Doddaballapur: Karnataka’s first-ever Children’s Special City Council (popularly known as Makkala Grama Sabha) was held at the Doddaballapur City Municipal Council premises, where students directly presented civic, educational and safety concerns before senior officials. Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) Chairman Shashidhar Kosumbe directed authorities to resolve the issues immediately and submit a compliance report within a week.
The special session was organized jointly by the City Municipal Council and Yuva Sanchalana Charitable Trust, marking a significant step toward institutionalizing children’s participation in urban governance.
Addressing officials and students, Kosumbe said, “Children’s academic progress depends on a safe and supportive environment. Whenever their rights are compromised, the concerned departments must respond without delay.”
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He noted that grievance forums for children were earlier limited to Gram Sabhas at the village level. “Children in urban areas are also living amidst multiple challenges. We will write to the government requesting a circular to organize Children’s Special City Councils in all urban local bodies,” he added.
Students from various schools raised concerns over lack of toilets, poor sanitation, shortage of teachers and classrooms, irregular waste disposal, inadequate drinking water supply, and family-related problems affecting their studies.
Students of Aralumallige Government High School complained about garbage accumulation on the campus and sewage water entering the school premises from a nearby drain, causing foul smell and unhygienic conditions.
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Taking serious note, Kosumbe instructed the Municipal Commissioner to convene an urgent meeting with the Block Education Officer (BEO) and headmasters of all schools. “Discuss waste disposal, cleanliness around schools, stray dog menace and other civic issues. A compliance report must be submitted immediately,” he directed.
Students of the Government Pre-University College and High School in Doddaballapur highlighted the lack of safe drinking water, unusable toilets, and concerns regarding the quality of food served.
In response, the Chairman directed education department officials to conduct a comprehensive assessment of infrastructure gaps. “Prepare a detailed list covering classrooms, toilets, teacher shortages and hygienic food supply. Address the issues in a phased and accountable manner,” he said.
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In a significant intervention, a girl student informed the Commission that a child marriage was being planned in her neighbourhood. The Chairman immediately directed officials to verify the complaint and take necessary action under the law to prevent child marriage. He emphasized that such information from children must be treated seriously and acted upon without delay.
Concerns were also raised about increasing nuisance near school and college premises, including smoking, alcohol consumption, destruction of school property and other anti-social activities.
Kosumbe instructed the police department to conduct daily beat patrols around educational institutions to prevent untoward incidents. “Regular monitoring is necessary to ensure students’ safety,” he said.
He further suggested installing suggestion and complaint boxes in schools in accordance with the Child Protection Policy–2016 and displaying permanent wall boards with the Child Helpline number 1098. Strict enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, prohibiting sale and consumption of tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions, was also emphasized.
The Chairman called upon the Education, Health and Police Departments to work in coordination with the District Child Protection Unit to safeguard children’s rights effectively.
Among those present were State Coordinator Vasudeva Sharma, District Child Protection Officer Ananthalakshmi, City Municipal Council President Sumithra K, Municipal Commissioner Karthikeshwar R and senior member Prabhudeva.
The meeting is being seen as a model initiative aimed at strengthening child participation and ensuring accountability in urban governance.
