Non institutional services for children in need of care and protection under integrated child protection scheme a study of functionaries in Punjab state

Abstract

This study examines the functioning, challenges, and lived realities of key child protection functionaries involved in delivering NIS in Punjab, a state with significant socio-economic diversity and major gaps in non-institutional care uptake. The study concludes that there are significant gaps in the implementation of Non-Institutional Services (NIS). It clearly highlights the challenges faced by functionaries who are central to delivering NIS including low and irregular wages, inadequate infrastructure, heavy workloads, lack of training, and limited awareness. The study also points out contradictions between existing policies such as the ICPS and the Juvenile Justice Act, especially the absence of clear operational guidelines in relation to NIS. It is important to recognize that the performance of functionaries is closely linked to their working conditions, remuneration, and the infrastructural barriers they face. The study therefore emphasizes that these challenges can be addressed by improving working environments, ensuring timely and fair wages, and strengthening policy advocacy related to ICPS and the JJ Act to better support the implementation of NIS. Qualitative narratives highlighted emotional labour, occupational stress, fragmented interdepartmental coordination, and precarious contractual employment as key barriers. newline