Formation of junior citizen clubs in schools

A school student education programme has been instituted at all the intervening centers, the programme is being run in some private and government schools. Currently the programme was run in 17 schools in Bhopal and schools of other intervened towns.

Major Achievement/ School intervention

• Group discussion on city development plan was made under JNNURM in 17 Schools of Bhopal with the Hindustan Times in December 2006.

• Talk shows were organized where children interacted with Urban Development Minister, Government officials and other important citizen on the issues that they found relevant for improving their city.

• The Minister and the officials were impressed with the quality of suggestions given by the students. Their queries were heard and patiently answered by the Minister

The emerging demands and suggestion shared with the children were

1. Strong movement to catch those, who are not paying taxes and stringent action is necessary for the tax evaders.
2. Traffic jungle needs immediate attention. Stronger traffic rules and effective implementation of the rules is imperative to bring traffic order in the city.
3. Tax rationalization was debated and different perspectives were presented. The citizen and state officials presented different views, on water supply, quantity, quality and tariff rates.
4. Several issues were raised on rehabilitation of urban slums, the problems of the poor and appropriate news of the package that the government offers for displacement of slum dwellers.
5. A film developed by Samarthan, reflecting perspective of citizens in different walks of life was also screened before the Minister, Urban Development. The film sharply highlights the issues of slum displacement and unmindful construction under JNNURM without adequate citizen’s participation.