Demographic Overview
India is home to approximately 440 million children aged 0-18 years, according to the 2021 Census. Children constitute about 39% of the total population in India, denoting their significance in societal dynamics.
Education
The Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009 ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years. However, dropout rates remain high, particularly among marginalized communities, with around 17% for primary education and 50% for secondary education. The digital divide has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting access to digital educational resources for many children.
Health and Nutrition
Malnutrition affects approximately 34% of children under five, with 17% classified as wasted according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-21. Full immunization coverage stands at around 62%, and the child mortality rate is reported at 35 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Child Labor
As per the Census 2011, approximately 10.1 million children are engaged in child labor. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in any occupation, yet enforcement remains a challenge.
Child Rights and Protection
India ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1992. The Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) aims to protect children from abuse and exploitation. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 provides a framework for the care and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law.
Impact of Globalisation
Globalisation has introduced cultural influences through exposure to global media and consumer culture, impacting traditional values and lifestyles. Economic migration has led to children being left behind or becoming part of migrant families, affecting their education and health. Globalisation has also created informal job markets, which have increased child labor in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.
Vulnerability Factors
Children from low-income families are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and lack access to education and healthcare. Gender disparities exacerbate risks for girls, who face higher chances of early marriage, trafficking, and educational dropout. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes often experience discrimination, hindering access to resources.
Government Initiatives
The Mid-Day Meal Scheme aims to improve nutritional status and encourage school attendance. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative focuses on saving and educating the girl child. The National Child Labour Project (NCLP) aims to rehabilitate child laborers and provide them with educational opportunities.
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
Numerous NGOs, such as Save the Children, CRY (Child Rights and You), and Plan India, are actively working towards promoting child rights, education, and health. These organisations play important role in advocacy and grassroots initiatives.
Challenges Ahead
There are gaps in the implementation of existing laws and policies aimed at protecting children. A lack of awareness among parents and communities regarding children’s rights and available resources hampers progress. Persistent poverty and economic inequality continue to hinder advancements in child welfare.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically examine the impact of globalization on the dietary patterns of children in India and discuss the potential long-term health implications.
- Discuss the role of non-governmental organizations in promoting child rights and education in India, and evaluate their effectiveness in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable children.
- Explain the significance of the Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009 in improving educational access for children in India and analyze the factors contributing to high dropout rates among marginalized communities.
- With suitable examples, discuss how socioeconomic status and gender disparities influence children’s access to healthcare and educational opportunities in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically examine the impact of globalization on the dietary patterns of children in India and discuss the potential long-term health implications.
- Globalization has introduced fast food and processed foods, altering traditional diets.
- Increased marketing of unhealthy food options has influenced children’s food choices.
- Rising obesity rates and related health issues, such as diabetes, are linked to these dietary changes.
- Access to diverse cuisines has improved, but it often comes at the cost of nutritional value.
- Long-term implications may include chronic health conditions and increased healthcare costs.
2. Discuss the role of non-governmental organizations in promoting child rights and education in India, and evaluate their effectiveness in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable children.
- NGOs play important role in advocacy for child rights and raising awareness about education issues.
- They implement programs that directly address educational access and quality for marginalized groups.
- Collaboration with the government enhances the reach and effectiveness of their initiatives.
- Challenges include limited funding and varying degrees of impact across regions.
- Success stories highlight improvements in literacy rates and reduced child labor through NGO efforts.
3. Explain the significance of the Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009 in improving educational access for children in India and analyze the factors contributing to high dropout rates among marginalized communities.
- The RTE Act mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14, promoting inclusivity.
- It has led to increased enrollment rates, especially among disadvantaged groups.
- Factors contributing to dropout rates include poverty, lack of transportation, and inadequate school facilities.
- Cultural attitudes towards education, especially for girls, also impact retention rates.
- Ongoing monitoring and support are essential to sustain the benefits of the RTE Act.
4. With suitable examples, discuss how socioeconomic status and gender disparities influence children’s access to healthcare and educational opportunities in India.
- Children from low socioeconomic backgrounds often face barriers to healthcare access, leading to poorer health outcomes.
- Gender disparities manifest in educational access, with girls often receiving less support than boys.
- Case studies show that families prioritize boys’ education over girls due to cultural norms.
- Healthcare access is limited in rural areas, affecting children’s growth and development.
- Government initiatives and NGO programs are working to bridge these gaps through targeted interventions.
