Child Welfare -Measures to Combat Violation, Exploitation & Abuse (original) (raw)

Biologically, Child falls within the state of human development in between the stages of birth and puberty below the age of 14 years of age. Child is a gift of almighty which need to be nurtured, cared, respected, loved and protected. The children during their tender age require abundant care, love and affection from their parents, relatives and friends. Almost 40 percent approximately 440 million of Indian population comprises of children. Small children are the victims of erroneous offenses including Child Labour, Rape, Sexual Exploitation, Forced Marriage, Torture, Kidnapping, Negligence, Deprivation, etc. The violation of Child Rights in the name of tradition, religion, gender, class, caste, race and reputation causes physical or mental injury or even death of innocent children. Many children are frequently subjected to physical or sexual abuses at home, school, and society. Child Right falls within the ambit of Human Rights for food, basic needs, education, health care, identity and freedom of children. Child Protection shall be emphasized within the policy framework of both Central and State Government. Child Welfare is possible through the collective efforts of Police, social workers, health care professionals, local authorities, volunteers and general public. This paper describes about various problems faced by the children, child welfare schemes implemented in the multifaceted areas, statutory protection and various efforts to combat violence, discrimination, neglect, abuse and exploitation against children in India.