The Delhi government will support orphaned children even after they turn 18… CM Rekha Gupta announced an 'aftercare scheme'
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons on Sunday, on the occasion of Mother's Day. She stated that the Delhi government's goal is not only to protect children, but also to provide them with a safe, respectful, and self-reliant future in which no child or youth feels alone, helpless, or neglected. A budget of ₹3.5 crore has also been set aside for this scheme in the current financial year.
On the occasion of Mother's Day on Sunday, the Chief Minister held a heartfelt meeting with young children at the Village Cottage Home in Lajpat Nagar. Run by the Women and Child Development Department, the Chief Minister also had a heartfelt conversation with the children.
Giving details of the aftercare scheme, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that 88 Child Care Institutions (CCIs) currently operate in Delhi. These are jointly run by the government and various non-governmental organizations. These institutions provide care, protection, education, rehabilitation, and essential support to children up to the age of 18. In addition, two aftercare homes operate in Delhi, one for boys and one for girls. These homes provide housing, food, educational support, and other basic amenities to young people over the age of 18, enabling them to transition to independent living.
New aftercare plan introduced for youth
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the Delhi government is not limited to providing institutional care to children, but is continuously working to prepare them for the future. This includes providing children with education, life skills, vocational training, career exposure, counseling, behavioral and emotional support, personality development, career guidance, and rehabilitation plans. The government's effort is to ensure that children can lead confident, safe, healthy, respectful, and self-reliant lives as adults.
The Chief Minister said that each year, approximately 150 to 200 young people leave child care institutions after reaching the age of 18. While they receive various supports within the institutions, they face numerous challenges once they leave, such as continuing their education, receiving skills training, finding employment, coping with financial difficulties, and beginning an independent life. Many young people also lack adequate family support or a safe environment.
Big announcement for children and youth
He said that children and youth receiving support through sponsorship and foster care arrangements also need guidance, education, skills development, and rehabilitation support to advance into adult life. This government scheme will help provide necessary support to all such youth.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that keeping in mind all these circumstances and the need for continued support as young people transition into adult life, the Delhi government has approved the Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015. The primary objective of this scheme is to provide young people leaving institutional care with the necessary support, guidance, and opportunities to enable them to move forward toward independent, safe, dignified, and self-reliant lives.
The Chief Minister stated that under the scheme, eligible youth will be provided assistance for higher education and college studies. Skill development and vocational training will also be provided. Special attention will be given to connecting youth with internships and employment opportunities. The scheme also provides financial assistance and a monthly stipend. Mentoring, counseling, career guidance, rehabilitation assistance, and support necessary for independent living will also be provided. Emergency and case-specific assistance will also be provided if needed.
Budget of Rs 3.5 crore in the year 2026-27
The Chief Minister said that the Delhi government has allocated a budget of ₹3.5 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year for the effective implementation of the scheme. Under the scheme, youth will be assessed based on need, eligible beneficiaries will be identified, and individualized care plans will be developed. Regular monitoring and review of aftercare services will also be ensured at the state and district levels.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that a State Aftercare Committee will be formed at the state level, chaired by the Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, to formulate policy, monitor, and supervise the scheme. At the district level, District Aftercare Committees will be formed, chaired by the respective District Magistrate, to assess the individual rehabilitation needs of young people, review individual care plans, and recommend necessary assistance.
Aftercare youth will get this help
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the Delhi government will also continuously work to connect aftercare youth with internships, employment, skill programmes and livelihood opportunities through various government departments and partner organisations.
Mother's Day gives us the message that every child deserves protection, a sense of belonging, guidance, and the opportunity to thrive. The Delhi Government stands firmly with every child and youth who needs support and assistance to move forward in life. Our endeavor is to ensure that no youth feels alone after leaving institutional care and that every child has equal opportunities to become self-reliant and build a better future.
