Children’s Day 1990

Children’s Day is celebrated on November 14th in India, coinciding with the birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister and an ardent lover of children. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of children in society and the necessity of prioritizing their well-being and development.

Government Efforts and Policies

Since the adoption of the National Policy for Children in 1974, the Indian government has made concerted efforts to ensure an integrated approach to child development. The emphasis on the theme “Survival and Development of Children – First Call of Society” highlights the need for continued focus on children’s issues.

Key Programmes and Initiatives:

1. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS):
   • The largest and most comprehensive program aimed at providing a package of services to children, nursing, and expectant mothers.
   • Services include health check-ups, immunization, nutrition, and education.
2. Balwadi Nutrition Programme:
   • Focuses on providing nutritional support to children in rural and urban slum areas through Balwadis (pre-school centers).
3. Scheme for Children in Need of Care and Protection:
   • Provides support and protection to vulnerable children, ensuring their rights and well-being.
4. National Programme for Control of Diarrhoeal Diseases:
   • Aims to reduce child mortality through initiatives like oral rehydration therapy.
   • Supports the goal of universal immunization for all children by 1990.
5. National Policy on Education (1986):
   • Prioritizes primary education, aiming for universal enrollment and retention of children up to 14 years of age.
   • Proposes free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14 by 1990-95.

Creating Awareness

Various media channels have been engaged to raise awareness about child survival and development. The release of a special postage stamp by the Department of Posts further underscores the importance of child care and serves as a reminder of society’s responsibility towards its youngest members.

Text Courtesy: Ministry of Human Resources Development

For More Information

Read more here:

• Wikipedia: Children’s Day (India)
• Indian Philatelics: National Children’s Day