Abstract:

Invisible Childhood: Understanding the Lives of Destitute Children explores the largely overlooked realities of children who grow up without stable family support, adequate care, or access to basic rights. Despite their significant numbers, these children remain socially invisible due to systemic neglect, stigma, and minimal representation in policy frameworks and academic discourse. Their lives are shaped by multiple, overlapping vulnerabilities—extreme poverty, homelessness, child labour, abuse, and the absence of educational and healthcare opportunities—which hinder their overall development and restrict their chances of upward social mobility.
At the same time, the study underscores the resilience and coping strategies that enable many of these children to maintain hope and aspirations for a better future. The Constitution of India acknowledges the vulnerability of children and affirms their right to protection. In line with the principle of protective discrimination, Article 15 mandates special attention to children through specific laws and policies designed to safeguard their rights. Furthermore, the rights to equality, life and personal liberty, and protection against exploitation, as guaranteed under Articles 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 23, and 24, reaffirm India’s commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of all citizens, including children.
The Directive Principles of State Policy further emphasise that the state must safeguard the health and strength of workers—both men and women—and protect children from exploitation and from being forced by economic necessity into unsuitable vocations. They also call for ensuring that children are provided opportunities to grow in a healthy environment, with freedom and dignity, while being protected against both moral and material neglect. In addition, the state is directed to strive toward universal early childhood care and education for all children up to the age of six years.
 

Keywords:

Invisible childhood, marginalised children, family disintegration, social stigma, child labour, community neglect, emotional deprivation, child rights, right to education, rehabilitation & reintegration

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