The National Child Policy (NCP) stands as a pivotal document that delineates the foundational principles and directives for the welfare and development of children in a nation. Envisaged as a comprehensive framework, the NCP aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of children, recognizing them as vital stakeholders in the nation’s future. The policy encompasses various provisions addressing key areas such as education, health, protection from exploitation, and ensuring a nurturing environment for holistic development. Emphasizing the need for inclusive and equitable practices, the NCP sets the stage for a society where every child can thrive, irrespective of socioeconomic background.
Tag: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, briefly write about National Child Policy.
- In Body,
- Discuss the main provisions of the National Child Policy.
- Write the status of its implementation.
- In Conclusion, write about its importance.
Answer:
National Child Policy 2013 was launched after white consultations with various stakeholders. It considers anyone under 18 years of age in Indian Territory as a child. It has envisaged an interconnected and coordinated all round effort to achieve Holistic development of the children.It aims to protect their right to life by providing means for their survival. The government by its various programs such as Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana, etc has ensured antenatal and postnatal care for children and mothers.
Main Provisions of the National Child Policy:
- The Policy recognizes every person below the age of eighteen years as a child and covers all children within the territory and jurisdiction of the country.
- It ensures equitable access to comprehensive and essential preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative health care of the highest standard, for all children before, during and after birth, and throughout their growth and development.
- It secures the right of every child to learning, knowledge, education, and development opportunities, with due regard for special needs, through access, provision and promotion of required environment, information, infrastructure, services and support, for the development of the child’s fullest potential.
- The policy aims to create a caring, protective, and safe environment for all children, to reduce their vulnerability in all situations, and to keep them safe at all places, especially public spaces.
- It enables children to be actively involved in their development and in all matters concerning and affecting them.
- It is the first policy document in India that specifically highlights ‘disability’ as a ground for discrimination that must be countered.
Status of Implementation of National Child Policy:
- The Policy recognizes every person below the age of eighteen years as a child and covers all children within the territory and jurisdiction of the country.
- It ensures equitable access to comprehensive and essential preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative health care of the highest standard, for all children before, during, and after birth, and throughout their growth and development.
- It secures the right of every child to learning, knowledge, education, and development opportunities, with due regard for special needs, through access, provision, and promotion of required environment, information, infrastructure, services, and support, for the development of the child’s fullest potential.
- The policy aims to create a caring, protective, and safe environment for all children, to reduce their vulnerability in all situations, and to keep them safe at all places, especially public spaces.
- It enables children to be actively involved in their development and in all matters concerning and affecting them.
- It is the first policy document in India that specifically highlights ‘disability’ as a ground for discrimination that must be countered.
Thus it aims to achieve equity, dignity, security, and freedom for children. The policy gives utmost priority to the right to life, health, and nutrition and also gives importance to development, education, protection, and participation. Various recent government initiatives like Poshan Abhiyan, Draft National Action Plan for Children, POCSO Amendment Bill, Juvenile Justice Bill, etc., are actionable strategies that will help realize the goals of Child welfare in India.
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