Exploring the Operational Framework of Child Welfare in Haryana - Issues and Challenges

Abstract

The concept of Child Welfare deals with the services and the institutions catering physical, social and psychological cover to the child (in need of care and protection), one of the most vulnerable section of society, facing various sufferings due to numerous reasons such as lack of parental care and supervision, poor financial resources and inadequate provision for education although the scope of child welfare is growing wider in developed nations. India is the world’s second most populous country and the share of the child population to that of the total is quite a big number. In India, every child has a right to lead a life with dignity. Moreover, the Constitution of India guarantees fundamental rights to every child implemented through directive principles of state policy. India has a comprehensive legal regime and policy framework to protect the rights and interests of the children, however, greater momentum is required for the effective implementation of these policies and programmes for the well-being of the children by improving their education and nutrition. Already a lot of work has been done by community partners, however, the results are not convincing. The present study is aimed to examine the functioning of the child welfare mechanism and its impact on beneficiaries especially focussed in the Haryana State.
Keywords: child welfare, legislation, welfare machinery, beneficiaries.