Numerous governmental documents underscore the state’s commitment to children’s welfare and the development of services dedicated to their well-being. The prohibition of employing children below 14 years in hazardous occupations and the mandate for free and compulsory education for children up to the age of 14 years. The Directive Principles of State Policy further solidify the state’s dedication to child welfare.

• The National Policy on Children, adopted in 1974, is a noteworthy initiative by the Government of India, making the country one of the few globally with a well-defined policy for children. The policy aims to provide comprehensive services for children from birth through their growth period, ensuring their full physical, mental, and social development. However, the policy document serves primarily as a reference point for planning schemes, programs, and services, lacking integration with other national policies related to child development, such as those addressing population, health, and education.
• A critical review and revision of the children’s policy, aligning with the UN Convention, are essential to address these gaps. Conscious intervention in teaching, research, and field instruction is crucial to shifting the perception of social workers about children—from mere beneficiaries to individuals with their own rights. This transformation can influence policymakers, opinion leaders, and the public, fostering a movement that emphasizes children’s empowerment and participation in matters concerning their needs and life situations.
• The Government of India, in 1974, adopted the National Policy for Children, recognizing children as a supremely important asset to the nation. This policy underscores the importance of developing human resources to ensure that children grow into robust citizens—physically fit, mentally alert, and morally healthy.
• Internationally, the concern for children’s needs led to the UN General Assembly’s Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959, followed by a resolution in 1976 declaring 1979 as the International Year of the Child. However, despite India’s ratification of various International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions related to child labor, exploitation of children persists. Legislative initiatives and the National Policy for Children have not been entirely successful in eliminating the challenges faced by children, partly due to inadequate implementation, lack of awareness, and structural loopholes in existing legislation.
• The existing laws related to children face challenges in implementation and enforcement, with societal awareness playing a crucial role. Structural loopholes, lack of coverage in legislations, and inconsistencies with international labor laws contribute to the issues. For instance, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 does not regulate child labor conditions in unorganized sectors, and there is no uniform adoption law governing all communities in the country.
• While the recently adopted United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child provides a comprehensive code for children’s legal benefits and stipulations, India is yet to sign it. The Convention sets guidelines for countries to ensure children are not subjected to torture, unjust separation from their families, lack of proper nutrition and medical care, and deprivation of basic education.