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@article{194157,
        author = {Adv.Sanjay Lala Salunke},
        title = {Regulatory Vacuum in Pre-Primary Education and Child Protection in India},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {10},
        pages = {2864-2867},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=194157},
        abstract = {Early childhood education represents one of the most critical stages in a child's developmental trajectory. The period between birth and six years of age significantly influences cognitive development, emotional stability, and social behaviour. Despite its importance, the regulatory framework governing pre-primary education in India remains fragmented and inadequate. While statutory frameworks exist for elementary and secondary education, early childhood education institutions such as pre-schools and play schools operate within a largely unregulated domain.
This research paper examines the regulatory vacuum governing pre-primary education in India with particular focus on child protection, institutional accountability, and constitutional obligations of the State. The study analyses constitutional provisions, statutory frameworks, judicial pronouncements, and select state-level regulatory initiatives to determine whether the existing legal framework sufficiently safeguards children enrolled in early childhood education institutions.
The paper argues that the commercialization of pre-primary education, coupled with the absence of uniform safety standards and licensing requirements, poses serious risks to child welfare. It further contends that the State has a constitutional obligation to ensure that early childhood educational environments are safe, developmentally appropriate, and ethically governed. The paper concludes by recommending the enactment of a comprehensive central legislative framework regulating pre-primary education and establishing robust child protection mechanisms.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {March},
        }