Laws and policies that protect and empower India's girl child
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Laws and policies that protect and empower India's girl child

In India, being a girl child is challenging. She is subjected to discrimination and humiliation from the moment she is born, and often even before she is born

Post by on Monday, January 24, 2022

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NATIONAL GIRL CHILD DAY

 

Every year on January 24, India commemorates National Girl Child Day. The goal of the day is to draw attention to the disparities that girls suffer, to promote girls' education, health, and nutrition, and to raise awareness about their rights. The day was initially observed in 2008 as a joint effort of the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Indian government.

The theme of National Girl Child Day for 2022 is “Empowering Girls for a Brighter Tomorrow“. Definitely the girls must be given the opportunity not only to show their hidden talent but also to live their life with full freedom.

On National Girl Child Day, here are some laws & policies that safeguard & strengthen India's Girl Child. In India, being a girl child is challenging. She is subjected to discrimination and humiliation from the moment she is born, and often even before she is born. We should be aware of the rights that safeguard a girl child from all forms of abuse in this terrible situation.

The law prohibits the marriage of minors

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2006 includes both civil and criminal prohibitions to prevent child marriage and protect children's rights. While the Act gives relief to the child entering the marriage, it also punishes adults who enter into, perform, conduct, or direct child marriages.

 

Termination of pregnancy without the consent of the pregnant woman is punishable by law

In certain places of India, the sex of the foetus is still determined, and female foeticide is still practised. However, according to section 3(4)(b) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (1971), "no pregnancy must be terminated unless with the agreement of the pregnant lady." In this case, the husband's consent is irrelevant. So, if a husband wants an abortion but his wife does not, she has the legal right to carry the pregnancy to term.

 

Until the age of 14, every girl child has the right to free and mandatory schooling

All children between the ages of 6 and 14 have the right to elementary education (classes 1-8) in a neighborhood school under the Right of Children to Free and  Compulsory Education Act of 2009. A child cannot be delayed in any class until they have completed primary school, according to the RTE Act.

 

 

All pre-natal diagnostic techniques that help in sex selection are banned by law

Medical workers are prohibited from conducting or assisting in the conduct of sex selection under the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act. Only registered clinics will be able to purchase medical equipment related to pregnancies.

 

The law protects girls trapped in brothels for prostitution

Special provisions for the protection, treatment, and rehabilitation of girls under the age of 18 are included in the Juvenile Justice Act. This law protects girls trapped in brothels for the purpose of child prostitution, as well as anyone living an immoral, alcoholic, or filthy lifestyle. Juvenile Welfare Boards handle the issue of neglected girls by providing special protective homes and probation officer monitoring.  

 

Kidnapping or abducting a child under the age of ten is a non-bailable offence Under Indian law, which punishes kidnapping or maiming a juvenile for the purpose of begging under Section 363-A.

 

The procurement of a minor girl for the purpose of unlawful intercourse is illegal

Inducing any juvenile girl under the age of 18 to commit any act with the goal of forcing or seducing her into unlawful intercourse with another person is punishable by up to ten years in jail and a fine.

 

Those involved in the purchase and selling of minor girls for prostitution are subject to punishment under sections 372 and 373 of the Indian Penal Code. In this situation, the punishment might range from a fine to ten years in prison.

 

Every girl child born in India is given financial security

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana intends to give every girl child in India financial stability and independence. The initiative encourages parents and guardians to put money into their daughter's Sukanya Samriddhi account from the moment she is born, for her education and marriage.

 

Adolescent girls are becoming more aware of their health and career options

SABLA, or the Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for the Empowerment of Adolescent Girls, aims to raise knowledge about health, cleanliness, and nutrition among girls aged 11 to 18. It also attempts to help them enhance their personal and professional abilities.

It's probably time for us to put these rights to work making our country a better place for girls.

(Authors are B.A.LL.B and can be reached at jyotijoy20july@gmail.com)

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