Recently, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the fourth issue of the publication titled “Children in India 2025” during the 29th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organizations (CoCSSO) in Chandigarh.

About the Publication

• Publisher: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
• Title: Children in India 2025 – 4th edition since 2008
• Nature: Ad-hoc publication on the status and well-being of children in India
• Focus Areas: Education, health, nutrition, child protection, etc.
• Data Source: Secondary data from various Government Ministries, Departments, and Organizations

Key Highlights of the Publication

• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Declined from 44 (2011) to 25 per 1,000 live births (2023); male infants slightly higher at 26.
  • IMR refers to the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births in a given year.
• Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR): Improved to 29 in 2023, with rural areas at 33 and urban areas at 20.
• Dropout Rate: Secondary school dropout reduced from 13.8% (2022-23) to 8.2% (2024-25); preparatory and middle-level dropouts also declined sharply.
• Early Marriage: Percentage of women aged 20–24 married before 18 reduced from 26.8% (2015-16) to 23.3% (2019-21).
• Adoption Trends: In-country adoptions increased to 4,155 (2024-25), with female children adopted more frequently than males.
• Gender Parity in Education: Gender norms affect career prospects and work equality. The Gender Parity Index (GPI), based on GER and population-adjusted, shows national parity across all education stages in 2024-25, with secondary level highest at 1.1.
• High Triglycerides Among Children: Over one-third of Indian children aged 5–9 years have high triglyceride levels, increasing risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity later in life.
  • States with Highest Prevalence: West Bengal (67%), Sikkim (64%), Nagaland (55%), Assam (57%), Jammu & Kashmir (50%)
  • States with Lowest Prevalence: Kerala (16.6%), Maharashtra (19.1%).
  • Among adolescents, 16% have high triglycerides, indicating early onset of lifestyle-related health risks.
• Hypertension Among Teenagers: About 5% of Indian teenagers are hypertensive; highest in Delhi (10%), followed by Uttar Pradesh (8.6%), Manipur (8.3%), Chhattisgarh (7%).
  • Reflects emerging cardiovascular risks among youth.
• Neonatal Mortality Causes: 48% of newborn deaths linked to prematurity and low birth weight, followed by birth asphyxia and trauma (16%) and pneumonia (9%).
  • Indicates need for enhanced maternal and neonatal care.
• Literacy Rate: 63.1% of children and adolescents are literate.
  • Age-Specific Literacy: 
    • Boys 7–9: 80%, 10–14: 92%, 15–19: 91%
    • Girls 7–9: 81.2%, 10–14: 90%, 15–19: 86.2%.
  • Shows progress in universal education and gender equity.
• Increase in Crime Against Children: Crime incidence (Indian Penal Code & Special and Local Laws) against children rose from 128,531 (2020) to 162,449 (2022).
  • The proportion of crime per 100,000 children is increasing between 2015–2022.
  • Violence Against Children: Includes physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect; occurs at home, in schools, and institutions.
  • Gender Risk: Boys and girls equally at risk of physical and emotional abuse; girls at higher risk of sexual abuse.
  • High-Risk Groups: Children with disabilities, in extreme poverty, refugees/migrants, in institutional care, and marginalized social groups (including diverse sexual orientations/gender identities).
• Additional Indicators: The publication includes new data on causes of death, mobile and device usage, and overall performance comparisons, enhancing policy relevance.

Definition of Children

• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC, 1989): “A child means every human being below the age of 18 years, unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.”
• Indian Laws:
  • Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986: Defines a child as a person who has not completed 14 years of age.
  • Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Defines a child as a person who has not completed 18 years of age.
  • Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Applies to children aged 6–14 years.
• Population & Demographics: Children under 14 years constitute 26% of India’s population, necessitating targeted interventions in health, education, and protection.

Key Challenges Facing Children in India

• Health & Nutrition: Malnutrition, stunting, and micronutrient deficiencies are widespread, especially in rural and tribal areas, hindering children’s physical and cognitive development. Additionally, high triglycerides and hypertension among children indicate rising cardiovascular risks.
• Education: Dropout rates remain high, particularly in marginalized areas, with gender disparities limiting girls’ access to education and career opportunities. The digital divide hampers e-learning in rural regions.
• Child Protection: Children face violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in homes, schools, and institutions, with high-risk groups (e.g., disabled, refugees) more vulnerable to exploitation.
• Gender Inequality: Cultural norms restrict girls’ education and career opportunities, and early marriage remains prevalent, though it has decreased from 26.8% (2015–16) to 23.3% (2019–21).
• Child Labour & Trafficking: Despite progress, child labour, early marriage, and trafficking persist, particularly affecting street children and those in institutional care.
• Infant & Child Mortality: Infant mortality has declined but remains higher for male infants. The under-five mortality rate in rural areas (33) is significantly higher than in urban areas (20).
• Adoption Trends: In-country adoptions have increased, with female children being adopted more often, reflecting gender preferences in adoption practices.

Significance of Investing in Children for Sustainable Development

• Foundation for Future Progress: Children are the building blocks of a nation’s future; ensuring their health, education, and protection directly impacts the social and economic development of society.
• Human Capital Development: Investing in children’s health and nutrition creates a healthier, more capable workforce, driving economic growth and fostering sustainable development.
• Empowerment through Education: Providing quality education to children unlocks opportunities for empowerment, economic independence, and gender equality, breaking the cycle of poverty.
• Social and Emotional Growth: Protecting children from violence, abuse, and neglect is essential for fostering their mental, emotional, and psychological well-being, allowing them to grow into resilient, empathetic adults.
• Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Addressing issues like child labour, early marriage, and gender inequality empowers children, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, ensuring they have equal opportunities for education and social participation.
• Children at the Core of SDGs: Children’s rights to education, healthcare, and protection are central to achieving global development goals, including no poverty, zero hunger, quality education, and gender equality.
• Ensuring Long-Term Prosperity: The well-being of children ensures long-term societal prosperity by creating healthier, educated, and productive citizens, which drives national growth and sustainability.

Steps Taken to Address Children’s Issues

Way Forward

• Expand Health, Nutrition, and Education Coverage: Focus on tribal and marginalized regions to ensure universal access to quality health, nutrition, and education, improving child survival and learning outcomes.
• Strengthen Digital Monitoring and Child Budgeting: Implement real-time digital dashboards using systems like UDISE+ and SRS to track child indicators, while using child budgeting to ensure optimized resource allocation for child welfare.
• Conduct Awareness Campaigns: Promote gender equality, early marriage prevention, and children’s rights through outreach programs in schools, communities, and media, fostering a more inclusive society.
• Align National and State SDG Targets: Integrate SDGs into national and state planning to ensure equitable and inclusive child development, with improved policy coordination.
• Promote Community Participation and International Cooperation: Engage parents, local bodies, NGOs, and international agencies to strengthen child welfare programs and ensure collaborative implementation of global best practices.
• Targeted Action for Children’s Rights and Vulnerabilities: Focus on children’s rights by addressing vulnerabilities such as disability and marginalization, ensuring equal opportunities for all children.
• Empower Children as Stakeholders: Empower children to participate in decision-making regarding SDGs and child-focused policies, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping their future.

Conclusion

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” – John F. Kennedy

• Ensuring children’s education, health, nutrition, and protection not only safeguards constitutional rights but also advances SDGs 3, 4, 5, and 16. Through targeted policies, digital monitoring, and community participation, India can enhance child well-being, promote equity, and build India’s future human capital.

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