The Ministry of Women and Child Development has drafted the National Policy for Children 2012 and has sought comments from the general public. The revised draft policy reaffirms the government's commitment towards children and addresses the new challenges, seeking to realize the full potential of children’s rights throughout the country. It defines a child as a person below eighteen years of age, and acknowledges the inalienable and inherent rights of the child and aims to realize the full range of child rights for all children in the country. The draft Policy can be accessed on its website www.wcd.nic.in.

AIR correspondent reports, the first National Policy on Children was formulated in 1974. The first policy of 1974 described children as a supremely important asset and made the state responsible for providing them equal opportunities for growth and development of all children. The policy primarily focused on health and education of the children.
According to the revised draft policy, a multi-dimensional, integrated and inclusive approach is necessary for the overall and harmonious development and protection of children, which acknowledges their heterogeneity and different needs. The policy also states that children, especially girls, are free to express their views and their voices are heard and their opinions are respected in all matters affecting them in any way they are able to communicate, in particular judicial and administrative proceedings and interactions, in accordance with their age, maturity and evolving capacities.