Children in India

There are approx. 375 millions children in India – more that in any other country.

Over the last 50 years have their living conditions improved but lately it is the other way round and the need for help is great.

36% of the Indian population i.e. about 360 millions people are living under the poverty line according to 1999-2000 statistics.
According to official statistics, the number is ”only” 26%. However, in the state of Bihar, conditions are considerably worse compared to India as a whole.

Childrens’ survival.
10% of Indian children from 0 to 5 years die. That is one in 10 children. Average life age is 58 years.

Childrens’ health.
43 % if Indian children from 0 to 3 years are malnourished.
Every year 800.000 Indian children die from diseases which could be avoided, for example diarrhoea.
Every year 380.000 die from lack of vitamin A, or form iron or iodine deficiency.
Every year 210.000 Indian children are born with dwarfism, or they get blind before school start.
More than half of all Indian children don’t get the necessary vaccinations decided by the government against tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, measles or polio.

Baby care.
It is estimated that India needs 800.000 day nurseries.
There exist 15.000, less that 2% according to 1998-1999 international statistics.

Schools.
It is decided that every Indian child has a right to schooling.
88% of the children are enrolled, but 54% of the children do not complete or do not get at all this elementary education, i.e. 51% of the boys and 59% of the girls.
75% of the teachers don’t teach, 12% of the schools have only one teacher, 58% of the have only 2 class rooms, and 60% of the schools have leaky roofs.

Children’s rights.
India’s constitution states clearly that children are to be protected.
Children especially vulnerable are:

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