State PCS - Jharkhand (JPSC)

• 30 May 2025

Rescue & Support of Children Under Project SAATHI

Why in News? 

The Dhanbad District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) rescued 10 orphaned children from the Naxal-affected area of Jharkhand under Project SAATHI.  

Key Points 

• About the Rescue Operation: 
  • Location: The children were rescued from the East Tundi block in Dhanbad district, a region known for Naxal insurgency. 
  • Authority Involved: The operation was led by the Dhanbad District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). 
    • The initiative is part of Project SAATHI, launched by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). 
• Rehabilitation and Welfare Measures: 
  • Scholarship Support: 
    • Each rescued child will receive a monthly government scholarship of ₹4,000 until they reach adulthood. 
    • The financial aid aims to ensure continuity in education and basic living support. 
  • Verification, and Monitoring: On-the-spot Aadhaar and ration card registration is done for welfare integration.  
    • Identity verification and coordination with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and government departments are done for tracking and follow-up. 

Survey for Aadhaar and Access to Tracking & Holistic Inclusion (SAATHI)  

• It was launched by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) 
• Key Objectives: 
  • Ensure legal identity for children through Aadhaar registration. 
  • Provide access to education, healthcare, protection, and social welfare. 
  • Enable long-term rehabilitation and inclusion. 
• Destitute Children: 
  • Children under 18 without family, guardianship, or stable care, including: 
    • Children living in streets and slums, orphans, rescued trafficking and child labour victims, those in unregistered shelters, and missing children not reunited with families. 
• Core Components of the Campaign: 
  • Survey & Identification: Mapping destitute children through coordination with local workers and NGOs. 
  • Aadhaar Registration: Organizing biometric enrolment camps in collaboration with UIDAI. 
  • Legal Aid & Scheme Linkage: Connecting children to child protection laws and government welfare schemes. 
  • Monitoring & Rehabilitation: Tracking enrolled children, providing documentation support, and coordinating access to education, health, and social services.