Children’s Special Gram Sabha held in Chamarajanagar district

The Children’s Special Gram Sabha was held at Managalli Gram Panchayat in Chamarajanagar district’s Hanur taluk on December 24, providing children with a platform to present their demands and suggestions before authorities.

Described as a model initiative, the gram sabha was virtually inaugurated by Priyank Kharge, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, who also held a video interaction with the children.

The gram sabha was organised by the Chamarajanagar Zilla Panchayat and Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.

The children highlighted several issues, including the need for an ‘Akshara Dasoha’ (midday meals) room, a dining hall, a playground, sports equipment kits, toilets, drinking water, and prevention of drainage water flowing in front of the school. They also pushed for the improvement of village roads and the addressal of problems caused by wildlife intrusion.

Mr. Kharge said the issues and demands raised by the children in the gram sabha should be taken seriously and immediate action must be taken in this regard.

He said immediate proposals for road works should be submitted, apart from allocating a dining hall and separate room for Akshara Dasoha. He also promised to provide the sports equipment and other facilities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support.

The Minister also asked the children about their aspirations and what additional facilities they require for better learning. The students shared their ambitions about becoming doctors, deputy commissioners, and IAS officers. Mr. Kharge advised them to study diligently and pointed out that the district Deputy Commissioner, Zilla Panchayat CEO, and Superintendent of Police were all women, who serve as sources of inspiration.

Mr. Kharge also issued directions that a list of books useful for competitive exams be stocked in school libraries.

M.R. Manjunath, Hanur MLA, who inaugurated the Children’s Gram Sabha, said programmes like this act as spaces for children to air their demands. Such efforts will promote transparency, accountability, and rural development, he added.

Chamarajanagar Zilla Panchayat CEO Mona Roat delivered the introductory talk while Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag, Superintendent of Police B.T. Kavitha and senior State-level officers participated in the programme virtually.

Managalli Gram Panchayat president Somashekar presided over the programme while the gram sabha proceedings were live-streamed on YouTube.