The Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation welcomes the 15 per cent hike in the budget for the Ministry for Women and Child Development for child protection. However, in the wake of the targeted action-plan to realise the Sustainable Development Goal to eliminate child labour by 2025, it is unfortunate that budget for the Ministry of Labour has been not been increased.
The Union Budget 2018 attempts to get closer to realising the dream for a Digital India by increasing digital intensity. The emphasis on bettering the quality of education by investing in educational infrastructure is a step in the positive direction. Investment in education will construct the safety net that will prevent our children from falling into the trap of exploitation and violence. The increase in the budget of the Child Protection Scheme is a reaffirmation of our commitment to protect our children. If these schemes are implemented properly, they will benefit our children at the grass-root level. Today, we reiterate that investing in children is not only a moral and social imperative, but also an economic investment of guaranteed return. New India will only be a reality if we invest in India’s children today.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)
