Paper short abstract:

Child poverty in India affects nearly one-fourth of children, highlighting age-specific vulnerabilities. This study employs NFHS data, utilizing the MODA and a well-being index to comprehend the interlinkages among various deprivations, well-being statuses and challenges towards SDG fulfilment

Paper long abstract:

Child poverty, particularly acute in developing nations like India, has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, with approximately one-fourth of Indian children under 18 living in extreme poverty. This study examines the multidimensional aspects of child poverty in India, focusing on the vulnerabilities of children in the age group of 0 to 17 years

The consequences of child poverty are far-reaching, leading to violations of child rights such as child labor and early marriages, especially prevalent in rural areas, urban slums, and marginalized communities. Neglecting this segment of society has detrimental effects on communities, societies, and economies, necessitating a dedicated examination of children's deprivations.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive framework for addressing poverty, with specific emphasis on child poverty reduction (SDG 1.2) and establishing social protection systems (SDG 1.3). Additionally, other SDGs related to nutrition, healthcare, education, violence prevention, access to clean water and sanitation, energy access, and fostering peaceful, just, and strong institutions collectively form the framework for combating multidimensional child poverty.

Aligned with the SDGs, this study utilizes data from the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS-4 & NFHS-5) to analyze child poverty in India. Employing the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and the Multidimensional Overlapping Deprivation Approach (MODA), the study adopts a life-cycle perspective, revealing unique challenges for each age group. Further, study has calculated child well being index to understand the state of wellbeing of children across Indian states.

Despite progress in areas like housing, indoor air quality, and sanitation, challenges persist in ensuring adequate nutrition, healthcare, and access to clean water for children. The study underscores the urgent need for safe water sources, toilet facilities and enhanced efforts in nutrition and healthcare provision. While strides have been made in child protection, targeted interventions are needed to address persistent challenges.

The research evaluates progress across Indian states and districts, assessing multidimensional poverty reduction among children in rural and urban settings and across various social strata. By contributing to policy recommendations aligned with the SDGs, the study aims to eradicate child poverty and improve the well-being of India's children. Focusing on age-specific vulnerabilities, it seeks to guide interventions that promote comprehensive development, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable development.