In a first-of-its kind initiative, children from across Tamil Nadu have given feedback to the State Planning Commission on various child-friendly measures such as effective implementation of Right To Education that need to be included in its coming 12th Five Year Plan.
Over 50 children representing Federation of Children Movements for Rights to Participation from all districts had consultations from May 6 to 8 at nearby Thirukazhukundram and discussed various issues.
Vice-Chairperson of the State Planning Commission Ms Santha Sheela Nair earlier told reporters that suggestions from these consultations could be incorporated into the Plan.
Major suggestions of the children include free and compulsory education, setting up of children's councils and education loan facilities for refugee children.
The consultations also included measures to safeguard their interests of SC category, fishermen, migrant communities and children with special needs/disabilities, infected/ affected by HIV/AIDS, homeless, tribal communities, refugee families, probation homes, residing in institutional care homes.
A task committee with 11 children was also elected at the consultation to interact and follow up these suggestions with officials of the State Planning Commission.