Makkala Panchayats

Institutionalization of Children’s Participation in Local Decision-Making

Abstract

This paper reports on an innovative initiative in Karnataka, India, now adopted by the state government for replication, to involve children in regular local public decision-making and governance. Started by an NGO and a union of child workers, it set up elected children’s councils in several villages to address children’s issues and successfully lobbied for action to improve children’s social and physical environments, using education, empowerment and tactful political maneuvering. The conclusion considers lessons from the experience to date.