The platform was created to give perspective to the ideas of children living in slum habitations, on the new State capital Amaravati.
Children drawn from 10 slum areas and 20 different Children’s Parliaments functioning in and around Vijayawada, took active part in what was called the ‘winter session’ of Vijayawada City Children’s Parliament, organised by Montfort Social Institute, Hyderabad.
The auditorium of NSM Public School was the place where the young ‘Cabinet Ministers’ voiced their concern over various civic issues that have paralysed development in their respective areas. Acute scarcity of water, lack of electricity, bad drains, mosquito menace and absence of other basic amenities were brought to the notice of the ‘Speaker’ who presided over the session.
Later, they passed a resolution, listing out some of the basic facilities which they wanted the government to develop for them in the new capital region.
Seeking a fair deal for children in Amaravati, they wondered if the government had only the rich and wealthy in mind while developing the new capital city.
Pointing to their economically poor background, they said most of their parents worked as daily wage coolies and did not own houses. Seeking a home of their own, they said ample space should be given for children to play. Good schools with facilities like clean toilets and computer labs, green surroundings, safe environment for girls and adequate transport facility are other things they stressed on. The children said the government should allocate them houses before taking up the capital construction works.
Montfort Social Institute Director Bro. Verghese said the Institute was active in 16 towns where it was working for the rights of slum habitants. Stressing the need for an inclusive capital city, he said the government should be sensitive to the needs of children and include them appropriately.
He said the Children’s Parliament session would continue as they served the dual purpose of making children aware of the issues relating to their welfare and make their voice heard through the right platforms.
