HPAS 2024 GS2 Question 5

HPAS 2024 Mains GS-2 Question 5

Describe the various efforts which have been made for the welfare of Children in India.

Solution:

India’s commitment to child welfare is reflected in its adherence to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and a robust domestic framework. These efforts can be broadly categorized into constitutional protections, legislative measures, and integrated welfare schemes.

1. Constitutional and Institutional Framework

The Constitution of India serves as the primary protector of child rights:

• Fundamental Rights: Article 21A (Right to Education), Article 24 (Prohibition of child labor in hazardous industries).
• Directive Principles: Article 39(f) mandates the state to ensure children are protected against exploitation and abandonment.
• NCPCR: The establishment of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (2007) to monitor the implementation of laws.

2. Legislative Milestones

Targeted laws have been enacted to address specific vulnerabilities:

• RTE Act (2009): Codifying the right to free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14.
• POCSO Act (2012): Providing a comprehensive legal framework to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
• Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act (2015): Focusing on the rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law and those in need of care.
• Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act (2016): Completely banning child labor below 14 years in all occupations.

3. Key Welfare Schemes and Missions

The government has shifted toward an integrated approach to child development:

• Mission Vatsalya: A comprehensive umbrella scheme for child protection services, including foster care and adoption.
• Poshan 2.0 (Integrated Child Development Services): Focusing on the nutritional status of children through Anganwadi centers to combat stunting and wasting.
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Addressing the declining child sex ratio and promoting female education.
• PM CARES for Children: Launched to support children who lost parents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The soul of a nation is reflected in how it treats its children.” Recent efforts have shifted from mere ‘survival’ to ‘development and participation’.

4. Health and Digital Initiatives

Beyond traditional welfare, digital tools are being leveraged:

• PENCIL Portal: For effective enforcement of the Child Labour Act.
• Khoya-Paya: A citizen-centric portal for reporting and finding missing children.
• Universal Immunization Programme: Protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Concise Model Answer (150-Word Limit)

India’s efforts for child welfare are multifaceted, evolving from survival-based interventions to a rights-based approach. Constitutional safeguards under Articles 21A, 24, and 39(f) provide the foundational bedrock.

Major Pillars of Child Welfare:

1. Legislative Protection: Enforcement of the POCSO Act (2012) for safety, the RTE Act (2009) for education, and the JJ Act (2015) for care and rehabilitation.
2. Nutritional Security: Poshan 2.0 (formerly ICDS) targets malnutrition through Anganwadi networks.
3. Integrated Protection: Mission Vatsalya streamlines child protection services, while Beti Bachao Beti Padhao targets gender discrimination.
4. Institutional Support: The NCPCR acts as an apex monitoring body for child rights violations.

Despite these efforts, challenges like the digital divide in education and high malnutrition rates persist. Future welfare relies on effective convergence of these schemes at the grassroots level to ensure “no child is left behind.”