Children’s Day in India is celebrated on November 14th every year as it marks the birth anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru ji was called ‘Chacha Nehru‘ by the kids as he had a deep affection for children, and his birthday is celebrated every year to honour his love for them.
It is worth noting that Children’s Day in India is not just a day of celebration but also an opportunity to raise awareness about issues affecting children, such as child health, education, and protection. On the special occasion of Children’s Day, let us look into the range of initiatives implemented by the GOI that aim at the holistic upliftment of children across India.
Government’s Transformative Initiatives For Children’s Upliftment
Here are some of the notable initiatives undertaken by the Government of India for the holistic upliftment of children in India.
1. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
ICDS is a flagship program in India that was launched with the aim of improving the health and nutrition of children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
The program operates through a network of Anganwadi centers, which are village-level childcare centers. These centers serve as a crucial link between communities and primary healthcare facilities.
2. National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan)
POSHAN Abhiyaan represents a concerted effort to tackle malnutrition comprehensively by addressing its root causes and ensuring the effective delivery of nutrition-related services.
The initiative adopts a multi-sectoral approach, involving various ministries and departments to address the underlying determinants of malnutrition comprehensively.
3. Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)
The initiative operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and is designed to address the specific health and development needs of adolescents in the age group of 10 to 19 years.
RKSK is aimed at promoting the overall well-being of adolescents, recognizing them as a crucial demographic group that requires targeted health interventions.
4. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao is a social campaign initiated by the Government of India to address the declining child sex ratio and promote the education and empowerment of girls.
By combining awareness campaigns, community engagement, and policy measures, the program aims to create a positive and supportive environment for the holistic development of girls in the country.
5. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan has played a crucial role in increasing elementary school enrollment, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the overall quality of education across India.
The government initiative has contributed significantly to the advancement of the country’s education system, moving towards the goal of universal elementary education.
6. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act
The primary objectives of the act are to ensure the proper care, treatment, and rehabilitation of juveniles, emphasizing their well-being and reintegration into society.
The act follows a child-friendly approach, recognizing the unique needs and vulnerabilities of children, and promotes rehabilitation and social integration rather than punitive measures for juveniles in conflict with the law.
These initiatives collectively demonstrate the government’s commitment to the overall development and well-being of children in India.