The national policy on children was adopted on 22nd August 1974. The policy lay down that the state shall provide adequate services for children, both before and after birth and during the growing stages of their full physical, mental and social development. The measures suggested in the policy includes amongst others, a comprehensive health program, supplementary nutrition for mothers and children, free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14 years, promotion of physical education and recreational activities, especial consideration for weaker section prevention of exploitation of children etc.

The government of India adopted the National Charter of Children on 9th February 2004. The document emphasizes government of India’s commitment to children’s rights to survive, health and nutrition, standards of living, play and leisure, early childhood care, education, protection of the girl child, empowering adolescents, equality of life and liberty, freedom of expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly, the right to a family and the right to be protected from economic exploitation and all forms of abuse.

Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS)

• To improve the nutrition and health status of children below the age of six years and pregnant and lactating mothers
• To lay the foundation for the proper psychological, physical and social development of the child
• To reduce the incidents of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school drop outs
• To achieve effective coordination of policy and implementation among various departments to promote child development
• To enhance the capabilities of mothers to look after the health and nutritional needs of the child through proper health and nutrition education.

• Supplementary Nutrition
• Nutrition and Health Education
• Pre School and Non Formal Education
• Immunization
• Health Check ups
• Referrals

Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)

The scheme was launched in the year 2009-10. The objectives of the scheme are to contribute to the wellbeing of children in difficult circumstances as well as reduction of vulnerabilities to situation and action that lead to abuse, neglect, exploitation, abandonment, separation of children from parents.

Childline is 24 hour toll free emergency outreach telephone service (1098) for children in need of care and protection. At present childline is functioning in 174 cities/districts.

National commission for protection of child rights was set up on 5th March 2007 in accordance with the provision of the protection of Child Rights Act, 2007. Its mission is to protect, promote and defend child rights in India.

National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD)

Popularly known as NIPCCD, an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Women and Child Development is the premier organization devoted to promotion of voluntary action research, training and development in the overall domain of women and child development.

The central adoption and research authority is a autonomous body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It functions as the nodal body of adoption of Indian children and in mandated to monitor and regulate in –country adoptions.