Critical Study on the Legal Policies Relating to Education: With Special Reference to Trafficked Children Living in Childcare Institutions

Abstract

The edifice of the Indian Constitutional order, which is rooted in the ideals of social justice, liberty, equality, and dignity of individual, secures the basic fundamental rights of its citizen without any discrimination. In spite of constitutional guarantees to its citizenry, vulnerable sections of Indian societies are subjected to various forms of exploitation. Amongst those, children are the most susceptible, due to societal indifference, and lack of compassion and empathy, which resulted in large-scale child trafficking in India. Phenomena of child trafficking and its volume pose a serious question about efficacy of existing policies and programmes against it. In India, there are ‘Child Care Institutions’ (CCIs) to look after the well-being and rehabilitation of such children. Unfortunately, not much attention has been paid to strengthening such homes. Under the existing framework, responsibility has been cast on CCIs to oversee the overall growth and development of such institutionalised children. Appropriate education is their only crutch on which they can overcome their physical and psychological trauma and suffering. From the present study, it is evident that educational rights of such children are imperative for the restoration of their life in the true sense. Measures for improving their life are suggested thereof.