CHENNAI, February 8: Politicians are wont to issuing manifestoes ad nauseam for the consumption of the people. Those manifestoes are like monsoon clouds. They make lightning and thunders. They shadow over everything and pour out for some time. Then there will be no trace at all. Dry, white clouds travelling in haste to unattainable heights and distance. Politicians and the people forget the promises and charters. But citizen groups working for the dream world of a better India have now started making manifestoes for the politicians to pursue.The latest addition to such a people's charter is prepared by an NGO in Chennai, Campaign Against Child Labour, (CACL). Labelled `Children's Manifesto', it is addressed to all members of Parliament and political parties. It is not a passing cloud. It touches up on real and burning issue and the future of the country.
``We have drafted this manifesto addressing our demands to political parties, the aspiring members of Parliament and the general public. Whichever partycomes to power should implement our demands. We urge the elected members to pressurise the government to implement these demands.''
The 1.68 crore children of Tamil Nadu, on behalf of all the children in the country, say ``we are denied health care, education, nutritious food and housing even after 50 years of our country's independence. The status of girls among us are the worst''.
They say that they are not asking for any concession or benevolence. The Constitution has assured them that their childhood will be for study and play. They want the implementation of this constitutional right. In reality many of the children, close to 100 million, 5.5 million in Tamil Nadu alone, are condemned to work, slavery and uncertain future. They have no childhood, no education and no life as individuals and responsible citizens.
Further, India has ratified the United Nations convention on rights of the Child. Article 32 of the UNCRC prohibits economic exploitation of children and any activity that affects theeducation and health of the child.
Armed with these national and international powers and rights the children have unfolded their dreams and aspirations.
Some of the demands raised by the children for the consideration of the MP-aspirants are:-
Our basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, education, health care, etc should be provided to enable us to live in dignity. Potable drinking water, safe environment, sanitation, transport, road facilities, electricity and fuel should be guaranteed. Our school education system is not attractive and is a burden to us. What we require is an education that is free of cost, qualitative, creative and makes learning joyful. The medium of instruction up to elementary level in all schools should be Tamil. The Policy of poor education for the poor and rich education for the rich should be removed. In order to assure quality education a larger number of qualified, Child - friendly and committed teachers should be recruited. Education should be compulsory upto the age of 14 years. The worst blackmark on our life is when our brothers and sisters are forced to go for employment at a very tender age. Working as children robs us of our childhood and kills our future dreams. We believe that no child below 14 years should be going for employment in whatever occupation. For us children all employment is hazardous. We demand that child labour be completely stopped in all factories, establishments, occupations including household-based employment before the year 2000 AD. Adequate housing is a fundamental need. Adequate housing facilities for us to live in security and dignity should be guaranteed. Pattas should be given immediately for the lands where we are living. On no condition should our families be evicted from our housing site. Low cost building materials should be provided at a cheap rate through shops like the ration shops in order that we build and improve our homes on our own little by little. Increasing bribery and corrupt practices makeus more poor. Welfare schemes for children including distribution of free uniforms, wholesome noon meals, etc should reach us fully in time without any corruption. More children's programmes should be broadcasted on television and radio. Educational programmes to improve our skills and knowledge should be telecast. Entertaining and educative children's films should be telecast. Newspapers and magazines should provide more space for children issues and stories. We want a clean and safe environment. Natural resources, forests, trees, water bodies, playgrounds should be protected to promote our childhood, growth and development.Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
