Numerous safety net programs are designed by the government to ensure protection for the marginalised and weaker sections of society. These programs are devised to help the neediest in the community so that they can meet their basic needs and live a dignified life. The safety net programs are available in different forms including subsidies, reservations, or direct transfer of benefits.

Among other vulnerable groups, children are also covered under various social protection programs. Although the state and central government have rolled out many such schemes around the country, effective delivery of such benefits remains a wider challenge. Communities in remote locations seldom derive the benefits and are often unaware of the availability of such welfare programs.
To address this challenge, civil society organisations including NGOs play a pivotal complementary role in linking the beneficiaries directly to the available policies and programmes.

Realizing the significance of this intervention Kushaal Bachpan program, in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, took an important step towards the well-being of orphaned children by organizing a guardians’ meet on 5th December 2023. This meeting was facilitated by Abhishek Shrivastav, a dedicated member of the Child Welfare Committee. This event brought together 14 guardians responsible for the care of 38 orphaned children.

The primary focus of the meeting was to disseminate crucial information about various schemes designed for the welfare of children. Mr. Abhishek Shrivastav skilfully detailed 14 schemes, outlining eligibility criteria and the necessary documentation for their enrolment. This session served as a comprehensive guide for guardians, equipping them with the knowledge needed to access essential resources for the children under their care.

A pivotal moment in the meeting was the address by Mr. Gora Lal Rajwade, the esteemed chairman of the Child Welfare Committee. He shed light on the importance of child rights and elaborated on the committee’s extensive work. Guardians gained insights into programs specifically tailored for children with disability, those with single parents, orphaned children, and those facing economic disadvantages.

An impactful development occurred as the chairman received applications for sponsoring five children. This step marked the beginning of a promising journey toward securing support and benefits for these children. Moving forward, the program entered a crucial phase where a Family Development Plan and Action Plan were formulated. The consent of the members was obtained to register under the Society Act, solidifying their commitment to the cause. The overarching goal of the meeting was clear – to seamlessly link orphaned children with appropriate social security schemes, ensuring their holistic development and well-being. Subsequently, selected children and their guardians were invited to the District Child Welfare Committee where they were explained the necessary processes to access benefits based on eligibility within the respective schemes.

This campaign exemplifies the collaborative efforts of the Child Welfare Committee, guardians, and stakeholders in Surguja District, Chhattisgarh. Through informative sessions, application processes, and future planning, the community demonstrated a steadfast commitment to providing a brighter future for orphaned children, one that is built on a foundation of care, support, and access to essential resources.