Despite having many rights of children in India, millions of children face challenges like child labour, abuse, malnutrition, and lack of access to education. Child rights are not just moral obligations—they are legal entitlements guaranteed by the Constitution of India and international conventions. But how many of us are truly aware of the rights of children in India?
What Are Child Rights?
Child rights are the minimum entitlements and freedoms that every child must enjoy to grow and develop with dignity. They encompass everything from basic needs like food and shelter to emotional, educational, and cultural needs. Collaborate to become voice of children.
According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), there are four core principles:
- Right to Survival
- Right to Development
- Right to Protection
- Right to Participation
India ratified the UNCRC in 1992 and has incorporated these principles into national laws and policies.
Key Child Rights in India
- Right to Education (Article 21A)
Every child between 6 and 14 years has the right to free and compulsory education under the Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009. - Right to Protection from Exploitation (Article 23 & 24)
Child labour, trafficking, and abuse are strictly prohibited. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, bans all employment of children under 14. - Right to Health and Nutrition
Through schemes like ICDS, Mid-Day Meals, and Poshan Abhiyan, the government aims to provide children with proper nutrition and healthcare services. - Right to Identity
Every child has the right to a name and nationality from birth, as ensured through birth registration systems and initiatives like Aadhaar.
Right to Participation
Children have the right to be heard in matters affecting them, appropriate to their age and maturity. This is key in juvenile justice systems, school policies, and child-centric programs.
Challenges Faced by Children in India
Despite progressive laws, ground reality is stark:
- Every 15 minutes, a child is sexually abused.
- Over 10 million children are trapped in child labour.
- 1 in 2 children face emotional or physical abuse — and most never speak up.
- Nearly 33 million children do not attend school regularly.
The reasons are complex—ranging from poverty, illiteracy, and lack of awareness to systemic failures in law enforcement and social protection.
What Is Being Done?
India has several initiatives and institutions working towards child welfare and rights of children in india:
- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
- Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)
- Childline 1098 – a 24×7 emergency helpline for children in distress
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
PENCIL portal for reporting child labour
How Can You Help?
Here are three things you can do to protect and promote child rights:
🔍 Raise Awareness
Talk about child rights in schools, colleges, and communities. Awareness is the first step toward change.
📞 Report Abuse
If you suspect a child is in danger or being exploited, call 1098 or report through online platforms.
🤝 Support or Volunteer
Join NGOs, support child sponsorship programs, or mentor underprivileged children. Your time and skills can shape a better future.
Conclusion
Children are not just the future—they are the present. When we protect their rights, we invest in a stronger, safer, and more compassionate society. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child in India grows up free, safe, educated, and heard.