Source: TH
Context:
The State of the World’s Children (SWOC) 2025 report by UNICEF highlights persistent child deprivation in India despite global improvements in child welfare. India carries one of the largest burdens of multidimensionally deprived children, with gaps in education, health, nutrition, sanitation, housing, and water access.
Key Highlights of the Report:
Key Global Findings
- Approximately 417 million children (1 in 5) are severely deprived in at least two critical areas.
- 118 million children face three or more deprivations, and 17 million endure four or more.
- Most common deprivation: lack of adequate sanitation, affecting 65% of children in low-income countries.
- Progress has slowed: the share of children with at least one severe deprivation fell from 51% in 2013 to 41% in 2023, but gains are uneven.
- Vulnerable groups (very young, disabled, conflict- or climate-affected) face disproportionate deprivation.
Regional & Country-Level Insights
- Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia account for the highest concentrations of multi-dimensional child poverty.
- In many countries, deprivation is structural, reflecting gaps in access to services and basic infrastructure rather than only low income.
Scale of Child Deprivation in India
- 206 million Indian children face at least one deprivation.
- 62 million children experience two or more deprivations, indicating deep structural inequities.
- Vulnerabilities are compounded by climate change, conflict, and potential development-aid cuts, which could result in:
- 4.5 million additional under-five deaths by 2030
- 6 million children pushed out of school by next year
Budgetary Allocation vs. Implementation Gaps
- Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹26,890 crore to the Ministry of Women & Child Development, including:
- ₹21,960 crore for Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0
- ₹1,500 crore for Mission Vatsalya
- Ministry’s share in central expenditure fell from 0.96% in 2015–16 to 0.5% in 2025–26, showing limited prioritisation of child welfare.
- Implementation challenges:
- Delays in upgrading anganwadi infrastructure
- Shortages of trained frontline staff
Structural Inequities and Vulnerabilities
- Digital exclusion limits access to online learning and skill-building.
- Urban slums face malnutrition, unsafe housing, pollution, and disrupted schooling.
- Climate change disproportionately affects the poorest, disrupting services and displacing families.
Role of States: Kerala as a Model
- Kerala leverages panchayati raj institutions and community-based organisations (CBOs) at anganwadi level.
- CBOs actively engage local communities and ward members, improving child welfare outcomes.
- Demonstrates how community-owned initiatives can strengthen child rights and service delivery.
Recommendations for India (Aligned with UNICEF’s Five-Point Framework)
- National Mission on Child Poverty: Treat child welfare as a priority.
- Universal digital access for learning and information.
- Stronger social protection and public services to reach the last mile.
- Enhance frontline workforce: Timely fund disbursement, fully functional anganwadis, and on-the-spot inspections.
- Technology-driven interventions for real-time monitoring and accountability.
- Cross-ministry and state coordination to maximize impact.
Implications
- India’s demographic dividend depends on children being healthy, educated, and safe.
- Without systemic reforms, millions will remain unserved, unseen, and unheard, limiting the country’s long-term progress.
- Stronger systems at both central and state levels are essential to translate policies into tangible outcomes.
