MAPUSA
It was a Bal Gram Sabha, but the questions were anything but child’s play.
School children in Calangute put the panchayat on the spot over basic civic problems they face in their daily lives, flagging unsafe footpaths, vehicles parked on pedestrian paths, overflowing water, poor sanitation and the need for better facilities in schools and sports areas. The children used the meeting to seek answers and action from the panchayat, prompting Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira to assure them of steps on several of the issues raised.
A key demand was access to safe drinking water in schools. Sequeira assured the children that water filters would be provided across schools in the panchayat.
The students also complained about vehicles being parked on footpaths, forcing pedestrians to negotiate their way around illegally parked vehicles. Sequeira said the panchayat would take up the issue with the traffic police.
Overflowing water on footpaths and the need to clear overgrown bushes along roadsides and near sports areas were among other civic concerns raised by the children.
The students also sought greater opportunities for sports, following which Sequeira announced plans to organise a Sports Fiesta after the upcoming Assembly elections.
Around 40 students attended the meeting.
The Bal Gram Sabha also moved beyond local grievances, with the representatives of Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) speaking to the students about their rights, including their right to participate in local governance and matters affecting their community.
In another presentation, instructors from the Mapusa Industrial Training Institute (ITI) introduced the students to vocational courses and career opportunities.
The session highlighted options available to students after Class 10 and the importance of technical and vocational skills.
