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Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority moves HC for effective implementation of child protection scheme

Member secretary Sunil Kotwal and deputy secretary Sanjay Yadav filed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the state government to enforce and implement the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS).

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Bombay High Court
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For the first time Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA), which provides free legal aid to litigants, has moved Bombay High Court by filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the state government to enforce and implement the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS). The petition filed through member secretary Sunil Kotwal and deputy secretary Sanjay Yadav states: "It owes legal duty that benefits or opportunities to seek justice under any legislation or scheme of the Central or State government reach each and every intended beneficiary."

The petition adds the ICPS scheme is the only scheme for child protection in our country. Creation of protective environment was the ultimate goal to be achieved under the scheme. However, on the website of Women and Child Development Department one can find only reference but the aspect of implementation has been silent till date. The ICPS scheme was launched in the years 2009-10.

ICPS was launched to bring several existing child protection programmes under one umbrella, with improved norms. The scheme incorporates other essential interventions, which aim to address issues which were, so far, not covered by earlier schemes. It is based on the cardinal principles of protection of child rights and the best interest of the child. The plea says: "The government of Maharashtra does not appear to have concrete plans for child protection at district and state levels. The state has failed to effectively implement the scheme." The court has issued notices to the government and directed them to file their reply to the plea on August 8.

The plea prays for directions to state to properly implement the ICPS scheme and make appropriate request to the Central government to retain the funds allocated for the year 2014-15.

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