Institutional Treatment for Juveniles in India- A Critical Analysis

India is a home to almost 19 % of the World's children. More than one third of the country's population is below 18 years. The children are considered as the future productive citizens of the country, therefore it is necessary to make them healthier, educated, protected and well developed child. 40% of India's children are vulnerable to or have difficulties in living a normal standard life. Juvenile Delinquency is a subject which attracted the attention of the law makers in India for over the last 150 years. The subject is a sign of sick society. Overcrowding in cities increasing number of slums, gambling drinking etc are some of the factors responsible for delinquency rate. Indian society in general though rural in character, cannot escape the impact of urbanization resulting in crime and delinquency .The internal and external environment or the psycho-pathological elements in the individual play an important role in shaping the child's future.The future of Juveniles is not dark, but needs proper long term perspective and planning. The' right to life and personal liberty ‘is the most precious right guaranteed under our Indian Constitution. This right is curtailed when a person is sent to institutions but it is necessary to such action from reformation point of view.As Gandhiji said a ‘person cannot be corrected by hate but by love and affection' especially when it comes to CHILDREN. This paper discussesthe children who arein need of care and protection, who if not dealt with will definitely lead to a great social problem in the near future. In spite of several dilemmas of correctional administration this paper tries to reflect the various treatment methods (Institutional and non-institutional) for the juveniles in India. The Correctional Institutions are to be looked upon as hospitals and the children in need of care and protection as the patients, what is needed is just a treatment to make him/her fit for the society.