Understanding Child Rights in India

In India, children were treated with care and worshipped on different occasions. From dressing young girls as Goddess Durga to celebrating Children’s Day at the birth of Jawahar Lal Nehru, India has set a gracious example. However, when it comes to having child rights in place, we are still far behind other countries. Technically, the rights of children in India cover survival, development, protection, and participation. Laws like the Juvenile Justice Act, the Right to Education Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO, 2012) Act aim to safeguard these rights. But in reality, many young souls still struggle to access necessities. 

Key Aspects of Child Rights

  • Survival Rights: Access to healthcare, nutrition and hygiene, and living standards.
  • Development Rights: Fundamental rights include education, leisure, and access to cultural activities.
  • Protection Rights: Legal protection from abuse, neglect, child marriage and child labor.
  • Participation Rights: The right to express opinions, be heard, and have their voice without any discrimination. 

Also Read: Quality Education for Children in Rural India

Progress in Ensuring Child Rights in India

Thankfully, social activism is growing vigilant as more children fall behind. The government, along with independent NGOs and workers, has managed to bring about some positive changes:

  • More Kids in Schools: The Right to Education Act has led to higher enrollment rates and fewer dropouts in rural and urban schools. 
  • Better Healthcare: Polio vaccination programs and nutrition initiatives like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme have made a difference and prompted parents to send their children to school. 
  • Stronger Protection Laws: Child labor laws and acts like POCSO have created safer environments for children. 
  • Welfare Programs: Government schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao are helping promote gender equality and education and limiting child marriage, which is prevalent in some areas. 
  • Reduced Child Mortality: Improvements in maternal healthcare and immunization programs have significantly decreased child mortality rates, ensuring healthier families and growth atmospheres. 

However, there is still a lot that needs to be done. 

Challenges That Still Exist

Gaps in the Implementation of Child Protection Laws

Legal provisions often don’t reach remote areas, leaving vulnerable children unprotected because of poor monitoring and awareness.

Issues of Poverty and Lack of Access to Education

Despite free schooling issues like lack of access to schools due to, distance, transportation & poverty keep many kids from getting the education they deserve and eventually force them to take up odd jobs to support their families. 

Gender Discrimination and Its Impact on Child Rights

If you search, you will find reports showing that a significant percentage of girls still drop out of school due to societal pressure, early marriage, or lack of sanitary facilities in schools, especially during their monthly cycles. 

The Need for Greater Awareness and Advocacy

Many people simply don’t know about child rights in India. Government and non-government organizations can collaborate to spread awareness among parents, teachers, and children through grassroots campaigns, digital platforms, and educational programs. 

Also Read: Barriers to Quality Education

Steps Needed to Strengthen Child Rights in India

Now that we have discussed the problems, what steps can we take to change them? 

  • Enforce Existing Laws: Law enforcement agencies must be trained to handle child protection cases sensitively.
  • Expand Education Access: More programs, scholarships, digital learning tools, and school meals can help underprivileged children. 
  • Fight Poverty: Providing marginalized families with financial assistance or work opportunities can prevent child labor.
  • Improve Healthcare: Expanding child nutrition programs, neonatal care, and mental health support for children can benefit their holistic development.

Our Role in Protecting Child Rights

At CRY America, we work towards bringing about the change these children deserve. 

  • Provide Education: We strive to help underprivileged kids stay in school by ensuring better infrastructure, linking children to scholarships programs, and providing learning materials.
  • Maintain Healthcare: We constantly run several programs to improve child nutrition and well-being, including frequent vaccination drives.
  • Protect Children: Most importantly, we take strict action against exploitation and abuse by working closely with law enforcement and child protection agencies.
  • Empower Communities: As a society, we partner with local communities to ensure long-term solutions for child welfare.

How You Can Support Child Rights in India

Every child is precious, and if you want to contribute to this cause, here is how: 

  • Donate: Small, big, or massive, every dollar counts and will make a difference in a child’s life. 
  • Volunteer: We need your presence to spread awareness and help raise funds. 

For more information on what we do and how you can make a difference, check our website at https://www.cryamerica.org/.Â