Dr Vijay Garg
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and require special protection to ensure their safety, development, and dignity. Across the world, various laws and international agreements have been framed to protect children’s rights. One of the most important global frameworks is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which recognizes that every child has the right to survival, protection, development, and participation. Despite such legal frameworks, several legal issues related to children’s rights continue to exist in many countries, including India.
One of the major legal concerns is child labour. Although laws prohibit the employment of children in hazardous industries, many children still work in factories, farms, domestic work, and small businesses. Poverty, lack of education, and weak enforcement of laws contribute to this problem. In India, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act aims to prevent the exploitation of children in labour, yet implementation remains a challenge in rural and informal sectors.
Another serious issue is child abuse and exploitation. Children may suffer physical, emotional, or sexual abuse in homes, schools, or workplaces. To address this, India enacted the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, commonly known as POCSO. This law provides strict punishment for sexual crimes against children and establishes special courts for speedy trials. However, social stigma, lack of awareness, and delays in legal processes often prevent victims from receiving timely justice.
Child marriage remains another pressing concern. Despite legal prohibitions, early marriages continue in some communities due to tradition, poverty, and gender discrimination. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act sets the legal marriage age at 18 for girls and 21 for boys and penalizes those involved in child marriages. Yet enforcement is difficult in remote areas where social customs sometimes override legal norms.
The right to education is another important aspect of children’s rights. Education empowers children and protects them from exploitation and poverty. In India, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act guarantees free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14. Even so, many children still drop out of school due to economic hardship, family responsibilities, or lack of access to quality education.
Children in conflict with the law also face legal challenges. The juvenile justice system aims to reform rather than punish young offenders. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act provides for care, protection, and rehabilitation of children who are in need or in conflict with the law. However, overcrowded institutions, insufficient rehabilitation programs, and lack of trained professionals often hinder its effectiveness.
In conclusion, protecting children’s rights is not only a legal responsibility but also a moral obligation of society. Strong laws exist, but their success depends on proper enforcement, public awareness, and community participation. Governments, families, schools, and civil society must work together to ensure that every child grows up in a safe environment with access to education, health, and opportunities. Only then can the vision of a just and child-friendly society truly be realized.
Dr Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational columnist Eminent Educationist street kour Chand MHR Malout Punjab |
