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Needs and Rights of Children

be liable to pay any kind of fee or charges or expenses which may prevent her/
him from pursuing and completing elementary education. 'Compulsory education'
means it is the responsibility of the appropriate Government and local authorities Notes
to provide free elementary education and ensure admission, attendance and
completion of elementary education by all children in this age group. RTE
provides for children’s rights to an education that is free from fear, stress and
anxiety. The draft of National Education Policy, 2019 recommends extending
the sphere of RTE Act to include early childhood education and secondary
school education. The proposed recommendation would extend the coverage
of the Act to all the children between the ages of three to 18 years.

3.3.12 Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), 2009

The Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) is a centrally sponsored scheme
launched in 2009. It aimed at ensuring protective environment for children in
difficult circumstances, and other vulnerable children. ICPS brings together
multiple existing child protection schemes of the Ministry under one comprehensive
umbrella, and integrates additional interventions for protecting children and
preventing harm. ICPS, therefore, institutionalizes essential services and
strengthens structures, enhances capacities at all levels, creates database and
knowledge base for child protection services, strengthens child protection at
family and community level, ensures appropriate inter-sectoral response at all
levels. The scheme set up a child protection data management system to
formulate and implement effective intervention strategies and monitor their
outcomes. Regular evaluation of the programmes and structures are conducted
and course correction is undertaken.

3.3.13 The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 came into force in 2007. The object
of the Act is to prohibit solemnization of child marriage and connected and
incidental matters. To ensure that child marriage is eradicated from society, the
Government of India enacted the Prevention of Child Marriage Act 2006 by
replacing the earlier legislation of Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929. This new
Act is armed with enabling provisions to prohibit for child marriage, protect
and provide relief to the victim and enhance punishment for those who abet,
promote or solemnize such marriages. This Act also calls for the appointment
of Child Marriage Prohibition Officer for whole or a part of a State by the State
government.

3.3.14 Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 1994
Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 1994 (amended in
2002) was passed to stop female foeticide and control the declining sex ratio
in the country. The Act banned the use of sex selection techniques before and

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 41