Question map
The National Policy for Children, 2013 recognizes every person as a child below the age of:
Explanation
The National Policy for Children (NPC), 2013, which was adopted by the Government of India on April 26, 2013, explicitly recognizes every person below the age of eighteen years as a child [3]. This definition aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which India ratified in 1992 [4]. The policy covers all children within the territory and jurisdiction of India and emphasizes a multisectoral approach to secure their rights in four key priority areas: survival, health, and nutrition; education and development; protection; and participation [1]. While other Indian laws like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act or Article 24 of the Constitution focus on children below 14 years for specific protections against hazardous work, the 2013 Policy adopts the broader 18-year threshold to ensure comprehensive development and protection for all minors [2].
Sources
- [1] https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=118660
- [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > Fli Prohibition of Employment of Children in Factories, etc. > p. 93
- [4] https://nja.gov.in/Concluded_Programmes/2021-22/SE-07_2022_PPTs/1.Child%20Rights.pdf
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 60: National Commission for Protection of Child Rights > ESTABLISHMENT > p. 484