Question

I am a ten-year-old girl who lives in a village called Banipur. In our village, selected children between the age group of ten to fifteen years are members of a council that meets once every week. I, too, am a member of this council that comprises only children. Few months ago, the rampant use of polythene bags led to the death of stray cattle in our village. They had been feeding on these bags which were casually dumped by the villagers. This incident urged us to launch a campaign against the use of polythene bags. We were also supported by the elders of our village in this initiative. Gradually, the awareness on creating a plastic free environment spread to other villages too.

1. Which council is being referred to by the narrator?  [1]
2. Elaborate on the role of the council, identified in subpart (i), in the lives of the children in rural areas.  [6]

Answer 1

1. The council referred to by the narrator is the Bal Panchayat, also known as the Children’s Council.
2. The Bal Panchayat plays an important role in rural communities by providing children with a forum to express their concerns and actively participate in the development of their village.
   
   • Through the Bal Panchayat, children develop leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills.
   • The council helps address village issues; for example, in the passage, children campaigned against the use of polythene bags and spread awareness in their village and nearby areas.
   • Children learn about their rights and duties and actively participate in village development.
   • The council undertakes activities such as cleanliness drives, literacy programs, and health awareness campaigns. It also acts as a link between children, village elders, and government officials, ensuring that children’s problems are heard and resolved.
   • Moreover, the Bal Panchayat provides a platform for poor and marginalized children, helping them build confidence and work towards a better future.

The Bal Panchayat helps children develop a sense of responsibility while promoting awareness and bringing positive changes in villages.