Children in India

Population and Demographics

India is home to approximately 472 million children aged 0-14 years, making up about 38% of the total population. This demographic is crucial for shaping the nation’s future and highlights the need for targeted policies and interventions.

Source: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 2023

Health and Nutrition

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):

• The infant mortality rate in India stands at around 28 deaths per 1,000 live births as of 2022.
• This represents a significant decrease from previous years but still indicates a need for improved healthcare services.

Source: National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 2019-21

Malnutrition:

• About 35% of children under five years are stunted, and 32% are underweight.
• Malnutrition remains a critical issue, affecting the physical and cognitive development of children.

Source: National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 2019-21

Education

School Enrolment:

• The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for primary education (grades 1-5) is approximately 99%, showing high levels of enrolment.
• However, challenges remain in ensuring quality education and reducing dropout rates.

Source: Ministry of Education, Government of India, 2023

Literacy Rates:

• The literacy rate among children aged 7-14 years is around 94%, reflecting improvements in educational access and attainment.

Source: National Statistical Office (NSO), 2023

Child Protection

Child Labour:

• According to the 2011 Census, there were about 10.1 million child laborers aged 5-14 years.
• Efforts to combat child labor have led to a decrease, but enforcement and rehabilitation remain areas of focus.

Source: Census of India, 2011

Child Abuse and Exploitation:

• Reports indicate that around 53% of children experience some form of violence, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
• Initiatives like the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) aim to address these issues through various protective measures.

Source: National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 2022

Economic Impact

Poverty:

• Approximately 22% of children live below the poverty line, which impacts their access to education, healthcare, and overall quality of life.
• Poverty alleviation programs and economic growth are critical to improving child welfare.

Source: Planning Commission of India, 2023

Sources

• United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 2023
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 2019-21
• Ministry of Education, Government of India, 2023
• National Statistical Office (NSO), 2023
• Census of India, 2011
• National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 2022