Children First: Unlocking the code to child rights in India

Children represent the promise of a brighter future. As a nation, we are committed to upholding and safeguarding the rights of every child, recognising them as equal individuals with unique needs, aspirations, and potential.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the rights of school-going children in India, outlining the legal framework and emphasising the importance of these rights in nurturing a generation that thrives and contributes positively to society.

Read on to know more…

Right to Education (Article 21-A)

Every child between the ages of six-14 has the fundamental right to free and compulsory education. This right, enshrined in Article 21-A of the Constitution, ensures that children have access to quality education without any discrimination. Hence, educational institutes are mandated to provide a safe and child-friendly environment that promotes holistic development.

Protection from Exploitation (Article 24)

Article 24 of the Constitution prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 in hazardous occupations. It highlights the need to protect children from exploitation and ensure their physical and mental well-being. Parents, guardians, and society at large are obligated to safeguard the rights of children against any form of labour that deprives them of their childhood.

Right to Development (Article 39)

Article 39(e) and 39(f) of the Constitution emphasise that children must be given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity. This includes adequate nutrition, health care, and opportunities for play and recreation. The State is entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that policies and programs promote the best interests of the child.

Protection from Abuse and Neglect

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, is a crucial legislation that focuses on the care, protection, and rehabilitation of children in need of care and protection. It establishes special procedures for dealing with children in conflict with the law, marking rehabilitation over punitive measures.

Right to Information (Article 21-A)

The Right to Information Act, 2005, empowers children to seek information and enhances transparency in governance. This right is crucial for students to be informed about the functioning of educational institutions, enabling them to actively participate in their own education.

Participation in Decision-Making (Article 12)

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), to which India is a signatory, recognises the right of children to express their views freely and to have those views given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity. This includes participation in decisions affecting their education, well-being, and development.

Protection from Discrimination (Article 15)

The Constitution of India prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Children are entitled to equal opportunities and treatment, fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes a sense of belonging among students.

Right to Health (Article 47)

Article 47 of the Constitution directs the State to regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people, and the improvement of public health, as among its primary duties. This underscores the importance of ensuring access to healthcare facilities, immunisation, and a clean environment for the overall well-being of children.

The rights of school-going children in India are not mere legal provisions but the cornerstone of a just and humane society. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders, including parents, educators, policymakers, and society at large, to work collaboratively in upholding and promoting these rights. By fostering an environment where children are nurtured, protected, and empowered, we pave the way for a future where every child realises their full potential and contributes meaningfully to the nation’s progress.