The Government of India adopted a National Policy

The Government of India adopted a National Policy for children in August 1974.

“ It shall be the policy of the state to provide adequate services to children, both before and after birth and through the period of growth, to ensure their full physical, mental and social development. The state shall

Progressively increase the scope of such services so that, within a reasonable time, all children in the country enjoy optimum conditions for their balanced growth. ”

According to the declaration, the development of children has been considered as integral part of national development. The policy recognizes children as the “Nation’s supremely important asset” and declares that the

nation is responsible for their “Nurture and solicitude”. It also emphasizes the priorities of children’s program and special focus on child health, child nutrition and welfare of the handicapped and destitute children.

A number of programs were introduced by the Govt. of India, after the declaration of national policy for children. The important programs are:

§ ICDS Scheme § Programs of supplementary feeding § Nutrition education § Production of Nutritious food § Welfare of handicappped children

�National children’s fund �CSSM programs.

1. 2. A comprehensive health program for all children and provision of nutrition services for children. Provision of health care, nutrition and nutrition education for expectant and nursing mothers.

3. Free and compulsory education up to the age of 14 years, informal education for preschoolers and efforts to reduce wastage and stagnation in schools. 4. Out of school education for those

Not having access to formal education. 5. Promotion of games, recreation and extracurricular activities in schools and community centers.

6. Special programs for children from weaker sections. 7. Facilities for education, training and rehabilitation for children in distress. 8. Protection against neglect, cruelty

And exploitation. 9. Banning of employment in hazardous occupations and in heavy work for children. 10. Special treatment, education, rehabilita tion

and care of physically handicapped, emotionally disturbed or mentally retarded children. 11. Priority for the protection and relief of children in times of

national distress and calamity. 12. Special programs to encourage talented and gifted children, particularly from the weaker sections. 13. Paramount consideration in all relevant laws is the “Interests of children”.

14. Strengthening family ties to enable children to grow within the family, neighborhood and community environment.

The Children Act 1960 in India, provides for the care maintenance, welfare, training, educati on and rehabilitation of the deliquent child. It covers the neglected, destitute, socially handicapped, uncontrollable, victimis ed and deliquent children.

THE JUVENILE JUSTICE ACT, 1986 It provides a comprehensive scheme for care, protection, treatment, deve lopment and rehabilitation of deliquent juveniles.

Other important acts for child welfare are: 1. The child labour Act 1986 2. The Child Marriage Restaint Act 1978 3. The Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act 1956.

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