Political parties never pay heed to the views and voices of children though they constitute 30 per cent of the population. As they have no voting rights, their voices and needs are hardly heard.
The UNICEF Chennai in association with the Rajagiri Educational Alternatives and Community Health (outREACH) Service Society of Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, is coming up with a Children’s Manifesto/Charter for the May 16 Assembly election.
The 30-page ‘Kuttikalude Avakasapathrika’ was charted by those selected from bala-panchayats promoted under Kudumbasree; general category; differently-abled; children living in institutions; street children; adopted, sponsored, and foster children. The 30 children selected from across the State attended the three-day workshop from April 11 and the charter was vetted by representatives of civil society organisations, working group of men and women at local bodies, and socially responsible citizens.
The manifesto — divided into four sections named survival, development, protection, and participation — has already been submitted to the major political parties by the children to get their views listed. The manifesto highlights the imperative need for creating a safe and secure environment for the children.
They have demanded setting apart 30 per cent of the State budget for their welfare, protection of rights, and education. The manifesto also addresses issues of inequality, segregation of tribal kids, malnutrition, child labour, and child abuse.
Children’s grama sabha in all local bodies and converting all anganwadis into model ones for catering to the needs of children have been suggested. Equal opportunity to transgender children, regular inspection in schools and stores located in the vicinity of schools, immediate steps to solve sanitation, and playgrounds and parks in all wards have been listed. A movement among the community to highlight the slogan “Vote for Child Rights” will be initiated during the election on the basis of the manifesto, says Anupama A.B. and Manishmol A.B. who were part of the drafting team.
