Maharashtra Expands Mobile Rescue Teams To Support Street Children Across 29 Municipal Corporations
Originally launched in 2022–23 on a pilot basis in six major cities Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Mumbai Suburban the scheme has shown promising results in addressing the needs of children living on the streets, especially orphans and those from vulnerable backgrounds.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Women and Child Development, aims to provide critical services such as counseling, education, healthcare, and rehabilitation to street children.
Announcing the cabinet decision, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare said, “Depriving street children of their basic rights to education and healthcare is a form of social injustice. The ‘Mobile Rescue Teams’ initiative is a ray of hope for these children, offering them education, nutrition, medical care, and social security. This is not just a service scheme—it’s a movement for social change. The real success of this scheme will be seen in the smiles on the children’s faces. Street children are not just the government’s responsibility—they are a shared responsibility of society.”
Key Highlights of the Scheme:
Initial Impact (Pilot Phase):
3,813 street children were reached through mobile vans.
Services provided included medical check-ups, Aadhaar registration, school enrollment, and admission to anganwadis or residential homes for orphans.
New Expansion Plan:
Approval granted for deploying 31 mobile vans across 29 municipal corporations with a total funding of ₹8.06 crore.
The next phase includes extending services to municipal councils, religious places, and pilgrimage centers.
Scope of Services:
Counseling for children and their parents or guardians.
Enrollment in age-appropriate early childhood centers or primary schools.
Admission of orphans and single children into child care institutions.
Medical check-ups and treatment.
Support for issues like addiction, malnutrition, and physical challenges.
Rehabilitation through collaboration with local NGOs.
Vocational and therapy services for adolescents.
Access to and guidance on various government schemes.
Social and Educational Impact:
Opportunity to transform lives through education and rehabilitation.
Improved health, nutrition, and mental development of children.
Family reintegration support through parental counseling.
Easier access to government welfare schemes.
The expansion of this initiative marks a significant step toward a more inclusive and compassionate society, ensuring that no child is left behind due to their circumstances.
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