Child rights policies need better implementation: NGO

Effective implementation of policies on child rights continues to be a challenge and more commitment from the government and the civil society is needed for results, an NGO said Wednesday.

"It is time we put our robust looking policies into action and ensure effective implementation to bring about a lasting change for children and their rights," NGO Child Rights and You (CRY) said in a statement.

On the eve of the 67th Independence Day, the NGO said: "We need to translate our policies for children into effective change on ground."

Puja Marwaha, CEO, CRY said: "Child development is serious business which requires not only great vision but also commitment by the government and citizens."

The NGO also said that children should not be seen as objects of sympathy, but as citizens with the same rights like any of us.

"Children in our country are still out of school, unhealthy, malnourished, abused, trafficked and legally allowed to work even before they are officially recognised as adults," the NGO said.

As per the NGO, almost 40 per cent of children are underweight and 45 percent were stunted due to malnourishment.