Save the Children, CRY not happy with budget for underprivileged children

Save the Children had expected much more to reach “every last child” to counter the inter-generational deprivations they continue to face.

With India urbanizing at a very fast pace, Save the Children has stressed that the urban deprived and, in particular, children in street situations also be included into the disadvantaged social groups with requisite support to them for education, nutrition and protection.

Thomas Chandy, CEO of Save the Children, said: “While the Government kept issues of children at the core of the Union Budget 2018-19, the provisions to bring about positive change for children have been less than we expected.”  

“Much more needs to be done for the welfare, development and protection of underprivileged children" he added.

It said the share of education within child budget has increased by 0.93 per cent but within the union budget it has reduced by 3.69 per cent. There has been enhanced budgets for Scheduled Tribes and scholarships for minorities, backward classes -- largely at the post-matric level, while most of the drop outs happen at the elementary level itself, it said.

Komal Ganotra, the Director of Policy, Advocacy and Research at CRY, said: “This Union Budget has prioritized social sectors including health and education, with grand announcements by the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley such as National Health Protection Scheme and RISE initiative for Higher Education. However, the same does not hold true for India’s 472 million children."

"The total Budget for Children remains stagnant at 3.23% with 79088 crore allocated for children over last year’s allocation of 71305 crore (an 11% increase)."

“The Finance Minister categorically recognised the need for moving towards achieving quality education as well as strengthening inclusion in public education through increased numbers of Eklavya schools. There was clear mention of modernizing education through bringing in technology-based initiatives though details are eagerly awaited," she added.

Image: Unicef India