The Universal Children's Day is observed on the birth day of late Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, a great lover of children. This day reminds us that children need us and they should be a focus of all our activities. Though there has been consistent effort on the part of Government of India, after adoption in 1974 of the National Policy for Children, to provide for an integrated approach to child Development, even then a greater emphasis has been laid on the subject by adopting the theme "Survival and Development of Children- First Call of Society" selected for this year. To achieve this Governmet has launched many programmes such as Integrated Child Development Services, Balwadi Nutrition Programme, Scheme for Children In Need and Care and Protection etc. etc.

Out of these ICDS is the largest and most comprehensive programme providing a package of services to children and nursing as well as exceptant MOTHERS. A National Programme for control of diarrhoeal diseases- "The Achievement of Goal of Universal Immunisation For All by 1990" - oral re-hydration therapy have been taken up in all re-hydration therapy have been taken up in all districts of the country which would reduce child morality.

National Policy for Education adopted in 1986 has laid highest prority to primary education and has given thrust to elementary education by placing emphasis of universal enrollment and retention of children up to 14 years age. It is proposed that by 1990-95 all children would be provided free and compulsory education up to 14 years of age. All kinds of media channels have been engaged to create awareness for child survival and development.

The release of this postage stamp will further create awareness amongst the masses to remind them for the care of the child. To commemorate the occasion the Department of Posts is happy to issue a special stamp.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India