With an aim to ensure survival, health and nutrition as an inalienable right of every child and special care for kids caught in sectarian violence, the government is all set to clear National Policy for Children 2012, which is high on the agenda of the Union Cabinet that will meet on Thursday.
Sources in the government confirmed that a proposal on the issue from the ministry of women and child development (WSD) is likely to be taken up for consideration at the meeting of the Union Cabinet, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
“The proposed draft policy document is the revised version of the original one, which was adopted in 1974. The revised draft defines any individual below the age of 18 years as child,” the sources said.
According to the Cabinet note, sources said, the policy, which is being envisaged, aims to guide and inform all laws, policies plans and programmes affecting children and all other actions of national, state and local governments in relation to population below 18 years.
Amongst the key priorities listed in the Cabinet draft note are making survival, health, nutrition, development, education, protection and participation undeniable rights of every child.
As per the proposed policy every child has the right to be safeguarded against hunger, deprivation and malnutrition and the state would commit to securing this right through access, provision and promotion of required services and supports for holistic nurturing.
The governments of the day at all levels would be duty bound to take all necessary measures to improve maternal health care.
They will also be committed to secure the rights of a girl child and address discrimination of all forms in schools and foster equal opportunity.
As per the revised policy the state would also take special protection measures to secure the rights and entitlement of children in difficult circumstances, particularly those who are affected by migration, displacement, communal or sectarian violence, civil unrest etc.