Child Rights

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND PROTECTION IN INDIA M. David Ziegan Paul, BA. LLB. (Hons), 3rdyear, Bharath institute of law, Chennai (India) Download Manuscript doi.org/10.70183/lijdlr.2026.v04.13 This paper are Children’s rights and protection remain central concerns in India, where nearly one-third of the population consists of individuals under the age of 18. Safeguarding their rights is not only a moral obligation but also a constitutional mandate, reinforced by international commitments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which India ratified in 1992. Despite existing frameworks, children in India continue to face multiple vulnerabilities, including child labour, child marriage, trafficking, abuse, and lack of access to quality education and healthcare. These challenges hinder their growth, development, and ability to live with dignity. And the Right to Education Act, which provide strong legal backing for children’s rights. Initiatives such as ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services), mid-day meal schemes, and child helplines demonstrate efforts to ensure protection and welfare. However, gaps remain in terms of implementation, awareness, and accessibility, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. Issues like poverty, gender inequality, and lack of effective enforcement mechanisms further deepen the crisis of child protection. Strengthening child rights requires a multi-dimensional approach that combines legal enforcement, social awareness, community participation, and institutional support. There is also a need to integrate child-sensitive policies within broader development agendas to ensure holistic growth and equal opportunities for every child. Protecting children is not only about shielding them from exploitation and abuse but also about empowering them to thrive in safe, supportive environments. A comprehensive rights-based approach will ensure that children in India not only survive but also flourish, thereby laying the foundation for a more equitable and progressive society.