CM Rekha Gupta on Sunday launched the Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons, a Mother’s Day initiative to support orphaned and vulnerable youngsters as they leave child care institutions after turning 18. The scheme aims to provide education, jobs, financial aid, counselling and rehabilitation to help young people transition into independent life.
The Delhi Government has allocated Rs 3.5 crore for the scheme for the 2026–27 financial year. Eligible beneficiaries will receive help with higher education, skill development, vocational training, internships, and employment opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion, Gupta said: “Mother’s Day reminds us that every child deserves protection, care, guidance and the chance to move forward in life. The Delhi government stands firmly with young persons who need support to build a better future. Our effort is to ensure no young person feels alone after leaving institutional care and that every child gets an equal opportunity to become self-reliant.”
Earlier, the CM visited the Village Cottage Home in Lajpat Nagar and interacted with children at the facility run by the Women and Child Development Department. She stressed that the government’s responsibility does not end when a child turns 18. “The aim is to ensure that every child and young adult can build a safe, dignified and self-reliant future without ever feeling abandoned,” she said.
Delhi currently has 88 Child Care Institutions (CCIs) run by the government and NGOs, providing shelter, education, rehabilitation and protection to children up to 18. The city also operates two aftercare homes, one each for boys and girls, offering accommodation, food and educational support after adulthood.
Officials said nearly 150–200 young people leave CCIs in Delhi every year after turning 18, many facing challenges in education, employment and financial independence.
The scheme, approved under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, will create individual care plans for beneficiaries based on need assessments. Regular monitoring will be carried out at state and district levels.
A State Aftercare Committee, headed by the Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, and District Aftercare Committees led by District Magistrates, will oversee rehabilitation and support services.
“No child should ever feel alone. The government will continue to stand by them even after adulthood,” CM Gupta said.
