PANJIM: The first bal gram sabha in Taleigao, did not hear children’s problems, but the organisers used the occasion to create awareness among children of the importance of gram sabhas and the Panchayati Raj Act.
“Around 40 children attended the bal gram sabha held on the occasion of the Panchayati Raj Day in which there were lectures on the importance of gram sabha and the Panchayati Raj Act since it was the first time it was held in the village,” Taleigao sarpanch Janu Rosario said. He added, “It was more of an awareness drive to inform the children of the importance, lectures were also given by the BDO in presence of the panchayat officials.”
Meanwhile, Children’s Rights in Goa (CRG) appreciated the articulation on bal gram sabhas by Directorate of Panchayat.
“It is after almost 12 years that the Directorate of Panchayats has articulated the possibility of holding the “Bal Gram Sabhas” for children in Goa,” Sushma Pawar and Sarita Santamaria of CRG said through a press statement
They added, “In 2006, as per the mandate of the Goa Children’s Act 2003, CRG had initiated the process of setting up of the Village Child Committees (VCCs), bal sabhas and Bal Panchayats in Arambol as CRG works on the coastal belt for children. Accordingly on September 22, 2006, the first Village Child Committee was set up at Arambol where students from Harmal Panchakroshi High School and Mount Carmel High School actively participated.”
However, CRG has expressed the need for convergence between the Directorate of Panchayat and DW and CD to ensure that children enjoy their right to participation through Bal Sabhas and Bal Panchayats and to prevent any kind of duplication of work.
