Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
3. Explain the impact of pandemic on children. Discuss the need for Governments to urgently reach out to children who have lost parents to Covid, with programmes designed with sensitivity. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
As India battles a raging second wave, cases of children losing their parents to Covid-19 are also mounting. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the impact of pandemic on Children and need for the Governments to urgently reach out to children who have lost parents to Covid, with programmes designed with sensitivity.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Various social media posts are getting circulated with details of children who have lost either both their parents or the only living parent to the disease and pleading for them to be adopted.
Body:
Firstly, discuss how Covid has left many orphaned children vulnerable to trafficking.
Discuss that various social media posts are getting circulated with details of children who have lost either both their parents or the only living parent to the disease and pleading for them to be adopted.
Sharing such posts are illegal under Section 80 and 81 of the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, 2015, which prohibit offering or receiving children outside the processes laid down under the Act as well as their sale and purchase. Child Marriages have also increased in the Covid-19 induced lockdown.
Discuss the provisions for Protection of Orphan Children in the country.
Account for the role of government amidst such situation. Point out to the recent initiatives.
Conclusion:
Conclude with role of the government in this direction.
