UN CONVENTION ON RIGHTS OF CHILD

• It is a human rights treaty which sets out the civil, economic, political, social, helath and cultural rights of children. The convention defines a child as any human being under the age of 18. Nations that ratify this convention are bound it by international law. Compliance is monitored by the UN committee on rights of the child which is composed of members from countries around the world. Currently 193 countries have ratified.
• Child labour in India- the Indian constitution has framework within which ample provision exist for the protection, development and welfare of children. There are a wide range of laws that guarantees children their rights and entitlement as provided in the constitution and in UN convention.
• As part of various 5 year plans numerous programmes have been launched by the government of India aimed at providing services to children in areas of health, nutrition, and education.
• Government of India adopted National policy for children in 1974 which lays down recommendations for a comprehensive health programmes, supplementary nutrition for mothers and children, nutrition for mothers and children, free and compulsory education upto age of 14 years etc. The policy provided for a National children’s board to act as a forum to plan, review and coordinate various services directed towards children.
• Also government had initiated the national child labour project (NCLP) scheme in 1988 to rehabilitate working children in 12 child labour endemic districts. The objective is mainly to look after rehabilitation of child labour. Project societies at district level are fully funded for opening up special schools for child labourers. The funding is provided by central government.
• In India there is law for children under the age of 18 should not work, but there is no outright ban on child labour. Little is being done to address the problem since economy is booming and more nuclear family is spreading increasing demand for child labourers.
• Under UNICEF government of India specified outline means of change and improvement in child care and many trusts such as Child Line, Plannindia and savethechildren are too taking efforts to outdate child labour from India.