Empowering the Future: Ensuring the Rights of Pre-School Children in India Through Legal Reforms

Early Childhood Development (ECD) has emerged as a priority policy issue of national importance, emphasizing Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) within the framework of rights, development, and economic returns outlined.  While India recognizes the significance of ECD in the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), the absence of an enforceable law making ECCE a justiciable right of preschool children in India necessitates a deeper exploration. This study examines international conventions and the Indian constitutional context and draws comparative perspectives to assess the legal frameworks governing preschool children’s rights.

The study underscores the importance of a multi-sectoral approach involving collaboration among policymakers, parents, civil society organizations and the private sector to implement legal reforms effectively. Its findings hold significant implications for stakeholders in promoting and protecting the rights of pre-school children in India, contributing to building a more equitable and just society for all children.