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Needs and Rights of Children

treatment, social re-integration, by adopting a child- friendly approach in the
adjudication and disposal of matters in the best interest of children and for their
Notes rehabilitation through processes provided, and institutions and bodies established
therein which will adopt child friendly processes.

3.3.9 Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
Everyone has a role to play in protecting children. Parents, schools, communities,
police, courts, medical professionals, NGOs, Child Welfare Committees, District
Child Protection Units, the media
among others are responsible for The National Commission for Protection
creating an environment in which of Child Rights (NCPCR) was constituted
children feel safe and protected. in 2007 under the Commission for
The Protection of Children from Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.
Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, The Commission’s mandate is to ensure
2012 was enacted by the that all Laws, Policies, Programme, and
Government of India to provide an Administrative Mechanisms and in
extremely strong legal framework consonance with Child Rights perspective
for the protection of children from as enshrined in the constitution of India
offences of sexual assault, sexual and also the UN Convention on the
harassment and pornography, while Rights of the Child. As defined by the
safeguarding the interest of the commission, a child includes those up to
child at every stage of the judicial the age of 18 years.
process, by incorporating child–friendly mechanisms for reporting, recording of
evidence, investigation and speedy trial of offences through designated Special
Courts. The law defines a child as anyone below the age of 18 years and does
not differentiate between a boy or girl child victim. The National Commission
for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has been mandated to monitor the
implementation of POCSO Act, 2012.

3.3.10 Regulatory Guidelines for Private Play Schools

The NCPCR has developed Regulatory Guidelines for Private Play Schools for
children of the age of three to six years. The main objectives of the guidelines
are to bring inclusiveness and uniformity in all educational institutions providing
pre-school education, to prevent violation of child rights and abuse against such
children, to achieve national and international commitment of pre-school
education for preparing them for primary education and finally to remove
ambiguity in the early childhood education (ECE) system in India by giving
recognition for establishing or regulating such institutions.

3.3.11 Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE), 2009
The Constitution of India provides free and compulsory education to all children
in the age group of six to 14 years. 'Free education' means that no child shall

40 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION