From Worship to Protection: Reclaiming the Rights of India’s Children

In a land where children are worshipped as divine during festivals like Navratri or Krishna Janmashtami, it is a grim paradox that millions of them continue to face abuse, exploitation, and systemic neglect. This contradiction was at the heart of a compelling presentation delivered by Khushi Yadav and Aditya Mishra, BALLB students from the Faculty of Law, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith University, Varanasi, during their internship with People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR).

Titled “India’s Children: From Worship to Exploitation – A Legal Reality Check”, the presentation was developed with conceptual guidance from Shruti Nagvanshi and technical support from Anand Prakash, and served as a powerful appeal to both conscience and action.

📊 Why This Matters

India is home to over 472 million children—almost 40% of its population. While they represent the nation’s future, a staggering number face violations of their basic rights:

• 162,449 crimes against children were reported in 2022 (NCRB).

• 53% of children have faced some form of sexual abuse (MWCD, 2007).

• India ranks 3rd globally in online child sexual abuse content (Interpol, 2022).

• 10.1 million child labourers were recorded as per Census 2011.

Most of these violations occur in spaces that are meant to be safe—homes, schools, and workplaces—yet silence, shame, and lack of legal awareness persist.

🧒 What the Law Says

The presentation covered key legal frameworks, including:

• POCSO Act, 2012: Protection from sexual offences and child-friendly procedures

• Juvenile Justice Act, 2015: Focus on care, protection, and rehabilitation

• RTE Act, 2009: Free and compulsory education for ages 6–14

• PCMA, 2006: Prohibition and penalties for child marriage

• Bonded Labour Abolition Act, 1976: Prohibition of bonded and forced child labour

Despite these protections, lack of awareness and accessibility remain critical gaps.

🚨 Voices Silenced Too Soon

Children often don’t report abuse due to:

• Fear of punishment or disbelief

• Emotional dependence on the abuser

• Lack of safe reporting options

• Shame and cultural stigma

This silence protects the abuser—and must be broken.

✅ Two Powerful Suggestions from the Interns

Khushi and Aditya shared two critical, actionable recommendations:

1. Include CHILDLINE (1098) in All School Books
   Just as it is done in NCERT textbooks, all school books—across boards and states—should prominently display the 1098 helpline so children can access emergency support.

2. Parent Education at Community Level
   Parents are the first line of protection for every child. Awareness sessions in communities can help them recognize abuse, understand their legal duties, and support children better.

💡 Realistic Solutions Shared

• Legal education modules in schools

• Community Child Protection Committees

• Sensitization for parents, teachers, and police

• Safe spaces in educational and care institutions

• Awareness on constitutional and legal rights of children

🎯 Final Reflection

“A child who is hurt, silenced, or exploited is not just a victim — they are a test of our justice system, our society, and our humanity.”

Khushi and Aditya’s powerful presentation didn’t just shed light on the problem—it offered tools, laws, and pathways for concrete action. It challenged us to go beyond ritualistic worship of children and truly protect their rights and dignity.

🚩 Mission Shakti and JanMitra Nyas’ Role

In alignment with this urgent call to action, the Government of Uttar Pradesh launched Mission Shakti—a state-wide campaign focused on gender awareness, safety, and empowerment among the young population. The initiative reached schools and colleges, starting from class 9 onwards, and conducted intensive awareness programs.

JanMitra Nyas (JMN) actively participated in this vital campaign and successfully reached out to over 200,000 children and young people in schools and colleges across Varanasi. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to building a society where children and youth are aware, empowered, and protected.

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