Empowered Child Leaders Make Their Voices Heard: NCPCR Chairperson Responds to Demands

In a heartening display of youthful engagement, members of the “Mukti Child Club” from Hotnagar village, enrolled in the Surokhit Shaishav program, presented their demands to Mr. Priyank Kanoongo, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). The children, driven by a vision for positive community change, identified key issues affecting their lives and actively sought solutions during the NCPCR bench sitting at the Circuit house in Berhampore, Murshidabad district on May 13, 2023.

Understanding the paramount importance of education and safety, these young advocates boldly voiced their concerns, seeking to carve a better future for themselves and their peers.

Foremost among their demands was the construction of a bridge over the River Ganges. The bridge, they argued, would not only enhance local connectivity and transportation but also significantly improve the safety of children who cross the river to access schools and essential services. Recognizing the correlation between improved infrastructure and reduced child labor in hazardous environments, the children aimed for an indirect yet powerful impact on the economic opportunities available to them.

In a strategic move to combat school dropouts, the children stressed the urgent need for road repairs in their community. They rightly identified that poor road conditions could become a barrier to regular school attendance, affecting children’s access to education. By advocating for road repairs, the young leaders aimed to ensure that all children in their village have unhindered access to education, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.
Chairperson Shri Priyank Kanoongo, demonstrating commendable sensitivity and responsiveness, not only acknowledged the children’s demands but also promised decisive actions to address the identified issues. This interaction not only instilled a profound sense of confidence and empowerment in the children but also underscored the vital role of children’s voices in decision-making processes.

This success story stands as a powerful testament to the potential impact of child-led initiatives and community engagement. Surokhit Shaishav program working to promote Safe Childhood in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal has showcased how, with the right platform and support, children can emerge as catalysts for positive change, not only shaping their destinies but also contributing significantly to the welfare of their entire community.

By upholding the best interests of the child, zero tolerance for child abuse, shared responsibility, accountability, and confidentiality, the program is empowering children to demand their rights. The commitment shown by Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo echoes the transformative potential of nurturing children’s active participation in matters that directly concern them, highlighting the path toward a more inclusive and child-centric future.