Vimukti Charitable Trust®, Pothnal,
organized Special Children’s Grama Sabha at Utakanoor Grama Panchayat,
on 29th of January 2021. “Every Grama Panchayat should become
increasingly child-friendly by identifying and redressing the issues
faced by children”, said Charlie Gram panchyath member, Utakanoor, in
his inaugural address. Arogyappa Vimukti youth coordinator, Manvi said
that everyone should join hands to ensure the protection and promotion
of child rights and the safety of children by accessing appropriate
authorities and existing safety mechanisms. Manthesh Secretary, Malesh
water man, Adhya teacher utaknoor primary school and Vimukti staff,
spoke on the occasion. ICDS staff, district health officers, project
staff, school teachers and over hundred and fifty children participated
in the programme.
Issues Raised by Children
Children expressed their concern regarding the lack of water and
sanitation facilities in the schools, the unhygienic and unclean village
surroundings and main streets. There is no sufficient number of teachers
in the school and the quality of the mid-day meal is apparently poor and
there is no playground, children added. Mahanthesh Grama Panchayat
Secreatary, in his reply said that redressing the water and sanitation
woes and improving the school infrastructure would be the top priority.
He appealed everyone to help in maintaining cleaner village surroundings
and in creating a child friendly atmosphere in the Panchayat.
Impact of the Programme
The children said that Children’s Special Grama Sabaha is a unique forum
to express their opinions and concerns. The general public welcomed the
gesture to improve the participation of children in the local
government.
