Children’s Day is celebrated all over India on November 14, commemorating the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who had an unending affection for children. This day is marked with enthusiasm and joy, focusing on children through various activities and events designed to make them feel cherished. However, despite these celebrations, the reality of many children in India paints a different picture. Millions of children are deprived of their fundamental rights and face abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The situation underscores the need for more than symbolic celebrations; it demands action.
India is home to approximately 480 million children, making up a significant portion of its population. The country has implemented numerous policies and laws aimed at protecting the rights of children, yet the execution of these measures falls short. Children, regardless of economic status, have inherent rights related to survival, identity, development, protection, and participation. These rights should be upheld for children in all settings — urban, rural, and tribal.
One of the most pressing concerns is child survival. High infant and neonatal mortality rates, gender inequality, pre-birth sex selection, and the prevention of girl child births through female foeticide are critical issues. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019–20, 38.4 per cent of children under five years are stunted, 19.3 per cent are wasted, 7.7 per cent are severely wasted, 32.1 per cent are underweight, and 67.1 per cent suffer from anemia. These statistics reveal the extent of malnutrition and poor health among Indian children. Girls, in particular, face discrimination and are denied their right to life and well-being.
To address these issues, the government must significantly invest in child survival strategies, including access to quality health services, nutrition, education, and universal immunisation against preventable diseases. Public health infrastructure must be strengthened to provide safe drinking water, sanitation, and environmental protection. Combating hunger and malnutrition requires ensuring food and nutritional security for children and their families.
A child’s identity begins with birth registration, their first civil right. India recognised international standards defining children as individuals up to the age of 18 in 1992. However, many children still do not receive services that support early childhood care and development. Ensuring that every child has access to adequate housing and shelter is fundamental to their development and protection.
Education is another critical area where India struggles. Although the 86th Constitutional Amendment guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14, this right is not universally protected. A significant number of children remain out of school. Children with disabilities or special needs are particularly underserved, with only 5 per cent receiving any form of assistance and merely 2 per cent accessing schooling.
The state must prioritise the provision of quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and security for underserved children. Socially marginalised and economically backward groups, especially children living in urban slums, working children, and those from families of construction workers, face significant barriers to development. These children often miss out on opportunities for education and are instead exposed to hazardous conditions and substance abuse. Providing safe shelters and opportunities for education and vocational training is essential for their well-being.
The budget allocation for child welfare must be increased, with a focus on primary education. Improvements in the quality of education, curriculum reforms, and teaching methods are vital for impactful learning. Child abuse, a severe violation of child rights, includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as neglect.
The World Health Organisation defines child abuse as any form of maltreatment that harms a child’s health, survival, or development. While physical abuse leaves visible scars, emotional and sexual abuse also inflict deep, long-lasting damage. Ignoring a child’s needs or exposing them to unsupervised danger constitutes abuse. Child labour, another form of abuse, deprives children of their childhood and education. Many children work under harsh conditions in tea stalls, garages, buses, and industries, often earning minimum wages while facing physical and emotional mistreatment.
While poverty is a root cause of child labour, measures must be taken to protect children from exploitation and ensure they have opportunities for education and healthcare. Child labour must be regulated to allow children time for learning and personal development. Legislative measures should be strengthened to combat all forms of child abuse, including neglect and exploitation. In developed countries, physicians are legally required to report cases of child abuse. A similar law in India, mandating reporting by physicians and other professionals, would be a welcome step.
Children are not only at risk from domestic and economic exploitation but also face harm from communal violence and insurgency. During such conflicts, children often become orphans, losing parents and family members. These children suffer neglect, discrimination, and a lack of basic services due to the absence of family support. Children of tribal and indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable to alienation and are disproportionately affected by armed conflict and social violence. They require special protection against trafficking, communal and political violence, and displacement due to migration.
Emergency support services are crucial for children in distress. The toll-free emergency helpline, Child Line 1098, should be expanded and promoted to ensure that children in need can access help. Shelter homes and orphanages are essential for children without families, and adoption procedures should always prioritise the best interests of the child.
In rural areas, where a significant portion of the population lives, child protection services must be robust. Panchayat officials should be held responsible for ensuring that children in their communities have access to basic education, healthcare, and nutrition. They must also ensure that children are protected from being drawn into agricultural or other forms of labour.
Both government agencies and NGOs play an essential role in reaching neglected and abused children, addressing their comprehensive needs for education, healthcare, and rehabilitation. Celebrating Children’s Day on November 14 is symbolic, but it should serve as a reminder and a call to action for all citizens to commit to protecting children’s rights.
Only through substantial legislative support, enhanced budget allocations, and the implementation of effective child protection schemes can India ensure that children’s rights are upheld and their future secured. Let us pledge on this Children’s Day to work together to create an environment where every child can thrive, free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
