In a first-of-its kind initiative,children from across Tamil Nadu have given feedback to theState Planning Commission on various child-friendly measureslike effective implementation of Right To Education that needto be included in its coming 12th five year plan.
Over 50 children representing Federation of ChildrenMovements for Rights to Participation from all districts hadconsultations from May 6 to 8 at nearby Thirukalukundram anddiscussed various issues.
Vice-Chairperson of the state Planning Commission SanthaSheela Nair earlier told reporters that suggestions from theseconsultations could be incorporated into the plan.
Major suggestions of the children include free andcompulsory education, setting up of children's councils andeducation loan facilities for refugee children.
The consultations also included measures to safeguardtheir interests of SC category, fishermen, migrant communitiesand children with special needs/disabilities,infected/affectedby HIV/AIDS, homeless, tribal communities, refugee families,probation homes, residing in institutional care homes.
A task committee with 11 children was also elected at theconsultation to interact and follow up these suggestions withofficials of the State Planning Commission.