Children are the foundation of a country’s future and making sure their rights are crucial to a just and fair society. Millions of kids in India live in poverty, insufficient education, exploitation and child labour. To fight these problems, the government through international organisations like UNICEF support has enacted frameworks and laws to safeguard children’s rights. These rights are supposed to make certain that each child is nurtured, happy, and safe. This particular article discusses the top ten rights of a child in India & their significance to development and growth.
What Are Child Rights?
Child rights are a section of human rights adapted for kids. These rights seek to provide kids with the freedom, dignity and safety they have to live in. They’re based upon the UNCRC that India ratified in 1992. These include health, education and protection rights along with family, identity and involvement in society.
In India, the Constitution along with different child welfare laws establish the legal foundation for these rights. From the Right to Education to the Right to Protection from Exploitation, these rights make certain that each child has a chance to flourish. The top ten rights that children in India have and their significance for a much better future are talked about below.
Top Rights of a Child in India
India has taken a few measures to safeguard children’s rights. The top 10 rights every child must understand in India:
1. The Right to Education
Every kid in India has the Right to compulsory and free Education as per the RTE, 2009. This law requires kids ages 6 to 14 years to receive basic literacy and numeracy skills needed for their future. Education is a right and a catalyst for change – breaking the cycle of poverty and facilitating social mobility.
2. Right to Protection From Exploitation
Children are protected against exploitation – Sexual abuse, trafficking, and Child Labour by the Child Labour (Regulation and Prohibition) Act, 1986 & the Protection of Children from sex offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 – in India. These laws aim to create a secure environment for kids to grow up with no fear of abuse.
3. Right to Health & Nutrition
Children have a right to proper medical care and nourishment for their mental and physical advancement. Programmes like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and schemes like Mid-Day meals in schools aim to provide healthy Meals and Wellness Services to children and thus decrease malnutrition and mortality.
4. Right to Survival
The right to survival would be among the basic rights conferred by the Indian Constitution (Article 21). It offers food, shelter, and clothes for kids. The government has created schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana to safeguard the lives of mothers and infants.
5. Right to Development
This right refers to education, leisurely activities and cultural activities because of the child’s development. It includes intellectual, psychological, and community growth which prepares kids for prosperous lives and significant contributions to society.
6. Right to Protection against Abuse & Neglect
Children are entitled to Protection against abuse, violence and neglect under the Juvenile Justice (Care & safety of Children) Act, 2015. This particular law provides that children needing care and safety get support via foster care, adoption, or shelter homes.
7. Right to Participation
The right to participation enables children to voice their opinions freely on life-affecting issues. This is recognised under UNCRC Article 12 which India has ratified. It guarantees that kids have a say in family, neighbourhood, and societal choices thereby building their self-worth and agency.
8. Right to Identity
Every kid has the right to an identity (name, nationality and family connections). The Births & Deaths Registration Act, of 1969, requires the Registration of Births to make certain each child has a legal name to get other, healthcare, and education benefits.
9. Right to Equality
The Indian Constitution (Articles 14 and 15) guarantees equal treatment without caste, gender, faith or even financial background discrimination. This right guarantees that all kids have equal access to opportunities and resources no matter their background.
10. Right to Free Expression
Under UNCRC Article 13 children have the ability to freely express their opinions, opinions and emotions. This right is crucial for imagination, innovation and confidence that will allow kids to help society.
Final Thoughts
The rights of a child form the foundation of an inclusive and progressive society. While India has taken measures to formulate policies and regulations to assure these rights, a lot remains to be done. Challenges including poverty, and lack of law enforcement stop children from exercising their rights. Our collective duty as people is to provide a supportive environment for kids to attain their full potential.
Donate & Make a Difference
Giving each kid education, medical care and safety against injury is investing in a much better future for our nation. The path to ensuring these rights isn’t one that governments are able to take by themselves, it calls for engagement by people, organisations and individuals.
Do you think each kid needs a healthy and safe life? You could help us realise that vision. Your donation, small or big, can help to provide education, medical care and safety to countless kids in need. Give child rights a future – donate today. Together we can change lives and build a much better tomorrow.
Also Read: Which NGO is Best to Donate Money in India
