 crore was made in Delhi’s budget 2026-27, tabled in the Assembly in March.
According to the government, nearly 150 to 200 young people leave child care institutions in Delhi every year after turning 18 and many end up struggling with continuing education, skill development, employment and starting an independent life.
Several of them lack family support or a secure environment, she said. She added that children and young people receiving assistance under sponsorship and foster care programmes also require guidance, education, skill development and rehabilitation support as they enter adulthood.
Gupta said the government’s approach goes beyond institutional care and focuses on preparing children for life ahead.
As part of the scheme, approved under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the government will also facilitate internships and employment opportunities for beneficiaries. The government said the scheme includes emergency assistance. Beneficiaries will be identified through need-based assessments, and individual care plans will be prepared for each of them.
Delhi, Gupta said, currently has 88 child care institutions, run jointly by the government and NGOs, which provide care, education, rehabilitation and protection to children up to the age of 18.
She added that the city also has two aftercare homes where young adults aged above 18 are provided accommodation, food and educational support to help them transition towards independent living.
Regular monitoring and review of aftercare services will also be carried out at both the state and district levels. The government said a State Aftercare Committee, headed by the Women and Child Development Secretary will also be constituted to oversee policy-making and monitoring of the scheme. District-level committees, headed by District Magistrates will assess rehabilitation needs and review individual care plans.
The Chief Minister said the Delhi government will continue working with various departments and partner organisations to connect aftercare youth with internships, jobs, skill programmes and livelihood opportunities.
“The Delhi government stands firmly with every child and young person who needs support to build a better future,” she said.
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