Question

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

Samay, from Ramthali village in Chittorgarh, had to engage in daily labour at a construction site with his father. He dropped out of school as he was required to support his family financially. A local NGO approached Samay and his family and attempted to re-enrol him in school. However, it proved to be a futile attempt as Samay did not join the school and continued working with his father. The NGO then contacted the members of the local children’s council for intervention. The child leaders of this council met Samay and his parents. They visited them daily and shared inspiring real-life stories of their school experiences with Samay. They also convinced his parents about the illegality of child labour which prompted them to re-enrol Samay in a government school.

1. Identify and briefly explain the children’s council referred to above.   [2]
2. Assess the role of political organisations like the children’s council in bringing about social change.   [5]

Answer 1

1. Bal Panchayat: It is the organisation for political empowerment and training for the rural youth in India, involving them in the decision-making process regarding issues that affect their lives. It comprises children between the ages of 10 and 18 years.
2. The purpose of the Bal Panchayat is to nurture leadership skills on a democratic platform so that children have a voice and are engaged in community development, which in turn can foster social change.
   Role of the Bal Panchayat in creating social change:
   
   • The given caselet shows the power of Bal Panchayat in changing perspectives and altering decisions. It is an inclusive, child-friendly form of governance which treats children as active agents of change and not always as a vulnerable category to be protected.
   • It is a democratic platform for participation that allows children to voice the issues that concern them.
   • It also addresses issues concerning the youth which could be pertaining to prospects of employment, opportunities to study and other serious issues.
   • It is a potent platform for developing leadership skills, as it exposes children to challenges and encourages them to grow.
   • It also fosters community engagement, and children become the medium to connect the community to larger issues.
   • It assists the village panchayat and furthers their issues.
   • It mobilises the masses and creates awareness related to the environment, cleanliness and sustainability. Since these issues are voiced by children, these acquire special significance.
   • They also spread awareness about matters like child abuse and atrocities related to children. The above caselet is evidence of the same. Intervention by members of Bal Panchayat raises awareness on child labour and the damage that child labour causes to future prospects of children.
   • States across India have been successful in eliminating child labour, child marriage and human trafficking with the support of Bal Panchayats.
   • UNICEF too has been extremely appreciative and supportive of Bal Panchayats.