text xu| 2007 continuing ng p.87-101. Development indices show that India neglects the early care and development of children, especially those under the age of six. the recently released report of the third National Family Health Survey shows that progress in the improvement of their condition is very slow. These children receive very little attention in the media, political debates or Parliament. This paper prepares a framework for the Eleventh Plan that urges the government to priorities policies towards children under the age of six to protect their rights and ensure a better future for them. - Reproduced. Children - India Child welfare - India Child welfare Economic and Political Weekly 180718