Rights of Children

Rights of Children under the Indian Constitution

In the Indian Constitution, the chapter entitled "Directive Principles of State Policy," sets out certain fundamental obligations of the State. The Directive Principles of State Policy to be followed by the State for the welfare of the children are as follows :

Article 39 requires the State to direct its policy :

• To protect the health and strength of children and, to ensure that they are not forced by economic necessity to enter vocations, unsuited to their age or strength.

• To ensure that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and, in conditions of freedom and dignity and, that their childhood and youth are protected against exploitation and, against moral and material abandonment.

Article 45 requires the State to make provision for free and compulsory education for all children until they complete the age of 14 years.