Abstract

In 2015, the revamping of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act of 1993 into the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act made necessary adjustments to make local self-governance more dynamic. It granted the PRIs additional autonomy with a heightened focus on the 3Fs – functions, finances, and functionaries. The Gram Panchayat (GP) is now entrusted with greater accountability towards female empowerment and child welfare. Child-friendly local governance is an organizational structure wherein all children’s rights are prioritised, ensuring their rights for development, survival, participation, and protection.

UNICEF Hyderabad commissioned an institutional research project to determine the potential paths chosen by GPs to promote the interests of children. The specific scope of this study was defined in collaboration with the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR), Karnataka. CBPS was contracted by UNICEF, Hyderabad Field Office as a knowledge partner to conduct the study.

The main objectives of this study are to identify –

1) Scalable strategies and underpinnings of various initiatives led by GPs and other GP-level institutions (Anganwadis, Schools, and Public Health Centres) for the welfare of children and

2) Challenges and capacities of these institutions in implementing these initiatives.

 

The study was carried out in 12 Gram Panchayats across the six geographical divisions of the state. (Hyderabad Karnataka, Mumbai Karnataka, Central Karnataka, Coastal Karnataka, South Karnataka and Greater Bangalore region) between Oct 2019 to May 2020. 12 GPs were decided in cooperation with the RDPR Department, Karnataka, and UNICEF. The 12 Gram Panchayats are – Anadur and Jakanapalli (Hyderabad Karnataka), Shiraguppi and Radder Naganur (Mumbai Karnataka), Melige and Panchanahalli (Central Karnataka), Laila and Marvanthe (Coastal Karnataka), Malangi and Palibetta (South Karnataka), Rajanukunte and Somanahalli (Greater Bangalore region).

United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Prasad, R., Sridhar, B.V Rao, M., Nair, P., Vivek, & J., S. (2020). An Institutional Study for Identifying Potential Pathways for Furthering the Interests of Children in Gram Panchayat Towards Making a Child Friendly Gram Panchayat.