How the Indian Constitution seeks to protect children against exploitation?

Asked 10-Mar-2018
Updated 04-Jul-2023
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The Indian Constitution seeks to protect children against exploitation in a number of ways. These include:

  • Article 23 prohibits forced labour and traffic in human beings. This includes the sale and purchase of children for the purpose of forced labour or prostitution.
  • Article 24 prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 in any hazardous occupation or industry. This includes factories, mines, and other workplaces where children are exposed to dangerous chemicals, machinery, or other hazards.
How the Indian Constitution seeks to protect children against exploitation
  • Article 39(e) requires the state to protect children from being abused and forced by economic necessity to enter occupations unsuited to their age or strength. This means that the state must ensure that children have access to education and other opportunities so that they do not have to work in hazardous or exploitative conditions.
  • Article 45 directs the state to provide free and compulsory education to all children up to the age of 14 years. This ensures that all children have the opportunity to develop their skills and talents, and to reach their full potential.
  • Article 15(3) allows the state to make special provisions for children. This means that the state can enact laws and policies that are specifically designed to protect children's rights and interests.

In addition to these constitutional provisions, there are a number of other laws and policies in India that protect children against exploitation. These include the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.

The Indian government has also taken a number of steps to implement these laws and policies. For example, the government has established a number of child protection agencies, including the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights. These agencies are responsible for monitoring the implementation of child protection laws and policies, and for providing assistance to children who have been exploited.

Despite these efforts, child exploitation remains a serious problem in India. According to UNICEF, an estimated 10 million children in India are working in hazardous conditions. Many children are also victims of child marriage, sexual abuse, and trafficking.

The Indian government is committed to protecting children against exploitation. However, more needs to be done to enforce the laws and policies that are already in place. The government also needs to provide more resources to child protection agencies so that they can effectively monitor and respond to cases of child exploitation.

With increased efforts from the government and the public, India can make significant progress in protecting children against exploitation.