Legislative and Social Measures for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

Abstract

This chapter reviews the legislative and social measures for prevention of child abuse and neglect and includes the essence of all these measures, their strengths and limitations. It starts with discussing about the UN Convention on the rights of the child followed by provisions made in the Indian Constitution. Apart from this, several legislative measures adopted by the government of India are also discussed in the chapter. For example, provisions made in the Indian Penal Code, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act (2015), The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006), The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act (1986), The Immoral Trafficking Act (1956), The National Charter for Children (2003), The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act (2005) and two recent legislative measures like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. Various social welfare policies and measures adopted by the Government of India for prevention of child abuse and neglect with special reference to The Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), Integrated Child Development Service Scheme (ICDS), Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme for Children of Working Mothers, The Rajiv Gandhi Scheme For Empowerment of Adolescent Girls-Sabla (RGSEAG-Sabla) (2011), CHILDLINE, and the latest scheme for prevention of gender discrimination like The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) schemes are discussed in the chapter briefly, explaining their coverage and programme components as well.