Govt clears national policy for children

The Centre on Thursday cleared the national policy for children that aims for development, education and protection of children.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, which approved the policy, said every person below the age of 18 years has a right to life, education and development. “The policy recognises every person below the age of 18 years as a child and that childhood is an integral part of life with a value of its own, and a long term, sustainable, multi-sectoral, integrated and inclusive approach is necessary for the harmonious development and protection of children,” a statement said.

The policy envisages equal rights for all children without discrimination, taking into consideration the interest of children in all actions and decisions affecting them and family as the most conducive environment for their all-round development.

The Ministry of Women and Child development will prepare a national plan of action to implement the policy. A national coordination and action Group (NCAG) will be constituted to monitor the progress of implementation, said the statement.