Empowering Children through Child-Friendly Panchayats in Rajasthan
Through Bal Panchayats (Child Parliaments) and Bal Sabhas (Child Assemblies), young leaders aged 10 to 18 are raising their voices, tackling issues like child marriage, education access, and environmental sustainability
In the vibrant villages of Rajasthan, the Child-Friendly Gram Panchayat initiative, supported by UNICEF and the Department of Panchayati Raj is transforming communities by placing children at the heart of decision-making.
Rooted in the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, this initiative prioritizes children’s rights to health, education, protection, and participation.
Through Bal Panchayats (Child Parliaments) and Bal Sabhas (Child Assemblies), young leaders aged 10 to 18 are raising their voices, tackling issues like child marriage, education access, and environmental sustainability.
With the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department’s commitment to creating a “Child-Friendly Rajasthan,” these young change-makers are shaping a brighter future for their communities with enthusiasm and determination.
Democracy in Action
The Bal Panchayat is a dynamic platform where children democratically elect their Bal Sarpanch and members to represent their wards.
“Bal Panchayat is a platform where we, children, can raise our voices and demand our needs from the elderly so they can work to fulfill them,” says Mishika Rathod, Bal Sarpanch of Jahuta Gram Panchayat, Rajasthan.
Regular meetings spark lively discussions on village challenges, from sanitation to education, with solutions presented directly to the Gram Panchayat for action.
“Bal Panchayat is a platform where we, children, can raise our voices and demand our needs from the elderly so they can work to fulfill them,” says Mishika Rathod, Bal Sarpanch of Jahuta Gram Panchayat, Rajasthan.
Regular meetings spark lively discussions on village challenges, from sanitation to education, with solutions presented directly to the Gram Panchayat for action.
Vasundhra- The Warrior against Child Marriage
Young leaders are fearlessly tackling child marriage, a persistent issue in their communities. “When I was 12, my family brought a marriage alliance for me. I knew child marriage was harmful, so I opposed it,” says Vasundhara Sharma, Bal member of Dardi Gram Panchayat, Rajasthan.
Through Bal Panchayat discussions, children raise awareness and advocate for change, even sharing the Child Helpline number (1098) to protect their peers. Their bold actions are reshaping traditions with unstoppable energy. Vasundhara has stopped 50 child marriages in her village.
Breaking Education Barriers
Access to education, especially for girls, is a priority for Bal Panchayat members.
“No girl in our village studied beyond 8th grade because there were no schools nearby. I’m the first to enroll in 9th grade at a distant school,” says Narangi Kumar, Bal member of Dardi Gram Panchayat, Rajasthan.
Her persistence has inspired 21 other students to join her, proving that one voice can ignite a movement for learning.
Championing Menstrual Health
Taboos around menstruation are being challenged with confidence. “Menstruation is a natural gift. I educate my younger sisters on hygiene to stay healthy,” says Pooja Sharma, Bal member of Dardi Gram Panchayat, Rajasthan.
By discussing proper pad disposal and hygiene in Bal Panchayat meetings, these young advocates are normalizing conversations and fostering healthier communities with a fun, fearless spirit.
Greening the Village
Environmental action is thriving in Jahuta Gram Panchayat, where children are planting the seeds for a sustainable future.
“There were only 54 trees earlier, but now we’ve planted 54,000!” says Mishika Rathod, Bal Sarpanch of Jahuta Gram Panchayat, Rajasthan.
Their tree-planting drives and plastic-free campaigns, like collecting wrappers in bottles, show how kids can lead with eco-friendly flair.
Building a Plastic-Free Future
The fight against plastic pollution is on, and Jahuta’s children are all in!
“Whenever we find plastic wrappers on the ground, we collect them in a bottle and give them to the Sarpanch,” says Gajvi Sharma, Bal member of Jahuta Gram Panchayat, Rajasthan.
Their pledge for a plastic-free panchayat is turning their village into a cleaner, greener place with youthful zeal.
Improving School Facilities
Children’s demands are driving real change in infrastructure. “I built clean and spacious toilets in all schools in my panchayat after the children raised this demand,” says Abdul Karim, Sarpanch of Dardi Gram Panchayat, Rajasthan.
From toilets to digital libraries funded through schemes, these young voices are ensuring schools are safe and welcoming for all.
Amplifying Voices at Bal Sabhas
Once in four months, Bal Sabhas buzz with energy as children directly engage with local leaders. “Children ask some very tough questions to Sarpanch and he has to be a this best to answer these questions” says Mishika Rathod, Bal Sarpanch of Jahuta Gram Panchayat, Rajasthan.
These quarterly gatherings empower children to advocate for playgrounds, improved roads, and more, ensuring their ideas shape village plans.
Shaping a Bright Future
The vision of these young leaders is bold and inspiring. “Our ideas will shape the next generations. To make our future brighter, we need to work on our vision,” says Mishika Rathod, Bal Sarpanch of Jahuta Gram Panchayat, Rajasthan.
Chanting “Our Panchayat, Child-Friendly Panchayat” at Bal Sabhas, these children are building a Rajasthan where every voice matters and every dream soars.
