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The Supreme Court on Monday has directed States and Union Territories to follow the scheme suggested by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) for the rehabilitation of Children in Street Situation (CiSS) unless they frame their own scheme.

A bench of Justice L Nageswara Rao and Justice BR Gavai was informed that the bench had directed the States to approach NCPCR in case some modification is required.

The bench was informed that the States of Tamil Nadu and Delhi have formulated their own schemes for the rehabilitation of CiSS. Whereas, the Court has directed them to circulate copies of the scheme and implement the same.

The bench was hearing the suo-motu cognizance taken by the apex court in regards to the children who are in street situations.

Whereas, Counsel appearing for the State of Gujarat submitted that the scheme has been framed but the part of mandated Payment of Rs 2000 to the children has not been included.

However, the bench opined that a state cannot say that the payment will not be made.

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights through Advocate Swarupama Chaturvedi submitted its additional affidavits over suggestions on the scheme for rescuing children in Street Situation and their rehabilitation.

It has been submitted that, "NCPCR has developed the mechanism through which individuals, academic institutions and Non- Government Organisations/ Civil Society Organisations, having varied experience of working towards the cause of children in street situations could be involved at the ground level with the appropriate authorities for the identification and rehabilitation of CiSS."

It has further asked the States and Union Territories to invite applications of interest from NGOs while specifying their preferred districts to work. Further, states could also direct their district authorities to take support services from NGOs/CSOs or professional experts for CiSS wherever any organisation approaches authorities to work in the area where they have been providing their services.

It has been suggested the NGOs volunteer to ensure that the child who is in the street situation is found to be with family, it is important that the entire family along with the children are provided with counseling.

It has further stated that the professionals willing to render their services may register themselves through the Bal Swaraj Portal.

The professionals mentioned in the affidavit include Medical Professionals, Legal Professionals, Social Workers, Special Educators, Teachers, Professors, Translators, Counsellors, Retd. Government Servants or any other.

An earlier Status Report filed through Advocate Swarupama Chaturvedi stated that the total number of identified children who have lost either of their parents is 162625. It added that the NCPCR has been receiving complaints regarding children in different States/UTs for the past few months.

"These are mostly those children, who have been left out from the identification process and consequently, have not been linked to any scheme/benefits. Some of these complaints are in fact regarding children who have lost both or either of the parent to Covid-19," the report added.

Cause Title: IN RE Children In Street Situations