Child Poverty in India - Regional Variation, Determinants and Policy Options

Abstract

This paper reveals the extent, forms and causes of pervasive child poverty in contemporary India. Child poverty in India is multifaceted. The occurrence of child marriage in India in large magnitude is an issue of concern. Child sex ratio, defined as number of females per 1000 male in the age group of 0-6 years, consistently exhibits a declining trend. Regional disparity in child deprivation has been brought to light by India's official statistics. Many children in India suffer from severe malnutrition. Large-scale child mortality is a blemish on democratic India. Household survey undertaken in a cluster of villages in west Bengal in 2011-12 finds household poverty as push factor for occurrence of child labour in home- based tobacco work. Dependence of the families on child labour income must be stopped through economic empowerment of child labour families. Self-employment programme and wage employment in public works for the adult members can significantly reduce the dependence on child labour income for family sustenance. Compulsory and free quality education for all children should be provided along with free health care and nutrition at schools. Public action, therefore, must focus on elimination of child poverty. Anti-poverty programmes should be child-focussed