NEW DELHI (TIP): The Law Commission of India on Wednesday recommended amending the Constitution to ensure that children below six years of age are protected from “all forms” of neglect, harm and exploitation.

The Commission also recommended that their right to basic care and assistance be made an enforceable right, while noting that the current legal framework in India does not place enough emphasis on the rights of young children.

It said that the early childhood is the phase of “maximum vulnerability” and deprivation can seriously impact a child’s health and learning potential.

The Commission, in its report submitted to the Law Ministry today, also recommended amendments to the Right to Education Act, Maternity Benefit Act and creation of a statutory authority for early childhood development to ensure “proper emphasis” on the promotion of early childhood development.