The programmes that were initially launched by the government for the welfare of children each dealt with only one problem at a time. There was no coordination among different programmes, and they did not support each other. As a result, the health and general well-being of children and mothers did not show much improvement. For example, the programme of suplementary Nutrition was not supported by health coverage or immunization. While supplementary Nutrition was given to the child, no treatment was given if he got diarrhoea. He was not protected against diseases such as tuberculosis, polie, whooping cough, diphtheria, or tetanus, which could be prevented by immunization. Similartly, a programme for health check-up alone would not improve the condition of the child, if he needed additional nutrition and this was not provided.

The National Policy for Children was adopted by the Government of India in 1974. This Policy declares that children are a “Supremely important asset” of the Nation and that their “nurture and solicitude” are the resposibilityy of the nation. The National Policy for Children states that it shall be the state to provide adequate services for children both before and after birth and during the period of growth to ensure their full physical, mental and social development.

India has a high level policy-making body-The National Children’s Board. The Prime Minister is the President of this Board. The Board provides policy and direction and reviews programmes for children.