Hinglish

Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative

Class 6 Social Science · Chapter 11: Grassroots Democracy – Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas · NCERT Exploring Society: India and Beyond section 11.4

Learn

Panchayats should listen to everyone, including children. The Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative gives children chances to share their ideas on matters that affect them, through Bal Sabhas (children's meetings) and Bal Panchayats (children's councils).

In Sonpur, Kabir's Bal Sabha makes a list: the school needs a boundary wall because cattle wander in, the hand pump near the school is broken, and there is no safe place to play. They present it to the Gram Panchayat, and the elders promise to act.

Some Bal Panchayats have worked to end child labour and child marriage. Their members visit families together and convince parents to send children back to school and not to marry off girls who should be studying.

Some Gram Panchayats have won awards for child-friendly work: building safe school walls, clean kitchens for mid-day meals, playgrounds and libraries. When children take part, they also learn how democracy works, and grow into active citizens.

Explore: child-friendly or not?

  1. Sort each card.

Remember

  • Bal Sabhas and Bal Panchayats let children voice their needs to the Panchayat.
  • Some have helped end child labour and child marriage and bring children back to school.

Quick check

What is a Bal Panchayat?

  1. A council where children share ideas on matters affecting them
  2. A children's shop
  3. A school exam
  4. A sports club
Answer

A council where children share ideas on matters affecting them. It helps Panchayats hear children's voices.

Think about it

What are three things you would ask your Panchayat or ward office for, as a child?

One answer

Answers will vary: perhaps a safe road to school, clean drinking water, a library, a playground, or street lights.

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.