Bridging the gap between policy and practice is essential to improve the lives of vulnerable children, says VISHWAJEET GHOSHAL, noted Child Rights Activist and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Children Unbound Foundation, in a conversation with The Press India.
What inspired you to get involved in advocating for children’s rights?
The journey goes back to my school days in Lucknow when I got involved with the children of construction workers and was really moved by their living conditions. I befriended the children and started taking interest in their lives by providing them unused stationery items and started motivating them to learn basic alphabets, numbers etc. Later, my life took 360* degree turn when I joined Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre Society, a New Delhi based organization working with the marginalized, vulnerable, destitute, and deprived children. During my decade long association with Prayas, as its Joint Secretary & Director, I got an opportunity to work with thousands of children. I realized that, though, their stories are different from each other but the level of pain is the same and the exploitation they have undergone in their lives are traumatic.
How would you assess the current state of child rights in India? What are the major achievements and ongoing challenges?
Children issues in India are multifaceted and complex, in context of the vast population and the socio-economic disparities and inequities across all levels. It is estimated that about 40 per cent of children in India are vulnerable or live in difficult circumstances which includes children without family support, children forced into labour, abused/trafficked children, children on the streets, children affected by substance abuse, by armed conflict/civil unrest/natural calamity etc. Survival, growth, development and protection of these children therefore need priority focus and attention.
Looking back, one must deeply appreciate the efforts of the Government in the past one decade starting from the National Policy for Children 2013 which recognized that a multi-sectoral and multidimensional approach to secure the basic rights of the children is essential. It identified four key priority areas: survival, health and nutrition, education and development, protection and participation followed by the adoption of National Plan of Action for Children 2016, aimed to reach and serve the ‘last child’ first across the full span of the childhood.
The Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 which replaces the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2000 was one of the significant law relating to children alleged and found to be in conflict with law and the children in need of care and protection and to adhere to the sets of standards in the best interest of children. The Act included provisions for adolescents aged 16 to 18 to be tried as adults if they were found to be in violation of the law, particularly grave offences. The Act made the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) the statutory body for adoption-related affairs, allowing adoption processes for orphans, relinquished, and abandoned children to run smoothly.
However, despite the efforts of the government in form of numerous legislations, schemes, policies the implementation of the same through the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs), Juvenile Justice Committee, District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Child Welfare Committees; Juvenile Justice Boards coupled with the consistent initiatives of hundreds of NGOs working on the children issues, the violations of the child rights and their exploitation continue to remain a major challenge in India.
Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, released in January 2021, indicates a worrying rise in malnutrition in India between 2016 and 2019. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) shows that over 50 % of class VII children in rural areas cannot read class II textbooks or solve basic problems. The 2024-25 budget allocates only 0.4 % of GDP to public education, highlighting ongoing neglect. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for the elimination of child marriage by 2030 whereas, more than 40% of the world’s child marriages are taking place here.
Challenges are immense. We need stronger efforts towards creating an enabling environment for children to grow and develop in safe and secure communities. Only then can India truly realise the dream of protecting the rights of its children and making them explore their potential
What are the key areas where children’s rights are still not fully realized in India?
Several areas require urgent attention. Quality education for all children, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, is still not fully realized. Child labor and trafficking continue to be pervasive issues, despite legal frameworks in place to combat them. Additionally, the healthcare system needs to be more inclusive and responsive to the needs of children, especially those from marginalized communities. Mental health support for children is another area that needs more focus.
What are the main obstacles to ensuring quality education for all children in India, particularly in rural and underserved areas?
The main obstacles include a lack of infrastructure, inadequate teacher training, and insufficient resources. In many rural areas, schools are either non-existent or poorly equipped, making it difficult for children to receive a quality education. Socio-economic factors, such as poverty and the need for children to contribute to the household income, also prevent many from attending school regularly. Furthermore, cultural and gender biases can restrict access to education for girls in particular.
How can India improve its healthcare system to address the specific needs of children, especially those from marginalized communities?
To improve the healthcare system for children, India needs to invest in accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services that cater specifically to children’s needs. This includes expanding immunization programs, improving maternal and child health services, and ensuring that healthcare facilities are available in remote and underserved areas. Additionally, there should be a focus on preventive healthcare and nutrition programs to address malnutrition and other health issues prevalent among marginalized communities. Training healthcare workers to understand and respond to the unique needs of children is also crucial.
Despite various laws against child labor, why does it continue to be a problem in India, and what can be done to eradicate it?
Child labor persists due to a combination of poverty, lack of education, and insufficient enforcement of existing laws. Many families rely on the income generated by their children to survive, making it difficult to eliminate child labor entirely. To eradicate it, we need a multi-faceted approach that includes stronger enforcement of laws, providing financial support to vulnerable families, and ensuring that children have access to free and quality education. Awareness campaigns are also vital to change societal attitudes towards child labor.
What measures are in place to protect children from abuse and exploitation, and how can these be strengthened?
India has several legal frameworks, such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Juvenile Justice Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1986, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 etc designed to protect children from abuse and exploitation. However, these measures need to be strengthened through better implementation, increased awareness, and training of law enforcement agencies. Additionally, more child-friendly spaces and services should be created where children can report abuse safely and receive the necessary support. Community involvement is crucial in identifying and preventing abuse at the grassroots level.
How can communities be better engaged in safeguarding children and reporting abuse?
Communities play a vital role in safeguarding children. Engaging them can be done through awareness campaigns, education programs, and building trust between community members and authorities. It is essential to create safe and open channels of communication where community members feel empowered to report abuse without fear of retaliation. Training community leaders, teachers, and parents to recognize the signs of abuse and understand their role in protecting children can also make a significant difference.
How do non-governmental organizations and civil society contribute to the promotion and protection of child rights in India?
NGOs and civil society groups are critical in bridging the gap between policy and practice. They often work on the ground, directly with communities, to provide education, healthcare, and legal support to children. NGOs also play a vital role in advocacy, pushing for stronger policies and holding the government accountable for the implementation of child rights laws. By raising awareness and mobilizing resources, they help create an environment where children’s rights are recognized and protected.
Can you share a memorable experience that has particularly impacted your work in child rights?
One story that deeply impacted me was of a young girl, whom we had rescued from a trafficking ring. She had endured unimaginable hardships but showed incredible resilience and strength. After her rescue, our organization worked with her to provide education, counseling, and a safe environment to heal. Today, she is pursuing higher education and dreams of becoming a social worker to help others like her. Her transformation from a victim to an empowered individual reaffirmed my belief in the power of our work and the importance of never giving up on these children.
What keeps you motivated and hopeful in your efforts to improve the lives of children?
The hope and resilience I see in the children we work with keep me motivated. Despite their circumstances, many of them have an incredible capacity for joy, learning, and growth. Knowing that our efforts can change the trajectory of a child’s life is incredibly rewarding. The support from our team, volunteers, and the broader community also fuels my determination to continue advocating for child rights. The belief that every child deserves a chance at a better future drives me to keep going, even in the face of challenges.
(Vishwajeet Ghoshal is currently leading an extensive campaign to create awareness on cervical cancer prevention. He can be contacted at vishwajeetghoshal@gmail.com)
Good job Mr. Ghoshal, keep it up
Great article!