The evolution of child rights in India showcases how far the nation has come in this progressive journey since acquiring independence. The major shift contributing to this advancement emerged during the 20th century with the recognition of children’s unique needs, aspirations, and vulnerabilities. Children were no longer perceived as passive recipients of welfare but as bearers of their own fundamental rights. This evolution from a welfare-centric approach to one firmly grounded in fairness, obligations, and goals has changed the discourse and fueled significant advancements in basic child rights.
In this article, we delve deeper into understanding the evolutionary trajectory of child rights in India, tracing the transition from traditional notions to how it has progressed over the years. While doing so, we will cover the underlying principles, legislative milestones, and the role of the Government of India and various non-profit organisations in shaping this transformation.
Important Landmarks for Basic Child Rights in India
As India’s journey in safeguarding basic child rights progressed, the legislative framework underwent a massive transformation. Numerous laws were formed to address the diverse and complex challenges children face. These laws had been designed not only to protect children from exploitation, abuse, and neglect but also to provide them with opportunities for education, healthcare, and holistic growth.
The Government of India has played a significant role in formulating and implementing these basic child rights. Working in partnership with diverse entities such as UNICEF and NGOs in India, their collective endeavours have played a crucial role in advancing children’s protection, empowerment, and upliftment. The following are major milestones that have propelled this transformative journey:
Declaration of the Rights of the Child
In a historic juncture that marked a significant turning point in the global recognition of children’s rights, the International Save the Children Union orchestrated the first Declaration of the Rights of the Child on February 23, 1923. Subsequently, this initial draft underwent a process of refinement and scrutiny, culminating in its formal ratification on February 28, 1924. The inception of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child not only underscored the growing awareness of the distinct needs and entitlements of children, but also laid the groundwork for the global commitment to safeguarding their well-being, dignity, and potential.
UNICEF Began its Work in India
In 1949, a new chapter began in India when the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), driven by its mission to advocate for the rights and welfare of children globally, embarked on a journey of partnership and collaboration with India. This began a sustained collaboration between UNICEF and India, united by a shared vision of securing a brighter and more promising future for every child within the country’s borders.
Right to Education for All
On April 1, 2010, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act of 2009 became a powerful legal instrument, setting the stage for a monumental shift in India’s educational journey. This landmark legislation, grounded in the principle that education is not just a privilege but a fundamental right of every child, marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s commitment to providing equal access to education for all.
India’s march towards securing basic child rights has been marked by pivotal milestones, each contributing to a more just, inclusive, and promising future for its children. Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children) plays a crucial role in this journey as one of the leading NGOs in the nation. For the last 15 years, this organisation has been working in India to ensure that children have access to education, healthcare & nutrition, protection from harm, resilience building, and humanitarian relief services. Drawing inspiration from the tenets of the inaugural ‘Declaration of the Rights of the Child’ by the International Save the Children, this organisation has imbibed children’s rights at the core of its programmes, activities, and day-to-day operations.
Conclusion
The evolution of child rights in India reflects a concerted effort from the Government of India and NGOs such as Bal Raksha Bharat to ensure that children are not only shielded from harm but are also provided with an environment conducive to their all-round development. The journey underscores not only legal and policy transformations but also the nation’s collective consciousness of the need to champion the rights, welfare, and potential of its youngest citizens, shaping a legacy of progress and empowerment.
