At Chinchinim bal gram sabha, students call for 24x7 health centre, safer roads

Margao/Canacona: The Chinchinim-Deussua panchayat marked Children’s Day with a bal gram sabha, creating a unique platform for young residents to contribute to their community’s development. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from local children who presented thoughtful proposals addressing various aspects of village life.
Healthcare emerged as a primary concern, with children advocating for a 24x7 health centre to ensure round-the-clock medical assistance for the community. They emphasised how the current lack of night-time medical facilities affects emergency situations.
Road safety near schools was another crucial issue raised. Students proposed implementing strict speed limits during school hours and suggested enhanced traffic management measures to protect children during their daily commute.
The quality of mid-day meals at school sparked significant discussion, with students expressing dissatisfaction over items like undercooked chappatis. They recommended improvements to make meals more nutritious and appealing.
In an innovative proposal, children suggested introducing a ‘no school bags day’ to reduce the physical burden of carrying heavy bags. Other notable suggestions included establishing anti-bullying committees, addressing stray animal concerns, improving school transportation, and incorporating disaster management training in schools.
Sarpanch Frank Viegas and other panchayat members actively engaged with the young participants, noting their suggestions. “This bal gram sabha demonstrates our commitment to nurturing young leaders and incorporating their fresh perspectives into our village’s development,” Viegas said.
The session concluded with assurances from the panchayat to forward these proposals to the relevant authorities, marking a significant step in involving children in local governance and community development.