In Vidhana Soudha, Karnataka’s Child Rights Parliament convenes after five years with over 70 children, discussing pressing issues, from education to mental health
Pint-sized Parliament
In a truly extraordinary spectacle, more than 70 child representatives from various corners of the state converged at Vidhana Soudha recently. Their mission? To engage in a profound discourse about the challenges they encounter in schools and to present a meticulously crafted blueprint addressing critical issues that demand urgent attention and government action – a truly unique blend of “police-making” and youthful wisdom. But don’t let the weighty terminology fool you; this was Karnataka’s annual Child Rights Parliament, a remarkable event where the voices of the future resonate with purpose.
For the celebration of International Child Rights Day, the initial plan was for the Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, to preside over the proceedings. However, due to pressing commitments, his presence was missed. Stepping into the role with enthusiasm was former MLC and member of the Karnataka Legislative Forum for Child Rights, Captain Ganesh Karnik, who engaged in insightful conversations with the young participants. While Karnataka has been hailed for being the only state where the Chief Minister actively participates in the Child Rights Parliament, this year marked a return after a hiatus of five years.
Various non-governmental organisations, in collaboration with the Karnataka Child Rights Observatory (KCRO), have been pivotal in organising such impactful meetings with government officials since 2008. Recognising the importance of empowering children as architects of the future, Director of Child Rights Trust, Nagasimha Rao, emphasized, “These meetings are crucial as they empower children to analyze issues in detail and foster teamwork. Such platforms contribute significantly to developing essential life skills, including public speaking, leadership, and confidence.”
Tiny voices, big ideas
Venturing into the hallowed halls of the Children’s Parliament, the discourse unfolded around five pivotal pillars – combatting malnutrition, eradicating child abuse and violence, enriching learning opportunities, fortifying children’s immunity, and addressing the looming spectre of climate change.
An impassioned appeal for enhanced education opportunities echoed through a Class IX student, who advocated extending the Right to Education till the age of 18, transcending the current limit of 14. His plea resonated with the urgency to recognise the needs of specially-abled children, urging the government to offer scholarships without the constraints of caste and gender, fostering an environment conducive to seamless education.
A poignant moment arose when a student voiced concerns about menstrual hygiene, underscoring the imperative of providing free sanitary napkins in schools. Unveiling the stark reality faced by many girls who resort to using cloth, the plea extended beyond hygiene. “There are numerous girls compelled to use cloth during their menstrual cycles, exposing them to significant health risks. Schools can play a pivotal role in alleviating these challenges and providing essential relief to these young individuals,” the student said, appealing to the government to make reusable pads available in schools.
The discussion also extended to environmental concerns, spotlighting the hazardous practice of burning used pads or clothes, contributing to pollution and climate change. A resonant call for the closure of liquor shops in proximity to schools surfaced as a crucial concern. Shilpa Rao, a concerned mother, urged legislative bodies to formulate and enforce laws penalising such establishments around educational premises.
“The state legislature should actively engage in crafting and enforcing laws that penalize owners of businesses around school premises. School authorities, in tandem, should adopt a stringent stance, promptly lodging complaints with the police to ensure the closure of such establishments,” said the mother of a 10-year-old. Addressing malnutrition emerged as a focal point, with students fervently advocating for the inclusion of millets in midday meals.
Grievances regarding the poor quality of food served in such programmes also underlined the urgent need for vigilant oversight from concerned government officials. The parliament also championed the cause of mental well-being by endorsing the presence of counsellors in schools. Children often discover it is easier to express their thoughts in the presence of a neutral third party not directly involved in the issue.
Establishing trust becomes more accessible in such scenarios, especially if a consistent figure, like a counselor, frequently visits the school. A counselor’s support can play a crucial role in guiding the energy of children in the right direction, particularly during their adolescent phase,” shared Namita Rai, guardian of her 14-year-old son. The discussions embraced broader societal issues, delving into the necessity for sex education, stringent laws against child marriages, and the promotion of additional schemes catering to the welfare of children.
A parent, lauding the impactful nature of the Children’s Parliament, highlighted the need for regular occurrences of such events. Child Rights Gram Sabhas and Children’s Clubs were hailed as transformative, nurturing confidence and awareness in the younger generation. The plea echoed for officials to heed the voices of these children, transforming their aspirations into tangible policies, thereby not just enhancing the state but uplifting the morale of the young participants who find their voices acknowledged.