Page 7 - Final Lesson-2.pmd

Early Childhood in India

At times, single women face discrimination and subsequently children also feel
the brunt of their mother’s social positioning. Women who have lost their husband
Notes face violence and humiliation at times,from their husband’s families as well as
in their own. They are commonly denied inheritance rights, and often forced to
live on their own. As sole breadwinners of their families, they struggle to provide
for their children and constitute a large percentage of the marginally employed
and unemployed. Upbringing of children of such women is also compromised
as a result of poor economic status and facilities.

Other family configurations include adopted children. In case of finding home
for abandoned children, care should be taken to create a responsive and loving
environment. In some situations, there are alternate families with children being
adopted or born through surrogacy or In vitro fertilization.

2.2.2.4 Children with Disabilities

Children with disabilities are among the most marginalized and excluded groups
in the society. Many do not complete primary or higher education. An effort is
being made by both government and private schools to bring children with
disabilities into the mainstream. Families will need to address the special
requirements of children who have special conditions. Often, there is need for
extra care by parents. Children who are not disabled often need counseling to
understand the differences in ability and learn to reach out to all with empathy.

2.2.2.5 Migrants

There are an estimated four to six million children who are victims of migration.
Employed in the unorganised sector, semi-skilled and unskilled migrants are
vulnerable. These range from exclusion from access to basic services and
livelihood support, exploitative working conditions (i.e. denial of minimum wages
and non-payment of wages, lack of social security and bargaining power), gender-
based wage discrimination, and the denial of maternity rights and access to
childcare services (with implications for child welfare). Seasonal migration is
also particularly disruptive for children, often leading to denial of a child’s right
to education.

So, the status of children varies in terms of demography based on opportunity
and social geography (location and social position). In our country,there is a
wide range of circumstances in which children lead their lives. The statistics and
social attitudes reveal that the present state of affairs is not equal for all children.
A lot needs to be done to provide wholesome care to develop their potential to
the fullest.

18 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION