Gujarat State Child Protection Policy 2026: Zero-Tolerance Framework Extends Safety to Digital Spaces and Workplaces

Key facts

• Gujarat government announced the Gujarat State Child Protection Policy-2026, effective from its publication in the Gazette, adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards violence, exploitation, abuse, neglect and discrimination against children.
• The policy extends child protection to the online world, addressing risks from the internet, social media and digital technologies, and mandates equal protection irrespective of religion, caste, gender, disability or socio-economic status.
• Special attention is given to vulnerable children, including those who are orphaned, homeless, migrant, trafficked, in institutional care, or affected by disasters and chronic illnesses.
• The framework covers government agencies, local bodies, NGOs, industries, corporate houses, media organisations and religious institutions, with mandatory safety protocols for institutions employing professionals dealing directly with children.
• Training on child rights and laws such as POCSO and the Juvenile Justice Act, along with background and police verification of employees, contractual workers and volunteers, will be strengthened.
• Suspected cases of abuse, child marriage, child labour, trafficking or online abuse must be reported to Child Helpline 1098/112, police or the Child Welfare Committee, with complainant confidentiality protected.
• Hospitals cannot refuse treatment or discriminate against children; institutions with 50 or more employees must provide crèche or mobile crèche facilities, and child-friendly spaces will be promoted at public places.
• Every government department will prepare an annual implementation plan; the Gujarat State Child Protection Society will oversee implementation, the Chief Secretary will conduct an annual review, and the policy will be reviewed every three years.