Vulnerable children across Maharashtra are facing significant hurdles in accessing crucial welfare aid due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and red tape, a report has found. The Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Bal Sangopan Yojana, designed to provide financial assistance and support to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, is frequently failing to reach its intended beneficiaries in a timely manner.
Scheme Fails to Reach Those in Need
A comprehensive report compiled by Prayas, a initiative of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), in collaboration with legal advocacy group iProbono India, has highlighted the systemic issues plaguing the Bal Sangopan Yojana. The report, titled “Bal Sangopan Yojana: Analysis and Experiences,” which was released in May 2026, details how children of single parents, incarcerated parents, and other vulnerable families often endure lengthy administrative processes before receiving the much-needed support. The assistance, intended to cover essential needs such as educational expenses and general upkeep, is frequently delayed, with some families waiting months or even years to receive aid.
One case highlighted in the report involves a widow from Nanded, identified as Nirmala Patil (name changed), who struggles to support her two children. Her husband passed away from cancer, and she relies on the Bal Sangopan Yojana to help with her children’s school expenses. However, Patil stated that the financial assistance has been sporadic. In the previous year, her children received funds for only three months, and this year, they have received the stipulated amount of ₹2,250 per child only once, in early April. This inconsistency has created significant financial strain for her family.
The report further details Patil’s experience, indicating that it took approximately 18 months from her initial application in 2023 to finally receive assistance. She is required to resubmit essential documents, including school records and certificates, on an annual basis, with officials conducting verification visits. This repetitive and time-consuming process adds to the burden faced by already vulnerable families.
Legal Scrutiny and Broader Systemic Issues
The challenges faced by children in need of care and protection in Maharashtra have also drawn the attention of the judiciary. In a significant observation earlier in May 2026, the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court criticized the state government for its handling of financial aid to institutions that cater to children. The court noted that the government cannot arbitrarily deny or delay financial assistance to such institutions while simultaneously extending support to women through schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana. The High Court emphasized that the allocation of resources must be reasonable and aligned with the constitutional obligation to prioritize the welfare, education, and rehabilitation of children.
The court directed the state government to formulate a policy within six months to ensure the provision of salaries to deserving non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that operate children’s homes under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. This directive stems from petitions filed by employees of unaided children’s homes, who sought parity in service conditions with state government employees. The court’s intervention underscores the broader issue of the state’s responsibility in ensuring that vulnerable children receive consistent and adequate support, regardless of the administrative structures involved.
Prior to this judicial intervention, other reports have also shed light on the systemic deficiencies. In January 2025, a discussion hosted by NGO Majlis, in collaboration with the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department, highlighted that relief measures under the Manodhairya Scheme for victims of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act were not being implemented due to a lack of allocated funds. Stakeholders at the roundtable noted that essential services such as counseling, legal aid, and vocational training were not being provided, and there were significant delays in police referrals and payments due to confusion over procedures and insufficient funding.
The Bal Sangopan Yojana, originally launched in 1995 as a foster care program and expanded in 2008, aims to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹2,250 per child to eligible children under 18. This includes orphans, children of single parents, and children from vulnerable families, as an alternative to institutional care. However, the recurring theme across these reports and judicial pronouncements is the gap between the policy’s intent and its on-ground implementation, characterized by administrative delays, inadequate fund allocation, and a lack of coordinated efforts between various government departments and implementing agencies.
The Chenab Times News Desk