Activists decry slashing of budget for children

New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) Child rights activists on Monday termed the slashing of budgetary provisions for programmes and schemes related to children in the union budget as "scary".

In absolute terms, the children's welfare budget has declined from Rs.81,075.26 crore in 2014-15 to Rs.57,918.51 crore in 2015-16, said Komal Ganotra, director of policy, advocacy and research of Child Rights and You (CRY).

A close look shows a massive cut in Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, mid-day meal scheme, and integrated child development services (ICDS), she said.

"The overall scenario in terms of children's share is that of uncertainty and ambiguity, since it will depend to a large extent on the priority accorded by each state to children's issues and requirements," she said.

Child rights activist Bharti Ali said the slashing of the budget is "scary".

"While it (budget) has increased the allocation for protection of children, it has not invested in primary education," she said.

Thomas Chandy, CEO of Save the Children said: "Our analysis reflects that there are not sufficient provisions for expenditure on schemes that are meant substantially for the welfare of children."

Overall, this year there is a marked decrease in fund allocation towards children. The schemes like Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, and ICDS will receive less money, he said.