Child policy draft plugs many holes

Children in the state might soon get the benefits of a playground, a framework for safe midday meals and guidelines for reality shows featuring children.

The draft child rights policy, which is awaiting approval from the cabinet, was released recently by the state. It has been prepared by the state’s women and child welfare department.

The draft addresses various areas, including education, health, safety, development and children with special needs. The draft said that a plan should be made to regulate reality shows and circuses which involve children. Aiming for the overall development of a child, the policy also proposes to address the issue of child trafficking.

The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had consulted children while drafting the policy document. “We surveyed children from every taluka to understand their needs and, hence, this policy address all the issues related to children,” said AN Tripathy, secretary of the commission.

The proposed policy, which makes every child the state’s responsibility, says that strict guidelines must be made to ensure space is reserved for playgrounds for children. The draft says, “In all circumstances, every child under the ambit of the law will be free from all kind of violence or wrongdoing.” It adds that a safe environment must be created for all children.

The policy has also proposed special provisions for the girl child. It proposes to provide equal rights to the girl child in family and education, enforce law against child marriage, prevent sex determination tests and ensure that the curriculum in primary and secondary schools doesn’t directly or indirectly promote gender discrimination.

To take care of innocence
The draft child policy addresses various areas, including education, health, safety, development and children with special needs

It makes every child the state’s responsibility and says strict guidelines must be made to ensure space is reserved for playgrounds for children

It also says that a plan should be made to regulate reality shows and circuses which involve children. Aiming for the overall development of a child, the policy also proposes to address the issue of child trafficking.