STATES REPORT

National Foundation for Communal Harmony Programme and Activities 1994-95

The basic thrust of the Foundation... is to provide care to the children affected by communal riots (and) assistance to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of such children.The salient features of the scheme. drawn up for the purpose are as follows:-

i)               The scheme is applicable to children affected by communal riots which have occurred on or after 24th July, 1991 i.c. the date on which Government's decision to create such a Foundation was announced.

ii)             Children who have become orphan or destitute in the sense that either both the parents or the surviving parent or the main bread winner has been killed or permanently incapacitated because of communal riots and who are below the poverty line as laid down by the Planning Commission are eligible for assistance.

iii)           The identification of children is to be done by a District Committee set up under the District Magistrate/Collector with Superintendent of Police, District Social Welfare Officer, District Child and Women Development Officer, and such other persons as the District Magistrate/Collector may decide as members. The Committee is required to verify the eligibility of the beneficiaries and suggest the best mode of assistance, e.g. through child's own family, relatives, educational institutions, local guardians, foster-parents, adoption, children homes, etc. The District Committee is required to send its recommendations to the State Level Committee which, in turn, will send the consolidated list of approved cases to the Foundation.

iv)            The identified child is to be provided assistance @ Rs. 425/- p.m. per child in Class 'A' & 'B' cities and Rs. 375/- p.m. per child in other places. The assistance would cover items like text books, stationery, food, clothing, health care and recreation. The supervisory expenses incurred by voluntary organizations, if any, would also be covered. Normally, the assistance would be given only till the child becomes 18 years of age. In exceptional cases, however, it may be extended up to 21 years. Apart from general education, assistance could be provided for vocational education, skill training, etc., the objective being that by the age of 18, the child should develop some skill whereby he can earn his livelihood.

The total number of children assisted by the Foundation rose from 135 at the end of 31st March, 1994 to 764 as on 31st March, 1994. The assistance released during the year also increased from Rs. 3.03 lakhs at the end of 31st March, 1993 to Rs. 21.86 lakhs at the end of 31st March, 1994 .

District-wise Details of Children Assisted as on 1.4.1994.