Govt defines child as anyone under 18
It seems that the government has arrived at a figure more than five years after the Supreme Court directed the government to formulate a uniform definition of a child. In its new National Policy for Children 2012, the women and child development ministry has recognised a child as a person below the age of 18 years. The new policy, likely to come before the Cabinet soon, reaffirms that every child is unique and a supremely important national asset.
While the Hindu Marriage Act recognises 18 years as the age a girl can marry, according to the Child Labour Act a person can start work at the age of 14 years.
This is the first time that an age limit has been set for a person to be considered a child.
“Now that the age is defined in the new policy for children, we expect the other ministries will also harmonise it and the laws will change gradually,” a senior women and child development ministry official disclosed.
“The draft has been sent to the Cabinet and is likely to come anytime this month. With this, the government reiterates its commitment to safeguard, inform and include, support and empower all children,” WCD minister Krishna Tirath told this newspaper.
The new policy states that children’s views, specially those of girls, children from disadvantaged groups and marginalised communities are to be heard in all matters affecting them, particularly in judicial and administrative proceedings.
According to the new policy, the state shall ensure that only child-safe products and services are available in the country and will put in place mechanisms to enforce safety standards for products and services designed for children.
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