Modern India’s responsibility toward its children

The soul of any nation lies in how it treats its children. They are not merely the inheritors of the future but the living embodiment of a country’s moral conscience, values, and vision. In the grand narrative of a developing democracy like India, the discourse on child rights has transcended the boundaries of mere welfare measures and entered the realm of moral, constitutional, and social responsibility. The nation that prides itself on its demographic dividend cannot ignore the grim realities that continue to threaten the rights, dignity, and security of millions of its children. Despite constitutional safeguards, numerous laws, and international commitments, India still struggles to create an ecosystem where every child can grow free from exploitation, neglect, and fear. The responsibility of modern India toward its children, therefore, is not a matter of charity or policy convenience—it is a matter of justice and nation-building.
India’s approach to child rights has its roots in both moral philosophy and constitutional ideals. The framers of the Constitution envisioned a country where every individual, regardless of age, would enjoy the right to equality, dignity, and freedom. The Constitution, through Articles 14, 15, 21, 21A, 24, and 39, ensures that children are protected from exploitation and that they are provided with opportunities for healthy growth and education. The inclusion of Article 21A in 2002, guaranteeing the right to free and compulsory education for children between six and fourteen years, was a watershed moment. It not only recognized education as a right but also as the foundation for empowerment and equality. Similarly, the Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act, the Juvenile Justice Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Right to Education Act reflect India’s legislative intent to protect its young citizens. Yet, the existence of laws alone cannot ensure justice; what matters is their effective implementation and the creation of a social environment that values childhood itself.
The vision of modern India must therefore reconcile two conflicting realities. On one hand, India presents itself as a rising global power—technologically advanced, economically ambitious, and internationally assertive. On the other hand, the nation continues to witness severe violations of child rights ranging from malnutrition, child labor, and trafficking to violence, neglect, and educational deprivation. The National Crime Records Bureau reveals disturbing figures: crimes against minors, including sexual abuse and trafficking, have increased significantly. According to UNICEF and other international studies, millions of Indian children still suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition, and many remain out of school despite the Right to Education. These statistics represent not just numbers but the silenced dreams of a generation. They challenge the conscience of a society that aspires to progress but often fails to protect its most vulnerable members.
The right to education stands as one of the most powerful instruments for child empowerment, yet its realization remains uneven. While enrollment rates in primary education have improved, dropout rates in secondary education continue to be high, particularly among girls, children from marginalized communities, and those living in rural or conflict-affected regions. Many schools still lack basic infrastructure, qualified teachers, and a safe learning environment. Moreover, education must go beyond literacy—it should foster critical thinking, moral development, and social responsibility. The tragedy of modern India is that despite expanding access, the quality of education remains deeply compromised. Millions of children attend schools where learning outcomes are dismally low, leaving them unprepared for a future that demands skill, creativity, and ethical consciousness. The responsibility of modern India is to bridge this gap—to transform education into an empowering force that nurtures not only intellect but also values.
Another dark shadow that looms over India’s children is child labor. Despite laws prohibiting the employment of children below fourteen years in hazardous sectors, millions continue to toil in unorganized industries, agriculture, and domestic work. Poverty, illiteracy, and social inequality perpetuate this vicious cycle. The issue is not merely economic—it is deeply moral. When a child is forced to work instead of learning, the entire nation loses a piece of its conscience. While policies like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, integrated child development programs, and rural employment initiatives have contributed to reducing child labour indirectly, enforcement mechanisms often remain weak. Many employers exploit legal loopholes, and the lack of awareness in rural areas allows the practice to persist. The challenge before modern India is to move from tokenism to transformation—to create conditions where children are not pushed into labour out of compulsion, but guided into classrooms out of hope.
Equally alarming is the issue of child abuse and exploitation. The rise in cases under the POCSO Act reflects both increased awareness and a disturbing prevalence of sexual crimes against minors. The trauma of abuse leaves scars far beyond the physical—it erodes trust, self-worth, and mental well-being. Unfortunately, social stigma, fear of reprisal, and procedural delays discourage many victims from seeking justice. Rehabilitation and psychological counseling remain insufficient, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. Modern India must therefore focus on building not just laws but systems of care—where families, schools, and communities become safe spaces rather than zones of silence. Strengthening child protection units, sensitizing law enforcement agencies, and ensuring speedy trials are essential steps toward restoring faith in justice. Nutrition and health form the very foundation of child development. Despite economic progress, India still grapples with widespread child malnutrition. According to the National Family Health Survey, a significant proportion of Indian children are underweight or stunted. This is not merely a public health crisis but a social tragedy that undermines the future productivity of the nation. Malnutrition stems from poverty, food insecurity, lack of maternal education, and poor healthcare access. The government’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Poshan Abhiyaan have made significant strides, but gaps in implementation persist. The responsibility of modern India is in ensuring that no child sleeps hungry, that every mother receives prenatal care, and that every village has accessible healthcare. The dream of a strong India begins with the health of its youngest citizens.
A deeper understanding of child rights also demands an engagement with the idea of freedom—freedom from fear, discrimination, and deprivation. Children in conflict zones, border regions, and areas affected by social unrest often face displacement and trauma. Similarly, children from marginalized castes, tribal communities, and minority groups encounter multiple layers of exclusion. Gender-based discrimination continues to deny girls their right to education, nutrition, and dignity. Child marriage, though legally banned, still persists in several parts of the country. The responsibility of modern India, therefore, extends beyond legislation—it must transform mindsets. The fight for child rights is not a bureaucratic exercise; it is a moral revolution that must begin within homes, schools, and communities.
Technology has emerged as both a boon and a challenge in the discourse of child rights. The digital era offers unprecedented opportunities for learning, creativity, and empowerment. Online education, digital libraries, and skill platforms can bridge gaps that geography once created. However, the same technology also exposes children to cyberbullying, online abuse, and addiction. The pandemic highlighted this paradox—while privileged children attended virtual classes, millions were left behind without devices or connectivity. Digital inequality became a new form of educational deprivation. The responsibility of modern India lies in ensuring that technology serves as an equalizer, not a divider. Comprehensive digital literacy, safe online practices, and affordable internet access must become integral parts of child development policy.
The moral compass of a society is often reflected in its collective attitude toward the helpless. Children in need of care and protection—orphans, street children, refugees, and those in conflict with the law—represent the most fragile corners of human existence. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act provides a legal framework for their rehabilitation, yet ground realities show systemic neglect. Many shelters lack proper facilities, trained staff, and psychological support. Adoption processes remain cumbersome, deterring many willing families. It is here that civil society and government must work together to restore the idea of compassionate governance. Every child deserves a family, love, and security—rights that go beyond legal guarantees to touch the very essence of humanity.
The discourse on child rights in modern India cannot be complete without reflecting on the role of citizens themselves. Laws can be drafted, schemes can be launched, and institutions can be built, but without collective moral commitment, they remain hollow. Parents, teachers, communities, and media have an immense role to play in shaping a child-friendly culture. Media must move beyond sensationalism and focus on advocacy, awareness, and accountability. Schools must inculcate values of empathy, respect, and social responsibility from an early age. Citizens must learn to view child welfare not as the government’s burden but as a shared moral duty.
Modern India stands at a crossroads, where demographic advantage can either become a blessing or a burden. The future of the nation depends on the physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being of its children. The vision of a developed India will remain incomplete if millions of children continue to live without education, safety, and dignity. Child rights are not isolated issues—they are intertwined with poverty, gender justice, education, and human development. To protect children is to invest in the soul of the nation itself.
The journey ahead demands not only policy innovation but also moral introspection. India must learn to see every child as an individual with dreams, rights, and potential. The government must ensure that its welfare schemes reach every corner, its schools teach not only facts but compassion, and its laws protect not only bodies but futures. The private sector, too, must recognize its social responsibility—by preventing child labour in supply chains, supporting education, and promoting inclusivity. Above all, society must evolve into one that listens to its children, respects their voices, and guards their innocence.
In the final reflection, the true measure of India’s progress will not be found in skyscrapers or GDP figures but in the smiles of its children. When every child can grow without hunger, study without fear, and dream without limits, only then will modern India truly fulfill its promise. The protection of child rights is not just a constitutional duty—it is the moral foundation of civilization itself. Modern India must rise to this responsibility, for in the laughter of its children lies the melody of its destiny.
(the writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
Dipak Kurmi