On April 18th, 2013 the
Union Cabinet approved the National Policy for Children to help in the implementation
of programmes and schemes for children all over the country. The policy acknowledges the child as an individual and the subject of his/her own
development, displays a quiet assurance and sense of purpose. The Policy lays
down the guiding principles that must be followed by National, State and Local
governments in their actions and initiatives for affecting children.
The Constitution of India guarantees Fundamental Rights to all children
in the country and empowers the State to make special provisions for children. The policy lays down the guiding
principles that must be respected by national, state and local governments in
their actions and initiatives affecting children.
The Policy reaffirms the
Government's commitment to the realisation of the rights of all children in the
country. It recognizes every person below the age of eighteen years as a child
and that childhood is an integral part of life with a value of its own, and a
long term, sustainable, multi-sectoral, integrated and inclusive approach is
necessary for the harmonious development and protection of children.
The policy identified Survival,
Health, Nutrition, Education, Development, Protection and Participation as the
undeniable rights of every child, and has also declared these as key priority
areas.
As children's needs are multi-sectoral, interconnected and require collective action, the policy aims at purposeful convergence and strong coordination across different sectors and levels of governance; active engagement and partnerships with all stakeholders; setting up of a comprehensive and reliable knowledge base; provision of adequate resources; and sensitization and capacity development of all those who work for and with children.
Through this policy the
State is committed to take affirmative measures – legislative, policy or
otherwise – to promote and safeguard the right of all children to live and grow
with equity, dignity, security and freedom, to ensure that all children have
equal opportunities; and that no custom, tradition, cultural or religious
practice is allowed to violate or restrict or prevent children from enjoying
their rights.
Features of National Policy for Children 2013
Recognises that:
·
a child is any person below the age of eighteen
years
·
childhood is an integral part of life with a value
of its own
·
children are not a homogenous group and their
different needs need different responses, especially the multi-dimensional
vulnerabilities experienced by children in different circumstances
·
a long term, sustainable, multi-sectoral, integrated
and inclusive approach is necessary for the overall and harmonious development
and protection of children
Reaffirms that:
·
every child is unique and a supremely important
national asset
·
special measures and affirmative action are required
to diminish or eliminate conditions that cause discrimination
·
all children have the right to grow in a family
environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding
·
families are to be supported by a strong social
safety net in caring for and nurturing their children
Key guiding
principles of the National Policy for Children, 2013:
(i) every child has universal, inalienable and indivisible human rights
(ii) the rights of children are interrelated and interdependent, and each
one of them is equally important and fundamental to the well-being and dignity
of the child
(iii) every child has the right to life, survival, development,
education, protection and participation
(iv) right to life, survival and development goes beyond the physical
existence of the child and also encompasses the right to identity and
nationality
(v) mental, emotional, cognitive, social and cultural development of the
child is to be addressed in totality
(vi) all children have equal rights and no child shall be discriminated
against on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, class,
language, and disability, social, economic or any other status
(vii) the best interest of the child is a primary concern in all
decisions and actions affecting the child, whether taken by legislative bodies,
courts of law, administrative authorities, public, private, social, religious
or cultural institutions
(viii) family or family environment is most conducive for the all-round
development of children and they are not to be separated from their parents,
except where such separation is necessary in their best interest
(ix) every child has the right to a dignified life, free from
exploitation
(x) safety and security of all children is integral to their well-being
and children are to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect,
violence, maltreatment and exploitation in all settings including care
institutions, schools, hospitals, crèches, families and communities
(xi) children are capable of forming views and must be provided a
conducive environment and the opportunity to express their views in any way
they are able to communicate, in matters affecting them
(xii) children’s views are to be heard in all matters affecting them, in
particular judicial and administrative proceedings and interactions, and their
views given due consideration in accordance with their age, maturity and
evolving capacities
Operation and Supervision of the Policy
·
The
Ministry of Women and Child Development will be the nodal ministry for
overseeing and coordinating the implementation of the policy and will lead the
review process for the policy.
·
A National
Coordination and Action Group (NCAG) for Children under the Minister in charge
of the Ministry of Women and Child Development will monitor the progress with
other concerned Ministries as its members. Similar Coordination and Actions
Groups will be established at the State and District level.
·
The National
Commission for Protection of Child Rights and State
Commissions for Protection of Child Rights
are to ascertain that the principles of the policy are valued in all sectors at
all levels. There is a provision for
comprehensive review of this policy every five years in consultation with all stakeholders,
including children.
·
The National Commission for Protection
of Child Rights and State Commissions for Protection of Child
Rights will ensure that the principles of this Policy are respected
in all sectors at all levels in formulating laws, policies and programmes
affecting children.
Click on the link to download the policy online:
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