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The Constitution of India in Article 39 of the Directive Principles of State Policy pledges that "the State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing that the health and strength of workers, men and women, and the tender age of children are not abused, and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their age or strength, that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner, and in conditions of freedom and dignity, and that childhood and youth are protected against exploitation, and against moral and Material abandonment."
“ It shall be the policy of the state to provide adequate services to children, both before and after birth and through the period of growth to ensure their full physical, mental and social development.”
The Government of India has taken measures to protect and promote the Girl Child. It has announced its “ Education for all” campaign which is to reach 19-24 million children in the age group 6-14, of whom 60 percent are girls.
A national plan of action for the girl child in 1991-2000 was also announced. This plan seeks to prevent female foeticide and infanticide, eliminate gender discrimination, provide safe drinking water and food, rehabilitate and protect girls from exploitation, assault and abuse. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) collectively observed 1990 as the year of Girl Child and1991-2000 as SAARC Decade of the Girl Child.
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Participants