Tanmai KhannaAIR 61 · CSE 2022 · 257 wordsTheir whole copy
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Protection of a child is not just a child's right, but a duty for society, family and most importently the government.
The government has taken many steps to protect children and ensure a bright future full of opportunities:
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→ Prohibition of child labour under Article 24 as well as the CLPRA Act, children are not allowed to work in factories under the age of 14. Those working in movies are provided adequate safeguards to ensure their education continues.
→ POCSO Act stringently punishes any sexual harassment of a child. Fast Track courts are provided to ensure swift justice.
→ Right to Education is guaranteed under Article 21A, thereby protecting a child's right to an opportunity for development and social mobility.
However, there are many barriers to their protection:
→ Social acceptability of child labor reduces the reporting of such crime as well as its implementation.
→ Economic hardship forces many children to work or beg on the streets despite provisions of shelters.
→ Lax implementation by the police. e.g. ignoring child workers in hazardous industries in exchange of bribes.
→ Family businesses: Parents want to pass on skills to their children due to which they start working early and neglect their education.
→ Child Marriage, which is prohibited by law is still socially justified in many parts and disproportionately harms young girls.
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The COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase in domestic violence as well as destitute children whose parents passed away. The government continues to keep their health and interests as primary and designs policies for their protection.