What Are the 12 Rights of a Child in India?

As a developing country, India has always been working towards securing the rights of its citizens. The country has a large population, including millions of children who have the right to live a healthy and dignified life. To safeguard these rights, the Indian government has established laws and regulations to ensure that every child in India has access to basic necessities, education, and protection from abuse and exploitation. In this article, we will discuss the 12 rights of a child in India that have been enshrined in the Constitution of India and other laws.

12 Rights of a Child in India

1. Right to Education

Every child in India has the right to free and compulsory education till the age of 14 years. The Right to Education Act (RTE) of 2009 made it mandatory for every child in the age group of 6-14 years to attend school. The government has set up various programs to ensure that children from economically weaker sections have access to education and can attend school without any hindrance.

2. Right to Health

Every child has the right to a healthy and hygienic life. The government has established various programs to ensure that children have access to basic healthcare facilities, immunization, and nutrition. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program, for instance, aims to provide nutritional and health support to children from 0-6 years of age.

3. Right to Protection

Every child has the right to protection from all forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect. The government has set up various laws and programs to ensure that children are protected from child labor, trafficking, and other forms of abuse. The Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, for instance, seeks to provide care and protection to children in need of care and protection.

4. Right to Expression

Every child has the right to express themselves freely. The government has set up various programs to ensure that children can express themselves without any fear of discrimination or censorship. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, for instance, allows children to express themselves freely without any discrimination based on gender, religion, or caste.

5. Right to Play

Every child has the right to play and engage in recreational activities. The government has set up various programs to ensure that children have access to playgrounds, sports facilities, and other recreational activities. The National Programme for Development of Sports, for instance, aims to promote sports among children and provide them with adequate infrastructure.

6. Right to Equality

Every child has the right to be treated equally without any discrimination based on gender, religion, or caste. The government has set up various programs to ensure that children are treated equally and have access to opportunities irrespective of their background. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, for instance, seeks to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all children.

7. Right to Identity

Every child has the right to a name and nationality. The government has set up various programs to ensure that every child has a birth certificate and access to other identity documents. The Births, Deaths, and Marriages Registration Act, for instance, seeks to provide for the registration of births, deaths, and marriages and ensure that every child has a birth certificate.

8. Right to Participation

Every child has the right to participate in matters that affect their lives. The government has set up various programs to ensure that children can participate in decision-making processes and express their views freely. The National Children’s Fund, for instance, aims to promote the participation of children in decision-making processes.

9. Right to Protection from Neglect

Every child has the right to protection from neglect, which includes the failure of parents or guardians to provide them with basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. The government has set up various programs to ensure that children have access to these basic necessities and are not subjected to neglect. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, for instance, seeks to provide basic nutrition, healthcare, and education to children under the age of six.

10. Right to Protection from Violence

Every child has the right to protection from all forms of violence, including physical, mental, or sexual abuse. The government has set up various programs to ensure that children are protected from violence and have access to legal remedies in case of any abuse. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, for instance, seeks to provide protection to children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

11. Right to Family Care

Every child has the right to live with their family and receive care and protection from their parents or guardians. The government has set up various programs to ensure that children are not separated from their families except in exceptional circumstances. The Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, for instance, seeks to provide care and protection to children in need of care and protection.

12. Right to Special Care

Every child has the right to special care and support if they are physically or mentally challenged. The government has set up various programs to ensure that children with special needs have access to appropriate education and healthcare facilities. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, for instance, seeks to provide for the education and healthcare needs of children with disabilities.

In conclusion, the 12 rights of a child in India are enshrined in the Constitution of India and other laws to ensure that every child has access to basic necessities, education, and protection from abuse and exploitation. These rights are essential for the development and growth of every child, and it is the responsibility of every citizen to ensure that these rights are protected and upheld.

FAQs:

What are the consequences of violating the rights of a child in India?

Violating the rights of a child in India can lead to legal consequences, including imprisonment and fines. It can also lead to long-term physical and psychological damage to the child.

What is the role of parents in protecting the rights of their children?

Parents play a crucial role in protecting the rights of their children by providing them with a safe and nurturing environment and ensuring that they have access to basic necessities, education, and healthcare facilities.

Are there any organizations that work towards protecting the rights of children in India?

Yes, there are various organizations, including UNICEF, Save the Children, and CRY, that work towards protecting the rights of children in India.

How can the government ensure that every child in India has access to education?

The government can ensure that every child in India has access to education by setting up more schools, providing better infrastructure, and implementing programs to ensure that children from economically weaker sections have access to education.

What is the importance of ensuring that every child in India has access to basic necessities?

Ensuring that every child in India has access to basic necessities is crucial for their development and growth. It can help in reducing poverty, illiteracy, and other social issues that hinder the progress of the country.