IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR CHILD-FRIENDLY LOCAL GOVERNANCE

Report submitted by INTEGRATED RURAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, PALAKKAD

Submitted to KERALA INSTITUTE OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Joy Elamon, Director of Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), Thrissur, for permitting us to undertake this study and to pro- vide necessary financial support for the same. We would like to express our special thanks to Dr. S Sreekumar, Director of Integrated Rural Technology Centre, Palakkad, for the guidance and suggestions rendered for the fruit- ful completion of this work. We express our thanks to Dr. Peter M. Raj, Associate Professor, KILA, and Child Re- source Centre, for providing all support to conduct this study. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Benoy Peter, Executive Director, Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development (CMID), Ernakulam, for the expert support to finish this study successfully. We also take this opportunity to extend our special thanks to all the elected represen- tatives of Grama Panchayats and Municipalities, officials of all LSGIs, ICDS supervisors and other officials, CDS Chairpersons, Representatives of Bala Sabha, head of the institutions of all the schools, and ICDS workers for their cooperation and support.

Study Team Social Science Division IRTC RESEARCH TEAM

Principal Investigator : Dr. Rajesh.K Head and Senior Fellow, Social Science Division, IRTC

Project Coordinator : Mr. Arjun Prasad Project Assistants : Ms. Shibina E Mr. Akhil Benny Mr. Anandu K S Ms. Geethu T V Ms. Krishna Radhakrishnan Ms. Shinshya P Ms. Saritha V Ms. Sajana A.S Mr. Muhammed Afsal K.T Project Intern : Anagha E Expert Consultant : Dr. Benoy Peter Executive Director, Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development (CMID), Ernakulam Supporting Team : Mr. Chinchu C Associate Fellow, IRTC, Palakkad Mr. Nikhil Sudheesh Research Assistant, IRTC, Palakkad ABBREVIATIONS

ADS - Area Development Society ASHA - Accredited Social Health Activist AWW - Anganwadi Workers CCDP - Comprehensive Child Development Programmes CDPU - Child Development Protection Unit CDS - Community Development Society CFLG - Child-friendly Local Governance CPC - Child Protection Committee CPCR - Commissions for Protection of Child Rights CRC - Child Resource Centre FGD - Focus Group Discussion ICDS - Integrated Child Development Scheme IMNCI - Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses INAP - India Newborn Action Plan JSSK - Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram KILA - Kerala Institute of Local Administration LSGD - Local Self Government Department LSGI - Local Self Government Institution MDG - Millennium Development Goals NCPCR - National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights NPA - National Plan of Action NPC - National Policy for Children SSA - Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan UNCRC - United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund CONTENTS

Chapter No. Title Page Nos. Chapter 1 Introduction 01 – 03 Context and Methodology Chapter 2 04 – 08 of the Study Chapter 3 Child Survival 09 – 21 Chapter 4 Child Development 22 – 50 Chapter 5 Child Protection 51 – 65 Chapter 6 Child Participation 66 – 81 Attitude and Knowledge of Chapter 7 82 – 85 Trainees Regarding CFLG Success Stories: Promising Chapter 8 86 - 96 practices of CFLG Findings and Chapter 9 97 - 110 Recommendations Appendix 111 - 119 References 120 - 121 LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES Sl. No Table Number Table Page No. 1 2.1 Child-Friendly initiatives Prior to CFLG 05 2 3.1 Child sex ratio in India and Kerala 09 3 3.2 Programs for child survival initiated by the Government 09 4 3.3 & 3.4 Year wise allocation and utilisation of fund by LSGIs for Survival 10-11 5 3.5 & 3.6 Initiative for eradication of sex selective abortion by LSGIs 12 6 3.7 & 3.8 Initiative for sensitisation and training under RBSK by panchayat 14-15 7 3.9 & 3.10 Activities addressing malnutrition by LSGIs 16-17 Funder allocation by Chengottukavu panchayat for supplementary 8 3.11 nutrition 18 9 3.12 Vaccination status of India and Kerala 19 10 3.13 & 3.14 Initiative to facilitate vaccination in LSGIs 19-20 Year wise allocation and utilisation of fund for child development 11 4.1 & 4.2 by LSGIs 22-23 12 4.3 & 4.4 Disaggregated data preparation by LSGIs 25 13 4.5 & 4.6 Number of LSGIs have own building for Anganwadis 27-28 14 4.7 & 4.8 Initiative for barrier-free environment in public space 28-29 15 4.9 & 4.10 Educational initiative especially for ST students by LSGIs 31-32 16 4.11 & 4.12 Educational initiative especially for SC students by LSGIs 33-35 17 4.13 & 4.14 Initiative for infrastructure development during Pre school 36-38 18 4.15 & 4.16 Interventions of LSGIs in the schools 41-43 19 4.17 & 4.18 Initiatives for creating public spaces 45-46 20 4.19 & 4.20 Recreational programme for children 47-49 21 5.1 & 5.2 Year wise allocation and utilisation for child protection by LSGIs 53 22 5.3 & 5.4 Activities for facilitating child protection committees 54-55 23 5.5 & 5.6 Activities for sensitising child rights by LSGIs 57-58 24 5.7 & 5.8 Number of reported and action taken child abuse cases in LSGIs 60 Number of reported cases and action taken on children in conflict 25 5.9 & 5.10 with law by LSGIs 62 Initiatives for providing psycho social support for children through 26 5.11 & 5.12 LSGIs 63-64 27 6.1 & 6.2 Allocation and utilisation of LSGIs in the domain of LSGIs 67-68 28 6.3 & 6.4 Details of Balasabha meeting in LSGIs 70-71 29 6.5 & 6.6 Documentation of child Gramasabha in LSGIs 72 Initiatives for collecting and discussing children’s demands inn 30 6.7 & 6.8 general Gramasabha 74 31 6.9 & 6.10 Children’s participation in working groups 75-76 32 6.11 & 6.12 Functioning of child parliament and Bala panchayats 77 Total allocation and utilisation of Panchayat for children except 33 6.13 mandatory allocation 79 Total allocation and utilisation of Control Panchayat for children 34 6.14 except mandatory allocation 79 Total allocation and utilisation of Municipality for children except 35 6.15 mandatory allocation 79 36 7.1 Status of knowledge and attitude of trainees 82-83 37 7.2 Initiatives taken after getting CFLG training 84 38 7.3 Change in awareness levels of trainees 85

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR CHILD FRIENDLY LOCAL GOVERNANCE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION dren, programmes for children etc. As Asian Child friendly local governance is a prin- countries are in a developing stage, children are ciple and practice by which all duty-bearers of facing enormous survival issues in these coun- children’s rights are able to progressively ensure tries. India is a developing country with higher that every child within their area of jurisdiction rate of poverty for children and still faces child is fully able to enjoy their rights for survival, de- labour, exploitations of children and lack of in- velopment, participation and protection. Child frastructure etc. So UNICEF has been working friendly local governance is a concept where the with India as a facilitator and also engaged in local governance system, in the country facili- joint efforts with different local organizations tates an environment to protect all child rights and state governments. As part of the new efforts and promotion of these child rights. All human for children a comprehensive plan for children beings have rights. Children are also entitled to was necessary. Decentralized planning is con- enjoy many of the rights that adults under na- sidered as more efficiency and accountability in tional and international human right treaties. the service provision of Indian governing sys- Discourses on child rights have emerged in the tem. Kerala is already known for its initiatives early decades of 20th century. for decentralization and achievements in human The international declaration on the right development those are comparable to developed of the children in 1924 was the first internation- nations. People’s plan in Kerala and progressive al effort to promote child rights. United Nations decentralized governance also contributed in Convention on the Rights of the Child occurred Kerala’s achievements. Education, health, and in1989 and in 1992 entered into action and be- Human developmental indices are high in Ker- came legally binding. The international platform ala while comparing with other Indian states. of UN has developed various child right relat- Even though local governments in the state had ed laws and treaties which has been ratified and implemented many projects in their jurisdiction practiced by countries across the world. Estab- an integrated child friendly approach was miss- lishment of UNICEF, an exclusive body which ing in their initiatives. In this context, UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child and KILA jointly started the child friendly local has facilitated governments to address child governance in Kerala. right violations, regulations and laws for chil-

Executive Summary Page 1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG INITIATION OF THE PROJECT ture and development of educational facilities KILA works as research and training in- are covered in the projects. Apart from the sur- stitution of government of Kerala in the field of vival and development protection of children is decentralization and local governance. It has ex- also were considered as the pillars of projects. posure to various international institutions such Local governments were already running as UNDP and UNICEF. In 2011 UNICEF and earmarking funds and running programmes for KILA jointly established Child Resource centre child development as a result of planning guide- (CRC) at KILA. CRC works as a supporting and lines of local self government departments. Even training centre for effective child-centric local though regular activities for children were un- governance throughout out the state of Kerala. dertaken by LSGs in the state an integrated lo- CRC-KILA and UNICEF Chennai have also or- cal development plan for child development was ganized consultations and workshops to evolve missing. CFLG was an initiative in this direction. and disseminate valuable information related to child-friendly governance. CRC-KILA facili- tates Local Self Government Institutions (LSGI) SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY s to design and implement comprehensive child The study cover 30 panhayaths,3 con- development plan (CCDP)and has trained 2,107 trol panchayaths, 2 municipalities and a control participants from local governments and repre- municipality. 23 comparatively best performing senting five districts of Kerala. This participants local bodies also selected as case studies. The were included representatives from district, block KILA training assessment study is significant to and gram panchayats.(Ortiz, Bishai, & Rashid, find out how far the training was useful to un- n.d.).UNICEF and KILA encourage LSGs’ adop- derstand child rights and make stakeholders en- tion to facilitate child friendly governance; and to able to formulate and implement child centered prepare child development plans( CCDP ) they projects. This study can evaluate how far CFLG have jointly prepared and published guidelines, programme is able to make the local governance training manuals and handbooks on CCDP, and more children friendly. Recognition of children conducted trainings based on these materials as an individual and as a citizen can make varied for panchayaths (village councils).(UNICEF implications in children’s life. As a statewide proj- project to make panchayats child-friendly, n.d.). ect implemented in 146 local bodies the study can In 2007among Asian countries Nepal has evaluate the effectiveness of training through the been started the project child friendly local gover- assessment local governments selected through nance. Nepal National Framework defines child systematic sampling local governance. The study friendly local governance as “Overall guidance to intends to know status of CFLG programme in the government in realizing and mainstreaming the state. Gaps in the CFLG at its framework the rights of children (Survival, Development, and practice can be identified and through this Protection and Participation) into the local gov- study and approaches, strategies and activities ernment system, structure, policies and process”. of the programme can be revisited accordingly. (Subedi, n.d.). In 2016 UNICEF and KILA initi- ated CFLG project as a collaborative programme STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM in Kerala. The child friendly local governance in After the approval from the deparment Kerala also focuses on the four domains of child of LSG, KILA has been given training to 140 rights such as child survival, child development, panchayaths and 6 municipalities for the child child protection and child participation. Local friendly local governance. Multi-stake hold- governments are authorized to introduce child ers including elected representatives, officers, friendly initiatives based in these domains. From standing committee chair persons, KILA men- the survival aspect to participation, the CFLG tors, ICDS officers etc were trained for 3 days project encourages children to be the part of at KILA campus. It took about a year to train the democratic process. Allocation of funds for representatives of 146 local bodies. They were children, creation of child friendly infrastruc- provided with hand book and KILA also pre-

Executive Summary Page 2 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG pared two operational manuals for CFLG in ipation of all students in school based Forums/ 2016. KILA has provided mentors for pancha- clubs, to include children’s views in Local Self yaths, for advocacy and follow ups .There were Government’s plans and to promote prepara- various domains and directions that have to be tion of Child Development Plan and promote each local body. This study is trying to address adequate child friendly public space for children whether the expectations of the CFLG pro- were the activities proposed in CFLG. This study gramme realized at the grass root level or not. analyze whether there were realized on practice.

Following are the domains under CFLG pro- The current study is an impact assessment gramme; of the KILA training. It assesses the pre and post scenarios of each local body in the child Survival; reversing the declining Child sex ra- friendly initiatives. It assesses the alloca- tio was the first goal to achieve. Under the do- tion and expenditure of funds for each do- main of Zero discrimination against Girl Child main. Whether training was effective and it the strategies suggested were; Update and en- reflected in the projects. It also studies status sure that girl friendly schemes are taken up by of child friendly local governance in Kerala. LSGs, quality service to pregnant and lactating women, Early registration of all pregnancies in OBJECTIVES Anganwadi and Sub Centre. Other domains are • Understand the Child Friendly initiatives Immunization, vitamin A supplementation and of LSGIs; Pre and Post CFLG. de-worming, safe drinking water, Sanitation and • Understand the impact of the programme hygiene, reducing neo- natal, infant and under 5 in disseminating the concept of Child mortality etc. The study would examine how far Rights among different stakeholders. the LSGs could undertake initiatives under the • Mapping of Initiations of LSGIs for pro- domains of survival under CFLG programmes. tecting child rights in the domains of Survival, Development, Protection, and Development: early child care and Stimula- Participation. tion for development (ecd) (0-3 years, uni- • Analyse the pattern of budget alloca- versal EarlyChildhood care and Education tion and expenditure of LSGIs for Child (ecce) (3-5 years, healthy and child friendly Friendly initiatives. School and pre-school, education for all up to • Comparative analysis of CFLG and non 18 years, improving nutritional status and Fit- CFLG LSGIs performance in protecting ness of children are coming under domain of Child Rights. child developments. This study analyses wheth- er activities to reduce the concept of child de- RESEARCH QUESTIONS velopment have been reached in practice. • Whether performance of local govern- ments in reference to children has changed Protection: safeguarding the rights of children as after the KILA training while compar- per law, prevention of child Abuse in all settings, ing to the experience of pre-CFLG year? safe and protective school zones, safe adolescent • What are the initiatives local bodies have Phase, prevention of child Marriages, supportive taken for children after the KILA training? and caring family environment, disability reduc- • Understand what is the most significant tion and disabled friendliness were the activi- effect of KILA training for CFLG in local ties proposed under the domain of protection. bodies? This study has analyzed whether this concepts • How much funds has been allocated by lo- were taken by the local bodies through CFLGs. cal bodies annually for child friendly initia- tives in differ ent domains? Participation: To activate Balasabha in every • Performance of local bodies working in ward, Functional and active Adolescent clubs at each of the four major rights unidentified all AWCs and Government run hostels, partic- by UNICEF? Executive Summary Page 3 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG • How far trained stakeholders are aware of capacity of trainers in basic concepts of CFLG. child rights and current problems faced by In addition to this, a semi-structured interview children? schedule also was used. The tools were shared • What are the major achievements of local with KILA and concurrent was obtained. Focus governments taken under the study? Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted sep- • Whether any significant difference between arately with key stakeholders including children. in implementing and internalizing child Total 24 FGDs were conducted and 40 friendly local governance by Pancha- Key Informants were interviewed. In order to yaths and municipalities take part in train- collect data from sample LSGs 10 Research Of- ing and not received training ficers were recruited and were provided 2 days’ • To what extend initiatives promoted as the training at IRTC during 9-2-2019 to10-2-2018. part of CFLG were sustainable in nature. Field training was also provided at 10 pan- chayats. The data collection of the study took METHODOLOGY place 1st February to 27th April 2019. The re- One hundred and forty gram Panchayats search team interviewed elected representatives and 6 municipalities participated under the first and implementing officers in the local govern- round of training for the CFLG Programme of ments CSO representatives, extension officers KILA, a sample of 30 Panchayats that received appointed by KILA to support the LSGs and training was chosen through systematic random children from the LSG. A total of 306 adults sampling ensuring 10 each Panchayats from the and 429 children participated in the study. districts in south, central and southern regions of Kerala. In order to enable comparisons, one TOOLS OF STUDY Panchayat from each region, which did not re- Different tools were used in the study to ceive CFLG training, was selected as control collect from various stakeholders. cases. From among the six municipalities that received CFLG training, two were selected ran- Checklist: Administering checklist was the pri- domly ensuring representation of north and mary stage in data collection. The structure of south regions1. One municipality from each re- the checklist was suitable to analyze the pre and gion was selected, along with one municipality post analysis of child friendly programmes done as control case. Thus a total of 33 sample Pan- each local body. This checklist was administrat- chayats and 3 municipalities were covered by ed in three control Panchayath and one control the study. A mixed method approach was em- municipality. ployed in the study using a blend of qualitative and quantitative techniques. A checklist was de- Case studies: Case studies of 14 best perform- veloped in accordance with the assessment ma- ing Panchayts were documented under the study trix proposed in the operational manual of the through in-depth case studies. CFLG Programme covering each of the four di- mensions of child friendly local governance. The A structured questionnaire: The trainees from same was used to collect and analyse data from selected 30 Grama Panchayat were targeted to each sample LSG. A structured questionnaire collect data. The research team could collect data was used for analyse the attitude and knowledge from 40 participants from 17 Grama Panchayat, of trainees regarding CFLG. There were 3 sec- 32 elected representatives, 7 government staff, tions in the questionnaire; the first portion of the and one resource person. questionnaire was to understand the attitude and Various tools have been adopted in the knowledge level of trainees who were trained design of the project. At the first step of the under the CFLG programme regarding various research data collection of child friendly Pro- domains of CFLG. The second portion covered grammes were done by using the Check list. the initiatives taken by them after getting CFLG Secondary data also has been collected to cross training and the third portion was to understand check the check list and to collect plan fund of the contribution of KILA training in building each local body. A structured questionnaire also Executive1 Municipalities Summaryin the central region did not receive CFLG training in the first phase and hence central regionPage was not4 represented in the sample municipalities. IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG prepared to assesses the knowledge and attitude GENERAL FINDINGS AND THE OBSERVA- of child friendly initiatives among CFLG train- TIONS ABOUT THE CFLG PROGRAMME ees. Two FGDs were conducted. One for stake- • It is an appreciable effort that, the holders and other was children’s FGD. Semi UNICEF-KILA initiative of Child friend- structured interview schedule were prepared to ly local governance could disseminate the analyze the training experience of the stakehold- concept of CFLG to 146 LSGIs as a policy. ers representing the Panchayat’s. Respondents of The one year long training in KILA for 146 Semi structured interview were Elected repre- different local bodies has transferred the sentatives, officials, implementation officers and idea of four domains i.e., survival, devel- civil society representatives. opment, protection, and participation, into the local government institutions.

CHAPTERIZATION The study report is containing 6 chapters. Following are the brief content of the chapters. CHAPTER 1- deals the introduction of child rights and child friendly local governance. CHAPTER 2- is deals the context and methodology of the study. CHAPTER 3- chapter includes analysis of activities done in the domain of survival. CHAPTER 4- chapter deals analysis activities done in the domain of development. CHAPTER 5- chapter analysis activities done in the domain of protection. CHAPTER 6- chapter deals with analysis of activities done in the domain of participation. CHAPTER 7- is deals with the analysis of attitude and knowledge of trainees regarding CFLG. CHAPTER 8- chapter deals with the Success stories: Promising practices of CFLG CHAPTER 9- chapter is the findings, recommendations and conclusion of study.

• As a massive state level training programme LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY with the participation of multi-stakehold- Many stakeholders could not recollect ers such as representatives, elected mem- the process and information in the training and bers, local body officials, school heads, the current impact assessment study have three ICDS officers, and other officials under years gap. Official who were in charge of CFLG the LSGIs the CFLG training could reach and who were trained go transferred in many into authorities of local governments and it panchayat. Many respondents who were trained has helped sensitisation of the CFLG pro- under CFLG could not to recollect about the gramme among them. training and many respondent were busy with • Most of the trained LSGIs have absorbed parliament elections. Hence the participation of the concept of Children’s Gramasabha or all stakeholders was irregular in FGDs, and fell Children’s as a forum of children. Almost difficulty to catch them for collecting data -an all trained local bodies at least once con- other limitation of the study was lack of docu- ducted Children’s Gramasabha. mentation about child friendly initiatives taken • Apart from the normal training, the mentor- up by the panchayat they were death of docu- ing system with the follow-ups, enhancement mentary evidence. programmes by the involvement of mentor is appreciable as an equipping strategy. • As a part of the extensive training and var- ious strategies some exemplary initiatives areemerged in LSGIs. Executive Summary Page 5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG for gathering children. The real functions envis- Issues implied in the framework aged to be realised to the forum such as identi- of the programme fication of children’s issues, gathering children’s Since Kerala development experience suggestions for evolving child friendly plans and and status of children are quite different from a nurturing democratic culture among children universal Indian frame work, the framework of were not turned into practice at ground level. UNICEF has to be designed and operationalised in the Kerala context. Such an adaptation of the Dearth of initiative for comprehensive pan Indian framework to Kerala framework child development plan was missing in the programme. The programme As a part of CFLG they were suggest- had to be re-designed operationalised in Kerala ed to prepare a comprehensive child develop- context. ment plan and implement it under the devel- opment plan of LSGIs. KILA in cooperation Issues in recognising Children as Citizens with UNICEF prepared guidelines for LSGIs for International convention on child right comprehensive child development plan based highlights the citizenships of children whereas on four major domains of child rights, however such a right based approach was missing in the the stakeholders related to CFLG in each local overall training programme related to CFLG. body could not internalized it. Data from LSGIs CFLG could not deliver the citizenship right of show that most of the LSGIs were either follow- children as one among their basis right to the LS- ing routine programmes or organizing onetime GIs through training. Hence the representatives events like Balasabha in the name of plans for of LSGIs in CFLG programme implemented lo- children. Only few of them could formulate cre- cal body could not perceive children as citizens. ative plans for children, most of the LSGIs have This problem has reflected in the basics approach followed an adhocism approach in the planning of the programme has made impediments in re- and implementation of programmes. Majority of alising the real target of the programmes them could not utilize the provision of mandato- ry 5% allocation for children affectively. Absence of evidence based planning Systematic identification of problems Absence of involvement of parents and evolving solution for them require proper and teachers data base. Children’s comprehensive develop- There was no serious programme under ment plan in most of the LSGIs was not pre- CFLG for orienting parents and teachers towards pared with support of data. The comprehensive the concept of child rights. CFLG has focused data on children is unavailable in LSGIs. Limited only organized children programme rather than data collected from the annual routine survey by attempting to transform the perspectives of par- ICDS officers is the only data bank of children. ents and teachers towards children. Parents are KILA format has not been followed or updated unavoidable factor in the life of a child. Parent’s in most of LSGIs. Along with this data sets were life, behavior and attitude towards children affect not used for planning programme for children. behavior of the child. Children’s environment with changing the global, regional, socio-polit- Absence of a permanent institutional ical situations has also been changing. Parents mechanism for children in LSGIs are often denying child rights in the comprehen- KILA has promoted institution mech- sive environment which push the children into anism for their participation in governance, psycho-emotional issues. Hence continues pro- Balasabha, Bala Panchayath, and children’s grammes for educating parents and teachers are Gramasabha were these institutions. The study immense relevant. Data from LSGIs shows that indicated that theses institutional mechanism they could not undertake serious initiatives to could not work as a permanent democratic fo- sensitize parents on child rights. rum of children in studied Panchayats and mu- nicipalities these were limited to one-time events

Executive Summary Page 6 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG Absence of innovative projects • Limitation of UNICEF frame work in ad- LSGs have followed certain routine proj- dressing the specific issues of Kerala. ects which has elements of child rights, from the • Lacuna in recognizing the citizenship inception of peoples plan campaign and par- rights of children and converting children’s ticularly after the 11th plan. Even after various demands into activities exposures of training of CFLG, LSGIs are still • Majority of the LSGIs failed in preparing following the same pattern of projects. There comprehensive data on children which act- is a decrease of initiatives for innovative child ed as a hurdle in preparing scientific child friendly project by the LSGs even though some development plans initiatives were generated in some LSGIs. How- • Absence of a permanent institutional ever it is interesting to note that there are some mechanism for children at LSGIs is highly cases of innovative projects across the state Nir- reflected bhaya programme at Matthuthur, Sabhalamee • Dearth of initiative for comprehensive sta- Balyam at Kottayam, Kanmani and GOAL pro- tus report and child development plan gramme at Sreekrishnapuram, Thaliridam pro- • Absence of involvement of parents, chil- gramme at Porur Gramapanchayath, Child Nir- dren and teachers in programme formula- bhaya programme and child protection centre at tion and implementation of CFLG Mattathur (Thrissur) gram etc. Are examples for • Majority of the LSGIs could not introduce innovative programme s taken up by Gramapan- innovative project ideas apart from the rou- chayaths. Kottakkal municipality could also take tine activities of departments. up few initiatives. (Name it) • Need of platforms and mechanisms for sharing best practices of LSGIs Role of Mentors • Absence of special strategy to address the Some LSGs are advised and supported by needs of marginalized children were re- KILA through a mentoring system. Supporting flected. local bodies for better governance for children is • The allocation pattern of LSGIs showed the purpose of this assistance. At least one men- that there was a significant increase in the tor for a cluster of penchant could be provided allocation for children by the LSGIs after by KILA for enhancing the efficiency of child CFLG. Whereas such a trend was missing friendly initiatives of LSGIs eventually it can be in the case of expenditure. extended toll LSGIs all over the states. • Majority of the LSGIs could spent only low- er than 15% of their total allocation towards Need of special strategy for children from children marginalised groups • Absence of mechanism for coordinating Status of SC and ST children highlight different agencies working for children at the need of a special strategy in addressing the LSGI level survival issues in their life. However CFLG could • Limited power of LSGIs with in the existing not evolve a specific and locally contextualised legal frame work related to POCSO and JJ strategies to address the issues of children form ACT marginalised communities such as SC and ST. • Absence of initiative to address the issues of migrant children. • Need of refreshment trainings KEY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY • Limitation of a centralized and universal • CFLG programme could mainstream the approach rather than evolving approaches concept of children’s’ grama sabha and pan- and strategies from local context. chayat through their initiative. • Dearth of local ownership by LSGIs as their • CFLG was able to evolve some remarkable own programme experiments from different LSGIs. Such as • Lack of sustainability of initiatives under- Child Protection Centres, Children’s Li- taken by LSGIs brary, Bio diversity park, creche and Chil- dren’s’ park Executive Summary Page 7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG FINDINGS OF THE STUDY IN DIFFERENT the CFLG trained panchayaths to improve DOMAINS activities such as initiatives by ICDS, An- The following section of the chapter at- ganwadi classes, Health department class- tempts to provide major findings in the different es, Gramasabha classes, own Initiatives domains of the study such as survival, develop- by LSGIs and screenings through schools. ment, protection and participation. There is a significant difference found in the periods before and after the CFLG. How- CHILD SURVIVAL ever, the CFLG initiatives could not bring • The activities conducted by LSGIs under much of a change in urban locations when the domain of Child Survival are nutrition- compared with their rural counterparts in al status, screening of pregnant women, lac- terms of interventions as the part of RBSK, tating mother and children through PHC, whereas the own initiatives by LSGIs seem Anganwadi classes, Gramasabha classes on to be not significant. nutrition, visiting of ASHA workers, trib- • A considerable amount of fund is allocat- al medical camps, and classes on hygiene, ed for supplementary nutrition to address follow-up of immunisation and distribu- malnutrition among children every year by tion of vitamin supplements. In most of the LSGIs in Kerala. However, this could not be panchayats, the allocation and expenditure included in the mandatory 5% allocation for child survival are lying between zero to for children. This legal provision is provid- ten per cent. Most of the initiatives taken by ing space for allocating separate money for LSGIS under this domain are either costless the needs of children. However, the pan- or lying under the routine activities of de- chayats are not taking appropriate initia- partments such as health and social justice. tives for allocating funds for child survival This may be one reason for low allocation except for the allocation for supplementary and expenditure by the LSGIs. nutrition. This also indicates that address- • Regarding the efforts to identify and eradi- ing the issue of malnutrition and mapping cate sex-selective abortion, no LSGIs under the status of nutrition among children was the study had taken any specific initiative not seriously taken up by the LSGIs under by themselves to address the issue. The CFLG except for the routine activities hap- initiatives mainly come from the health pening through Anganwadis. department and other concerned depart- • Even though Kerala has shown better per- ments. The introduction of the CFLG pro- formance in comparison with the national gramme was not an influencing factor in average in vaccination, the state has to im- deciding the number or frequency of the prove the achievement to reach 100% vac- initiatives to address the issue of sex-selec- cination. ASHA workers, Kudumbashree tive abortion. In general, the low number groups, and Anganwadi workers who are of reported sex-selective abortion cases in affiliated to panchayaths are taking a key their localities might have worked as a fac- role in making the vaccination campaigns tor in reducing the concern and interest on successful. the side of trained LSGIs to come forward • The CFLG training could bring out only a with new initiatives or to strengthen the ex- slight improvement in the case of initiatives isting mechanisms to address the issue. already taken by the health department • As part of the RBSK programme under the and ICDS system. Even though the over- health department, nurses visit schools, all trend of performance of vaccination is PHCs, and Anganwadis in their assigned positive in panchayaths and municipalities, locations periodically and conduct screen- there have been some setbacks visible in a ing sessions to identify the health issues few locations of the state. The campaigns among children and refer them to high- against vaccination by religious groups, er-level public health care institutions. The some naturopathic groups and anti-science child-friendly movement has influenced movements have created a mood of suspi- Executive Summary Page 8 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG cion against vaccination. This has increased ing permanent building during CFLG the responsibility of LSGIs in such regions. years. In municipalities, there is no signif- It is noted that some of the LSGIs have tak- icant difference in constructing Anganwadi en special initiatives for improving the rate building in pre and post CFLG years. There of vaccination where the anti-vaccination has been no change during 2016-17 and campaigns were active. For instance, the 2017-18. Pulamanthole panchayat has done a special • The study indicates that LSGIs have taken campaign in this regard. However, the find- commendable initiatives for creating a bar- ings of the study indicate that such initia- rier-free environment in the institutions tives were not widely taken up by all LSGIs. coming under their jurisdiction. This was visible particularly in constructing toilets Child Development and ramps in schools and fixing of chairs • Development is the single largest domain in Panchayats and establishing feeding cor- under which LSGIs have allocated and uti- ners and arranging drinking water. lised a large amount of funds under CFLG. • Primary needs such as barrier-free toilets, There has been a significant improvement ramps, drinking water, primary and uni- in the allocation of panchayaths for devel- versal needs of differentially abled children opment in the post-CFLG training period. were met, while they could not address There is no such trend visible in the case of the secondary needs such as lifts and cra- urban LSGIs. As against the trend of increas- dle. Provision for wheelchairs, which is a ing allocation the expenditure of the rural very important need for differentially abled local government shows a higher level of children with moving disabilities was ne- mismatch. This perceived lethargy of pan- glected. This is an indication that the CFLG chayaths in spending the allocated money programme has to focus more on cultivat- particularly in child development may be a ing sensitivity towards the issues of differ- reflection of their insensitivity towards the ently-abled children. The findings indicate issues of children. Absence of proper social that CFLG training could sensitise the local audit mechanism from the participatory body authorities to extend the relevance forums for children may be another per- of special facilities for differentially-abled tinent reason for this trend. Data on child children. However, there is a need to be ex- participation in CFLG trained panchayats tended this sensitivity to the next level of which are discussed in chapter 6 (see chap- intervention. ter 6) indicate that participatory forums • The educational assistance initiatives for ST are either inactive or restricted to one-time children by the LSGIs are very low. The lack events. This has a larger implication in the of study facilities in tribal households and utilization of funds for child development. poor orientation on career are the major is- • The study also indicates that the majority of sues faced by tribal students. The FGDs of LSGIs could not prepare disaggregated and children in the tribal areas indicated that comprehensive database on children which Panchayats are mostly interested to take up would have acted as a baseline to preparing easy and simple initiatives rather than ad- developing programme for children. dressing the basic issues of tribal children • An initiative for constructing permanent such as malnutrition, absence of study facil- buildings for Anganwadi without land is in ities at home, and poor career orientation. a stagnant stage across the state. The high The data shows that there has been a slight value and unavailability of land are identi- improvement in the routine activities tak- fied as the major reason for this. About 60% en up by the panchayats for tribal children of panchayats under study have already between pre and post-CFLG periods. How- completed constructing own building for ever, they could not initiate any innovative Anganwadi. However, the other panchayats programme after CFLG training to address could not take any initiative for construct- the issues of tribal children. This indicates Executive Summary Page 9 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG that CFLG still requires adopting a special in practice. Interventions for making pre- strategy to address the issues of children in schools attractive centres of joyful learning tribal regions apart from the universal strat- were missing even in CFLG framework. egy of planning and implementation. Such • An initiative for constructing permanent a specific strategy for vulnerable groups is buildings for anganwadis without land is in currently missing in the CFLG programme. a stagnant stage across the state. The high • The initiatives by local bodies targetted at value and unavailability of land are identi- SC children indicate that the CFLG train- fied as the major reason for this. About 60% ing could only increase the momentum of of panchayats under study have already some traditional projects which had been completed constructing own building for taken up by the LSGIs. This includes ac- anganwadis. However, the other pancha- tivities such as the distribution of laptops yats could not take any initiative for con- and study tables. CFLG training could not structing permanent building during CFLG usher in any innovative initiatives in the list years. In municipalities, there is no signifi- of activities. This underscores the need for cant difference in constructing anganwadi and relevance of special effort within CFLG building in pre and post CFLG years. There to make it more inclusive and beneficial to has been no change during 2016-17 and the marginalized communities. 2017-18. • LSGs are responsible to provide ba- • The study indicates that LSGIs have taken by-friendly or child-friendly environment commendable initiatives for creating a bar- for children of the age group of 3-5 years. rier-free environment in the institutions The infrastructure development, provi- coming under their jurisdiction. This was sioning of learning aids, utensils, toys to visible particularly in constructing toilets the Anganwadis, and making the Angan- and ramps in schools and fixing of chairs wadi environment conducive to joyful in Panchayats and establishing feeding cor- learning are the activities they could have ners and arranging drinking water. taken up under the domain. Majority of • Primary needs such as barrier-free toilets, the panchayats have been undertaking the ramps, drinking water, primary and uni- task of maintenance and renovation of the versal needs of differentially abled children Anganwadis even before the CFLG initia- were met, while they could not address tive. There was no significant change even the secondary needs such as lifts and cra- after CFLG training in this regard. While dle. Provision for wheelchairs, which is a examining the activities initiated in pan- very important need for differentially abled chayats in the pre-primary sector, it was children with moving disabilities was ne- seen that the majority of the panchayats glected. This is an indication that CFLG have followed only the traditional activities programme has to focus more on cultivat- that were followed by them even before the ing sensitivity towards the issues of differ- CFLG training. It can be said that the CFLG ently-abled children. The findings indicate training could not bring any significant that CFLG training could sensitise the local change in this direction. At the same time, body authorities to extend the relevance some of the new initiatives which were pro- of special facilities for differentially-abled posed as the part of CFLG, such as the con- children. However, there is a need to be ex- struction of child-friendly toilets, making tended this sensitivity to the next level of Anganwadi building premises learning aids intervention. through paintings and the establishment of • The educational assistance initiatives for ST children’s park were not taken up seriously children by the LSGIs are very low. The lack by the majority of local bodies. CFLG had of study facilities in tribal households and introduced some innovative ideas in the poor orientation on career are the major is- pre-primary sector, but the majority of the sues faced by tribal students. The FGDs of CFLG panchayats failed in realizing them children in the tribal areas indicated that Executive Summary Page 10 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG Panchayats are mostly interested to take up training could not bring any significant easy and simple initiatives rather than ad- change in this direction. At the same time, dressing the basic issues of tribal children some of the new initiatives which were pro- such as malnutrition, absence of study facil- posed as the part of CFLG, such as the con- ities at home, and poor career orientation. struction of child-friendly toilets, making The data shows that there has been a slight Anganwadi building premises learning aids improvement in the routine activities tak- through paintings and the establishment of en up by the panchayats for tribal children children’s park were not taken up seriously between pre and post-CFLG periods. How- by the majority of local bodies. CFLG had ever, they could not initiate any innovative introduced some innovative ideas in the programme after CFLG training to address pre-primary sector, but the majority of the the issues of tribal children. This indicates CFLG panchayats failed in realizing them that CFLG still requires adopting a special in practice. Interventions for making pre- strategy to address the issues of children in schools attractive centres of joyful learning tribal regions apart from the universal strat- were missing even in CFLG framework. egy of planning and implementation. Such • When compared to other working do- a specific strategy for vulnerable groups is mains of CFLG, school-based programmes currently missing in the CFLG programme. have attained better status in establishing • The initiatives by local bodies targetted at child-friendliness by introducing innova- SC children indicate that the CFLG train- tive projects for the comprehensive develop- ing could only increase the momentum of ment of children. There is a gradual positive some traditional projects which had been change in the rate of initiatives by introduc- taken up by the LSGIs. This includes ac- ing community development programmes tivities such as the distribution of laptops for children during the CFLG years. There and study tables. CFLG training could not is an accelerating change in projects such usher in any innovative initiatives in the list as building smart classrooms, provision for of activities. This underscores the need for newspaper and magazines etc. While the and relevance of special effort within CFLG basic facilities such as drainage construc- to make it more inclusive and beneficial to tion, she toilets etc. we’re not included in the marginalized communities. the LSGIs. She toilets were not included in • LSGs are responsible to provide ba- almost any LSGI. Also, most of the school by-friendly or child-friendly environment officials believe that there is no need to sep- for children of the age group of 3-5 years. arate she toilets. The CFLG trained pancha- The infrastructure development, provi- yats had made some new initiatives after sioning of learning aids, utensils, toys to CFLG. Creation of bio-diversity parks in the Anganwadis, and making the Angan- schools, construction of disabled-friendly wadi environment conducive to joyful toilets and establishment of child-friendly learning are the activities they could have furniture are pertinent among them. Con- taken up under the domain. Majority of struction of the she-toilets, renovation of the panchayats have been undertaking the playgrounds, career guidance programmes, task of maintenance and renovation of the construction of new buildings and Haritha Anganwadis even before the CFLG initia- Vidyalayam programmes are the elements tive. There was no significant change even neglected by the majority of the pancha- after CFLG training in this regard. While yats. examining the activities initiated in pan- • Performance of LSGIs in the creation of chayats in the pre-primary sector, it was public spaces indicates that only a minori- seen that the majority of the panchayats ty of LSGIs could do any such initiatives. have followed only the traditional activities Availability of play spaces in the nearby that were followed by them even before the locations is basic to ensuring children’s CFLG training. It can be said that the CFLG right to engage in recreational activities. Executive Summary Page 11 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG Playgrounds are also spaces of socialisation • It is on a positive note that some pancha- for children. Hence the creation of public yaths could initiate tour and trips for Bal- places and playgrounds for children should asabha participants after CFLG training. have been included in the preferential list These findings underscore the relevance of of CFLG initiatives. However, the findings special training which emphasizes on the of the study point towards an absence of need of providing a recreational activity to such initiatives by LSGIs. High land value the children. along with the unavailability of land has also restricted the scope of interventions in PROTECTION this regard. However, LSGIs would have to • There was no significant increase in the develop community initiatives to identify number of panchayats who have allocated common land available under their juris- more funds for child protection activities diction and to identify the potential do- after the initiation of the CFLG programme. nors who are willing to provide land for the The pattern of funds utilisation under the creation of public spaces. However, such domain of child protection indicates that initiatives were missing in the majority of most of the panchayats (96 %) could spend the panchayats. Some studies have indi- allocation between the percentage intervals cated that health issues are widely visible of 0-30 only. Only one panchayat could do a among children in Kerala because of the comparatively good performance in utiliza- absence of sufficient physical exercise. This tion of funds. CFLG training did not make also corroborates the need for the creation a significant impact on the allocation and of more public spaces under the leadership expenditure of local bodies in the domain of LSGIs. As discussed above, this substan- of child protection. There might be differ- tiates the dearth of initiatives by LSGIs in ent reasons for this trend. One pertinent addressing the real needs of children. reason may be the nature of activities lying • The initiatives such as the creation of spe- under this domain. It seems that many of cial corners for children in libraries and the the activities included under this domain initiation of new libraries or strengthen- incur only marginal costs. Along with this, ing of existing children’s libraries were also local bodies were not able to identify inno- missing in the initiatives of LSGIs. This has vative actions in this domain. a large implication in planning the future • Activities for facilitating the child protec- training of CFLG. Creation of public spaces tion committees have had an increasing for children needs to be located in the man- trend from 2015 to 2018. Among these, datory intervention as the part of CFLG Jagratha Samithi, Vigilance committee, and programme. This element would have to be installation of the complaint box at ward emphasised more In future CFLG training. level are the elements which have shown a • LSGIs have given low preference for pro- promising trend. There is a static trend in viding recreation facility to children. Chil- the case of child protection centres. The dren’s right to play and engage in recre- overall picture of child protection indicates ational activities are still not attaining space that only one-half of the panchayats could in the minds of planners in LSGIs. take positive initiatives in the domain of • LSGI’s could not bring any significant child protection. change in organising recreation activities • Apart from the traditional methods of sen- such as swimming coaching, Anganwadi sitisation on child rights, innovative com- Balamela, distribution of sports kit, sports munication and public education tools coaching and the Arts fest for children. were not used for creating sensitisation Besides, a majority of them could not or- among stakeholders. Continuous parent ganise any special programme for different- and teacher education programmes on ly-abled children. child rights are necessary, and they have to adopt innovative strategies for sensiti- Executive Summary Page 12 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG zation. This kind of initiative is missing in vices provided in some schools. CFLG pro- the CFLG programme in general. There is gramme can plan some proactive steps for a need for a coordination mechanism be- making a coordination system of school tween different agencies working on child counsellors and other child counsellors at right sensitization within LSGIs. LSGI level. This could also act as a mech- • The number of cases of child abuse and the anism for parental counselling in LSGIs. It number of actions taken by the LSGIs are is also noteworthy that the present coun- also not satisfactory. The percentage of cas- selling system including school counsel- es in which a panchayat has taken action ling system requires to be remoulded in was 40 in 2015-16, 36 in 2016-17, and 40 in the context of child rights. Hence orient- 2017-18. This indicates that the panchayats ing all school counsellors in the context of could not take any action in 60 percentages child rights could be a centralised initiative of reported cases. The limitations of LSGIs which can be undertaken as a part of CFLG in terms of mandatory powers may be one initiative by CRC of KILA. factor restricting their interventions. Ab- sence of institutional mechanism for prop- PARTICIPATION er monitoring of cases at LSG level may be • The majority (more than 95%) of the pan- another factor which leads to this limited chayats could allocate funds between 0-10 intervention. percentage for the domain of participation • The number of cases reported and action in the pre-CFLG year and the first year of taken of Children in Conflict with Law is CFLG. found low. The present juvenile justice sys- • CFLG could make a small change in the tem is not providing any space for inter- allocation and expenditure of panchayats ventions by local bodies in cases related to in the domain of participation. Notwith- children in conflict with the law. There is no standing to this the utilisation percentage local level institution functioning relating as remained as poor irrespective of a slight to the implementation of this law. improvement after CFLG. There could be • Most of the panchayats have failed in pro- several factors which might have influ- viding psychosocial support to the chil- enced this pattern. The CFLG LSGIs even dren in needy situations. In the case of ap- may not have imbibed the relevance of pointment of counsellors through ICDS, building children’s participatory forum in the number was six in the pre-CFLG year, their jurisdiction. which has increased to eight in the first year • Majority of the panchayats and municipali- of CFLG and enhanced to nine only in the ties were conducting Balasabhas and creat- last year. The performance of both pancha- ing a space for children to participate in the yats and municipalities, in the case of ini- democratic process. tiating legal service centres for children at • The Initial enthusiasm of panchayat in or- LSGI’s, is poor. Even two-third of the LSGIs ganizing child Gramasabha has shown could not take any initiatives for provid- a declining tendency in the second year. ing psychosocial support to the children. Anyway, CFLG could establish the rele- Children from marginalised groups such as vance of Child gramasabhas as a participa- fishermen, tribal and scheduled caste com- tory institution of Children in local govern- munities are also facing specific issues re- ments. Child Gramasabha was conducted lated to their socioeconomic backgrounds. as onetime events rather than an institution These issues are remaining unaddressed. which needs to sustain for protecting the The FGDs and interactions with the chil- interest of children. CFLG could contribute dren emphasise the need for an institution- to improving the documentation process of al mechanism for providing psychological child Gramasabhas. support to the needy. Such a facility is not • LSGIs were not taking the comments available for them except counselling ser- raised by the children in Gramasabha as Executive Summary Page 13 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG issues which need to be addressed. Along deliverables of the CFLG programme. with with this the authority of the Local • Poor knowledge level of trainees regarding Government could not perceive children’s the child data profile could have acted as a as citizens who also have rights like other barrier in creating a basic child profile in all citizens. Initiatives for discussing children’s LSGI’s. demands in working groups of LSGIs and • With regard to the knowledge of trainees in general Gramasabhas were poor. However, the four major domains of CFLG such as the situation of CFLG LSGIs is slightly bet- survival, development, protection, and par- ter than control LSGIs. ticipation, the data indicates that more than • In practice, the majority of CFLG LSGIs half of the participants of the training do could not uphold the citizenship rights not have a basic understanding of the four of children to raise their voice in a public domains of CFLG except for the domain of forum and to ensure that their issues are participation. getting addressed by the LSGIs. The study • Regarding the attitude of trainees on the indicates that majority of the LSGIs have different dimensions of child rights, the approached children’s forum as a space for responses have shown a satisfactory status. ritualistic gathering of children, in place of At the same time half of the trainees believe considering them as a democratic forum of that adults can make better plans for chil- children. The feedback from the children’s dren even without them being heard. This FGDs point out the fact that the children again ratifies the fact that still a good num- who attended child Gramasabhas earlier ber of functionaries of CFLG could not rec- had a feeling that their demands were ne- ognize the basic citizenship rights of chil- glected by the LSGIs. This also prompted dren. them to withdraw from such participatory 2. Initiatives after getting CFLG Training forums. • The overall trend of initiatives taken by trainees after training in realizing the ac- ATTITUDE AND KNOWLEDGE OF TRAIN- tivities proposed in the training shows that EES REGARDING CFLG the majority of them could not take initia- 1. Status of knowledge and attitude of train- tives in realizing the proposed activities of ees regarding CFLG the training. Organizing balasabha was the • The knowledge level of trainees regard- only exception in this aspect. ing the basic pre-requisite of CFLG, such • This also highlights the fact that the ma- as the creation of child data profile at LS- jority of the training participants could not GI’s, vision document for children, and convert the training ideas into deliverables comprehensive local development plan for in the field. children have been analyzed in the study. 3. Contribution of KILA training in im- The data indicates that the majority of the proving the participant’s basic conceptual trainees have a basic understanding of the knowledge about CFLG comprehensive local development plan for • The data on the contribution of KILA children (92.5%) training in improving the basic concepts of • Their understanding of the vision docu- CFLG among participants indicates a pos- ment for children is also considerably bet- itive trend. The KILA training contributed ter (60%) while their knowledge about the to improving their basic conceptual under- data profile of the children seems to be poor standing in various aspects of CFLG except (45%). At the same time, it is noteworthy in the case of accepting citizenship of chil- that the majority of the LSGI’s could not dren. However, it is noteworthy that the bring out initiatives to leverage the fact that KILA training could not improve the con- the trainees had succeeded to an extent in cept level (43%) of the trainees in accept- imbibing a basic understanding about the ing children as citizens. This indicates that

Executive Summary Page 14 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG there is a high scope of improving KILA’s and gets scaled up over the years, seem to training context by including activities for be mostly running on a few specific factors changing the concepts of trainees regarding like availability of funds, will power or par- the citizenship of children. ticular interests of the ruling front etc. and when these energy sources runs out of fuel, SUCCESS STORIES: PROMISING PRACTIC- a broad based social space and support to ES OF CFLG continue and upgrade this projects will be • As part of the study, we could identify 14 absent mainly due to the lack of thrust on promising cases of exemplary execution the holistic participation of children. of CFLG practices all over the state. There were initiatives from LSGI’s on different Suggestions and Recommendations dimensions of CFLG. These included pro- • There requires a basic change in the frame- grammes for; making public institutions work adopted by CFLG programme by child friendly, developing database and considering the specific context of Kera- registry of children, interventions for im- la. The elements such as nuclearization of proving the health and nutrition status of families, isolation of children from public children, activities for providing physical space, increasing stress over children, lack education and arts performance training of physical activities and health issues relat- to children, effective running of children’s ed to that, and the emotional issues faced forums, bringing environmental conser- by children also need to be brought into the vation consciousness among children, mainstream agenda of CFLG. The CFLG addressing the issues of differently-abled programme framework would have to be children, conducting public education pro- reformulated in a way that it can address grammes for child rights, and initiatives for the second-generation issues such as en- ensuring protection of children. suring quality education and quality health • About the Sustainability of a project is de- services. termined by an entire range of factors in- • Though in general, poverty in Kerala has cluding its contextual relevance over time, reduced significantly but studies indicate availability of sufficient funds, good coordi- that poverty does exist, concentrated in nation and support between concerned de- some areas. Marginalised communities, partments or bodies, will power of political Tribes, Scheduled Caste, fishermen, and leadership, transparent execution, public differently-abled groups are largely facing co-operation, holistic participation of ben- the issues of survival and poverty. Hence eficiaries in all stages of project, and timely CFLG programme would have to develop need-based modifications. Sustainability in specific strategies for addressing the spe- turn influences the possibilities of scaling cial needs of children from marginalised up the projects or interventions over time categories rather than following a universal to enhance the coverage of beneficiaries strategy across the state. and benefits themselves. When we look at • CFLG programme would have to give our chosen interventions for sustainable more emphasis on developing special pro- models in which we can find the converged grammes and plans for differently abled positive performance of at least some of the children. It can give focus in the second above-mentioned factors, disappointingly round of CFLG programme to support LS- we do not have much to pick out. Hence GIs to develop workable models which can several of the interventions under analy- be replicated elsewhere for the comprehen- sis here are of short-run nature and some sive development of differently-abled chil- of them have collapsed in between before dren. they could even meet their short run ob- • The study indicates an absence of a coor- jectives. Even the few long run projects, dination mechanism at panchayat level for which are being continued by LSG bodies convergence for all kinds of child friendly

Executive Summary Page 15 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG initiatives taken up in the jurisdiction of LSGIs in promoting their initiatives for LSGIs by different agencies. Hence a pan- creating new public spaces and in renovat- chayat level/municipal level institutional ing existing spaces. mechanism with representation of chil- • Along with infrastructure development, dren’s forum at lower level can be built as quality of pre-school system also needs to a participatory forum for decision making. be improved. A special emphasis on the Along with this, an institutional mecha- CFLG programme needs to be provided in nism with the participation of all stake- this aspect. holders related to children can be organ- • Counselling facility needs to be available ised at panchayat level and the entire child in panchayat and all the school counsellors friendly initiatives can be coordinated could be connected with the system. through this system. • There is need of an LSGI level institution • A resource school can be identified in each to gather information on children in con- LSGI which can act as a coordination cen- flict with law and to deal with these cases tre of all educational research, training, with the perspective of child rights. The and other education service systems within agencies that are associated with cases on the LSGI. This centre can also function as children in conflict with law would have a legal service cum counselling centre for to handover the details of such cases to the children. respective LSGI’s. This would enable them • The study indicates the need of a statu- to pursue such cases in the perspective of tory provision for conducting children’s child right. Gramasabha and Panchayats. It is also • A child rights charter could be drafted in worth mentioning that there is a need every LSGI and could produce action tak- of provision to ensure that the demands en report periodically based on this char- raised by the children in Gramasabhas and ter. Bala Panchayat would be considered by the • There is a relevance of special training for working groups for planning and imple- CFLG panchayats to include programmes mentation. A social audit mechanism of for providing recreational activities to the the children to ensure that their demands children. are addressed by LSGIs can be introduced • Systematic public education programme is as a part of CFLG programme. needed to sensitize all stakeholders related • Special initiatives under CFLG programme to LSGIs on child rights. This could be in would be required for orientation of par- the mode of a continuous education pro- ents and teachers towards the concept and gramme. implications of child rights. • There require more initiatives to develop • It is necessary to collect disaggregated data child friendly programmes to address the of all children in the panchayath. This data issues of children from deprived categories bank should have all the details on chil- such as SC, ST, fishermen and different- dren such as education, health, nutrition ly-abled children. It also needs to be devel- etc. This could be the first step of any -ex oped the programmes which include the tended programme of CFLG. It can also be issues of migrant children as well. a online data base. Part of this can be done • Rather than following a universal ap- through school based survey in LSGIs and proach, training modules can be developed the remaining can be done through An- by providing more space for encouraging ganwadis. Disaggregated child data could models created by local bodies. There can be prepared and revised periodically. A be a frequent experience sharing mecha- comprehensive child development plan nism between the local bodies for sharing could be evolved out of the data prepared innovative ideas and experiences. by LSGIs. • While considering the varying socio-eco- • There is a need for special allotment to the nomic and cultural contexts of different

Executive Summary Page 16 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG panchayats, there are limitations in using society groups functioning in the pancha- the same measurement scales for all the LS- yaths can a play a significant role in the GIs. Hence context specific evaluation and planning and implementation of the CFLG assessment tools require further develop- projects. They can share ideas, provide ex- ment in order to evaluate the programme pertise and human resource, and can direct in different locations. the LSGIs about various funding possibili- • A decentralised process of training should ties. be followed for LSGIs across the state. Civil

CONCLUSION The training provided by KILA to local an evidence-based action programme holds the self government institutions in Kerala towards potential to catapult Kerala to yet another round establishment of a Child-Friendly Local Gov- of global recognition as a model in child-friend- ernance (CFLG) system has provided mixed re- ly local governance. sults. While the training was largely successful CFLG could generate some promising in imparting most of the underlying concepts practices all over the states in different dimen- of child-friendly local governance to the train- sions of Child Friendly Local Governance. As ees, the last-mile impact in terms of successfully part of the study, we could identify fourteen implemented programmes leave much to be de- promising cases all over the state. There were sired, especially with regard to the acceptance of initiatives from LSGI’s in different dimensions citizenship rights of children as partners in pol- of CFLG. They are initiatives for; making public icy formulation, and formulating independent institutions child friendly, developing date base projects under child survival. The results of the and registry of children, interventions for im- study indicate that the CFLG programme large- proving the health and nutrition status of chil- ly succeeded in mainstreaming the concept of dren, activities for providing physical education child gramasabha and child panchayat. Howev- and arts performance training to the children, er, these initiatives were not translated into the effective running of children’s forums, bring- strengthening of democratic decision making ing environmental conservation consciousness processes by the children. These forums were among children, initiatives for addressing the considered and utilized as only venues for or- issue of differently-abled children, conducting ganising children rather than launching pads for public education programmes for child right, raising the LSGIs into child friendly institutions and initiatives for ensuring self protection of by considering the real needs of children. children. This shortcoming is particularly glaring, The study indicates that continuous given the legacy of Kerala as a globally acclaimed hand holding and support from an institution model in democratic decentralization. The way like KILA has contributed in shaping these ex- forward for CFLG lies in customizing its glob- emplary practices. The mentoring system of al framework to suit the needs and context of KILA has provided support to many pancha- children in Kerala, and focusing on the gaps that yats in elevating their performance in CFLG. have been identified both in the ideation and These underscore the fact such a hand-holding action fronts of child-friendliness. Once these can be expanded to all the other panchayats se- lacunae are addressed, there lies the potential lected under CFLG. Local governance in Kerala to transcend the currently identified domains of is ultimately a political process, with different child-friendliness and adopt and practice nov- stakeholders embedded in the decision-making el concepts like flourishing in the place of mere process of local governance. Hence, bringing survival, and liberty instead of protection. Such attitudinal changes among all the stakeholders

Executive Summary Page 17 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG such as political parties, elected representatives, However to go forward, we cannot do parents, teachers, officials, and all other actors without the following improvements: further interacting with children is important to trans- ideological changes and awareness creation form an LSG into a status of child friendly lo- among the stakeholder groups, continuous cal governance. This highlights the relevance of evaluation and monitoring of programme im- continuous interaction with different groups to plementation, frequent impact assessment and bring about a paradigm shift in their conceptu- feedback collection exercises, inspiring incen- alization and approaches towards child rights tives for better performing panchayats, legis- and child friendly local governance. The strategy lative reformations, strong multi-stake holder of future course of action of CFLG programme collaboration and coordination ,exploration of needs to be designed by addressing these lacu- the alternative and more democratic ways of re- nae. source mobilisation and utilisation and holistic all round participation of children.

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CHAPTER - I

INTRODUCTION ning committee to formulate a plan for children The concept of Child-Friendly Local in the areas such as health, education, physical Governance (CFLG) is built on the premise that environment, disability, adolescent etc. These local government institutions, functioning at the policies were the pathway in identifying compre- grassroots, are the best place to interact with the hensive development of children in Kerala (Kut- children and contribute most meaningfully to re- tikalkkayulla Karmapadhathi-Keralam2004, alize their rights. The CFLG concept thus believes 2006). Kerala is one among the best state which that strengthening the local governance frame- has practiced the decentralized planning initia- work has the potential to benefit all children tives from the mid of the 1990s. People’s Plan- across the country, particularly the most vulner- ning Campaign (PPC) started in Kerala in 1997 able and disadvantaged groups, through better was a breakthrough in decentralized initiatives participation in planning and implementation. in the state. After the Panchayati Raj Amend- In 1995 at first, State Action Plan for ment Act 1994, PPC paved the way to the higher Children in Kerala has accepted. It envisioned level of power and devolution to the local gover- a healthy childhood for all children in the state. nance Studies show that Local Self Governments State action plan decided to achieve certain goals (LSGs) in Kerala have attempted to evolve differ- by 2000. As a result, many of the goals were ent interventions among children even from the achieved such as in 2001 infant mortality rate outset of People’s Planning Campaign. (Rajesh has reduced as 14/1000 and it could improve im- 2013)Even though the initiatives were started in munity of children against various diseases such 1997, mandatory provisions of the earmarking as tuberculosis, measles, polio, tetanus. In 2004 plan funds for the needs of children and elder- action plan for children has organized a plan- ly people has started from the planning guide-

Anganwadi in Kanjikuzhi Grama Panchayat

KILA | IRTC Page | 1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG lines introduced in 2013. This has elaborated the as same as the adult’s civil, political, social, cul- horizons of activities that can be undertaken by tural and economic rights. Following the gradual local governance for addressing children’s needs. concern for children, the year 1979 was declared Since 1998, Local Self Government Insti- as “International Year of the Children (IYC)” in tutions (LSGIs) in Kerala have started allocating respect of the rights of children (Yadav, 2003). the funds for providing supplementary nutri- The rights-based approach finally be- tion to the Anganwadis all over the state. This came a legally-binding international agreement has a larger implication in improving the quality with the adoption of the United Nations Conven- of supplementary nutrition programme which tion on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which was earlier done by Integrated Child Develop- institutionalized and universalized the concept ment Scheme (ICDS). Along with this, LSGIs of childhood. The UNCRC consists of 54 articles have undertaken different initiatives to improve that set out children’s rights and how govern- the quality of Pre-primary education, and in- ments should work together to make them avail- frastructure of government schools in the state able to all children.(Thomas, 2011).The CRC (Rajesh, 2013). Interventions in the health sec- basically explores the principle of ‘children first’ tor and its implications on improving the service and has changed the concept that children are delivery for women and children are also notice- not merely the subject of rights but the objects able in this context. (Rajesh & Thomas, 2012). of legal protection. It recognizes the child as an Different children’s institutions such as Balasabh individual with the right to participate in a deci- and Children’s Gramasabhas were experiment- sion affecting the child’s own life.’(Yadav 2003). ed by different LSGIs in various locations of the As an agency is functioning on partic- state. Notwithstanding these interventions, LS- ularly rights of the children, UNICEF has been GIs could not approach and address the issues of experimenting with different initiatives in the children in the context of child rights declared child-friendly governance system. Since Kera- under UN policy and National Policy on Chil- la has made a unique pathway in strengthening dren in 2013. LSGIs were following a need-based local governments, UNICEF have opted Kerala approach rather than a right based approach as a state in India to experiment Child-Friendly until the intervention of Child-Friendly Local Local Government concept in India. UNICEF Governance programme launched by KILA in has started an association with KILA by es- 2016. Kerala is set on a path to make its LSGIs tablishing a Child Resource Centre (CRC) in child-friendly by moving away from a system 2011. Eventually, a collaborative programme of in which elders decide and plot out the devel- UNICEF and KILA was launched in the year of opment projects and programmes for children. 2016 as an initiative for creating child-friendly local governments through the interventions Towards a programme for Child-friendly in selected rural and urban local bodies (Rajan Local governance & Radhakrishnan, 2016). This programme was The post-war experience has energized implemented in 140 Gramapanchayats and 6 concern for children. Policy level initiatives at in- municipalities all over the state. And the pro- ternational platform started only during the first gramme was started in the year of 2016, and half of the 20th century. The earlier effort was the the training part of the programme was com- Geneva Declaration in 1924. Though it was not pleted by 2017. Kerala Institute of Local Ad- a legally binding declaration of a league of a na- ministration (KILA) has appointed mentors tion, it emphasized on the well-being of children in selected local bodies to support the LSGIs and recognized their right to development, assis- throughout the state. Training programmes were tance, relief, and protection. Following the Gene- developed based on the conceptual framework va declaration, there is a development of the idea of UNICEF which has highlighted child sur- of Child Right at the International Level (Chil- vival, development, protection, and participa- dren’s Rights Alliance (Ireland), 2010). The Uni- tion as the four major domains of child rights. versal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 had triggered governments to recognise child rights Survival rights: include the child’s right to life KILA | IRTC Page | 2 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG and the needs that are most basic existence, main. CRC in KILA has given the intellec- such as nutrition, shelter, an adequate liv- tual and practical lead to this programme. ing standard, and access to medical services. A programme which has completed its three years of launching, an impact assessment of the Development rights: include the right same is quite relevant. This study is attempting to education, play, leisure, cultural activi- to inquire about the impact of the programme ties, and access to information, and free- in delivering the concept of Child Rights among dom of thought, conscience, and religion. different stakeholders, initiating programmes for protecting child rights in the domains of Surviv- Protection rights: Ensure children are safeguard- al, Development, Protection, and Participation, ed against all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploita- making the LSGIs budget more child-friendly tion, including special care for refugee children; and in making child-friendly initiatives more safeguards for children in the criminal justice sustainable. The study also attempts to under- system; protection for children in employment; stand the distinctiveness of Child-Friendly Ini- protection and rehabilitation for children who tiatives taken up by the CFLG LSGIs with the have suffered exploitation or abuse of any kind. LSGIs who have not implemented the CFLG pro- gramme. This study has selected 30 Gramapan- Participation rights: include children’s free- chayats and 2 municipalities have samples of the dom to express opinions in matters affecting study through the systematic stratified random their own lives, to join associations and to as- sampling process. Three control Panchayats and semble peacefully. As their capacities devel- one control municipality who have not imple- op, children should have an increasing op- mented CFLG were also selected for comparison. portunity to participate in the activities of the society, in preparation for adulthood.

Content of the training, training man- uals and the follow-ups has instructed the local bodies to evolve programmes and ac- tion steps to realize child rights in this do-

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CHAPTER II

CONTEXT AND METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY

This chapter analyses the discussion cations for children are low in India compared on child rights in India and also examining to other developed or developing countries. It the status of child rights in Kerala. It gives a is also alarming that, according to the census of brief narrative of initiatives taken by the lo- 2011, 10.13 million child labourers are in India cal self-government for addressing the needs between the ages of 5-14 years (Census,2011). of children and the institutions created as part of such initiatives. This chapter explains the Kerala development and child rights methodology of the study including the the- Kerala stands first in development in- oretical framework adopted, the procedure dicators compared to other Indian states (Gov- of the sampling, tools used in the study and ernment of India 2005). Kerala has success- the limitations that the study that confronted. ful experience of decentralization in terms of Child rights in India realized through formulation and implementation of its Local the constitution, the national policy for children Self Government Institutions. The State had and through international conventions. In India, set a benchmark in the devolution of pow- more attention was given to child labour, sexual ers and funds to local bodies (Centre emulates exploitations and the existing policy gaps by the child-friendly local governance 2019). In the Government and other non-Governmental or- federal system of India, welfare projects are im- ganizations. on 26th April 2013, the government plemented under the Local governance system. has adopted a New National Policy. It recognizes So the right based framework is to be more flex- a multispectral and multidimensional approach ible in Kerala. The state could be responsive to is necessary to secure the rights of children. The survival, development, protection and partic- Policy has identified four key priority areas: sur- ipation aspects of UNICEF. But Children and vival, health, and nutrition; education and de- child rights is one of the most neglected parts velopment; protection and participation, for fo- in Kerala’s experience of development. The state cused attention for children. As children’s needs is lagging behind the policies and programmes is multi- sectoral, interconnected and require for children in the perspective of rights and collective action, the policy calls for purpose- equality. Kerala did not have a comprehen- ful convergence, coordination across different sive development plan exclusively for children. sectors and levels of governance”. (The National Policy for Children, 2013 2013). Though there Child-Friendly Initiatives Prior to CFLG are institutions for protecting the rights of chil- As discussed above since the inception dren, Indian policy towards children is lagging of PPC, LSGI’s have been implementing proj- behind. Indian children constitute about 39% of ects for addressing children’s needs. They were the total population of India by census 2011. But undertaking projects for providing supplemen- expenditure on children has decreased consid- tary nutrition through the Anganwadis. Along erably by the Government after liberalization. with this, infrastructure development of schools There are gaps in policy frameworks for chil- was their major area of intervention. Several in- dren. The Union budget 2016-17 has allocated terventions have been done for improving the only 3.23% of children. Although it is slightly basic infrastructure of the health system which increased compared to the previous year, allo- in turn has made the impact of quality of ser-

KILA | IRTC Page | 4 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG vice delivery to women and children. The im- Roots of CFLG provement in the immunization coverage is a UNICEF initiated the CFLG project in good instance for the result of LSG interventions Kerala joining with Kerala Institute of Local Ad- in the Health sector (Rajesh, SAGE). Some of ministration (KILA). Kerala Institute of Local the LSG interventions prior to the CFLG pro- Administration (KILA) is an autonomous train- gramme among children are briefly stated below. ing, research, and consultancy organization con- LSGI PROGRAMMES In order to decrease the number of dropouts, Noolpuzha Gramapanchayat in Wayanad district, where 1/3rd of the population belongs to the Schedule Tribes (ST) a programme has been initiated. The Panchayat approached the Noolpuzha problem by providing basic necessities such as travelling facilities, breakfast, lunch, uniform, volleyball and karate coaching for girl children, literacy pro- gram for parents, etc. During 2015-16 the number of dropouts decreased. Pulamanthol of Malappuram district created a protective environment for ad- Pulamanthol olescent girls of the Panchayat. The major program was to train the girls in karate and taekwondo from Adolescent Girls clubs. Mala Panchayat in Thrissur district created a platform for children to voice their needs, suggestions and priorities in the form of conducting Gramasabha for children. This is conducted twice in a year on Sundays or any other holidays Mala in the ward. The opinions and suggestions put forward by the Gramasabha are presented in the meeting and thereafter recommendations and suggestions are submitted to the Gramapanchayat for necessary follow up actions. The Panchayat initiated programmes for enrolling children of migrant labour- ers at Karumanda Koundannur (Palakkad) Anganwadi Centre: Eruthempathy Other programmes done for migrant children are: Gramapanchayat • Immunization campaign organized by the PHC. • Nutrition foods given to the beneficiary children and gradually the chil- dren in the age group of 3 – 6 were sent to the Anganwadi Centre. Table No. 2.1 Institutions Created for Children stituted under the Ministry of Local Self-Gov- prior to CFLG ernment, Government of Kerala. In 2011, Since people’s Planning Campaign, par- UNICEF has started India’s first child resource ticularly after the introduction of Kudumbasree centre (CRC) in KILA. CRC works as a centre programs in LSGIs in Kerala, has evolved and of excellence in child rights. UNICEF and KILA experimented different institutions for Chil- jointly prepared a comprehensive child develop- dren. Balasabha, Bala Parliament, and Children’s ment plan (CCDP) in 2012. The comprehensive Gramasabha are noteworthy among them. Bal- child development plan has covered mainly four asabha (children’s assembly) is a grassroots level areas such as Survival, development, protection, organization of children developed by Kudumbas- and participation. (Study Tour of MLAs from ree Mission at a neighbourhood group level. Odisha on Local Governance of Kerala, 2016). Children’s Gramasabha is an assembly of CRC act as a training and advocacy cen- all children between the ages of 10 and 18 from the tre for various stakeholders engaged in child jurisdiction of award (Constituency of an LSG or governance. CRC has an Online Repository on Urban Local Body). Children’s Gramasabha aims Child Governance and issues related to chil- to initiate a child-friendly development perspec- dren. CRC collects resources of publications, tive on the local government through fixing the research studies with preference to second gen- gaps in the planning interventions for children eration development issues affecting the chil- and also make plans to fill the gaps identified. dren of Kerala. The establishment of a child

KILA | IRTC Page | 5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG resource center by UNICEF has enabled KILA CFLG has finished its four years of functioning, to extend specialized services for local govern- a comprehensive evaluation based on its theo- ments in child development. This enables KILA retical framework and practical contributions is to equip itself as a centre of excellence in child necessary. However, such a comprehensive study governance (Study Tour of MLAs From Odi- is missing after the implementation of the CFLG sha On Local Governance of Kerala, 2016). programme in Kerala. In this context, an inquiry-based on the PROCESS AND IMPLEMENTATION following research questions would be relevant. OF CFLG An impact assessment study has been • Whether the performance of local govern- carried out KILA-CRC after developing the ments in reference to children has changed comprehensive child development plan (CCDP) after the KILA training while comparing to manual. Extensive training sessions have been the experience of Pre-CFLG years? conducted for 140 Panchayats, 6 municipalities • What are the initiatives local bodies have a number of block and districts, at the beginning taken for children after the KILA training? of the implementation of child-friendly local • Understand what are the most significant governance. The pilot study of Child-Friend- effects of KILA training for CFLG in local ly Local Governance conducted for five s and bodies? a municipality. A draft operational manual of 2 • How many funds have been allocated by lo- volumes has been provided. Guidance note on cal bodies annually for child-friendly initia- four areas of child rights was also prepared. Each tives in different domains? Operational Manual has four to seven domains • Performance of local bodies working in to be intervened by the local government effec- each of the four major rights identified by tively so as to achieve the child-friendly status. UNICEF? Under each domain, 5-10 strategies are incor- • How far trained stakeholders are aware of porated against which monitoring indicators child rights and current problems faced by are given. The local governments were asked to children? decide their own objectives and targets using • What are the major achievements of local the indicator based monitoring tools. After the governments taken under the study? initial pilot training, 94 new Panchayats from • Whether any significant difference be- northern districts were given CFLG training and tween in implementing and internalizing some of them are resolving to have child-friend- child-friendly local governance by s and mu- ly interventions.KILA has conducted the first nicipalities take part in training and not re- round of training from 2015 -2016 and the same ceived training has been widely done in 2016 among the 140 • To what extend initiatives promoted as the Panchayats all over the state. The training was part of CFLG were sustainable in nature. given within the guidelines of UNICEF and the- matically focussed on the four core concepts. METHODOLOGY The study has taken the theoretical Process and Implementation framework of the CFLG programme as an as- The participants were made aware of the sessment framework to evaluate the impact. The need for having awareness of child rights and indicators used in the CFLG training manual the need for more creative spaces for the chil- have been converted into assessment indicators dren within the LSGIs. The participants were during the study. A mixed method approach was also made aware of the need for monitoring of employed in the study using a blend of qualita- committees and ensure an environment safer for tive and quantitative techniques. Along with the children and thus ensure children’s participation checklist, FGDs among different stakeholders in asserting their rights and thus transforming an attempt was done to assess the knowledge their respective LSGIs as child-friendly. Since and awareness level of trainees on different do-

KILA | IRTC Page | 6 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG mains of CFLG. A structured questionnaire was Checklist: Administering checklist was the used for this. There were 3 sections in the ques- primary stage in data collection. The struc- tionnaire; the first portion of the questionnaire ture of the checklist was suitable to analyse was to understand the attitude and knowledge the pre and post analysis of child-friendly level of trainees who were trained under the programmes done in each local body. This CFLG programme regarding various domains checklist was administered in three control of CFLG. The second portion covered the ini- Panchayats and one control municipality. tiatives taken by them after getting CFLG train- ing and the third portion was to understand Questionnaires for trainees: The analytical the contribution of KILA training in building techniques based on various sets of the ques- capacity of trainers in basic concepts of CFLG. tionnaire have been applied. Stakeholder’s ex- perience of child-friendly local governance training, awareness of child rights, projects for Sampling children were measured using questionnaire. 140 Panchayats and 6 municipalities participated under the first round of training Case studies: In-depth case stud- for the CFLG programme of KILA, a sample ies of 14 best performing Pancha- of 30 Panchayats that received training were yats were documented under the study. chosen through systematic random sampling ensuring 10 each Panchayats from the districts Various tools have been adopted in the in North, Central and Southern regions of Ker- design of the project. At the first step of the ala. In order to enable comparisons, one pan- research data collection of child-friendly pro- chayat from each region, which did not receive grammes were done by using the Checklist. CFLG training, was selected as a control case. Secondary data was collected to cross-check From among the 6 municipalities that received the checklist and to collect the plan fund details CFLG training, two were selected randomly of each local body. Semi-structured interview ensuring representation of north and south re- questions were prepared to analyse the train- gions. One municipality from each region was ing experience of the stakeholders representing selected, along with one municipality as a con- the panchayats. Individual evaluation ques- trol case. Thus, a total of 33 sample panchayat tions also prepared to assess the knowledge of and 3 municipalities were covered by the study. child-friendly initiatives among stakeholders. Two FGDs were conducted. One for stakehold- Tools ers and others was children’s FGD. Respondents A checklist was developed in accordance of both Semi-structured interview and Indi- with the assessment matrix proposed in the op- vidual evaluation questions were elected rep- erational manual of the CFLG programme cover- resentatives, officials, implementation officers, ing each of the four dimensions of child-friendly civil society representatives, KILA extension local governance. The same was used to collect faculty, and children from each LSG institu- and analyse data from each sample LSGIs. In tion were selected as respondents of the study. addition to this, a semi-structured interview schedule also was used for conducting interviews Administration of the Study: Total 24 FGDs with key stakeholders. The tools were shared were conducted and 40 key Informants were in- with KILA and concurrence was obtained. Fo- terviewed. In order to collect data from sample cus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted LSGIs, 10 Research Assistants were recruited separately with key stakeholders including chil- and were provided 2 days training at Integrat- dren. Different tools were used in the study to ed Rural Technology Centre during 09-02-2019 collect data from various stakeholders such as; to 10-02-2019. The data collection of the study took place from 1st February to 27th April 2019. The research team interviewed elect-

KILA | IRTC Page | 7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG ed representatives and implementing officers the training and many participants were busy in the local governments, extension officers with elections. Hence the participation of all appointed by KILA to support the LSGs and stakeholders was irregular. The other limita- children from the LSG. A total of 306 adults tion was to fix a schedule for FGDs during elec- and 429 children participated in the study. tion time. We were able to tackle this through continuous perseverance and continuous fol- LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY low-ups with the representatives. Lack of doc- The child-friendly local governance umentation about child-friendly initiatives was training KILA has initiated is well conceptu- also another limitation of the study and we at- alized which was carried from 2015 and 2016. tempted to cover this limitation through trian- The impact assessments of this study is tak- gulation of information from different sources. ing place after 3 years and in most of the offi- cials who received training were transferred and participants were unable to recollect about

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CHAPTER - III

CHILD SURVIVAL

Child Survival implies the right to life Increasing Child Sex ratio is an indi- of children. Survival rights include aspects of cation of better child survival. The following life, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, envi- table provides a picture of Child sex ratio in ronment, and standard of living. The initiatives India and Kerala over the last three decades. were suggested by the UN-KILA framework Child sex ratio status under the child survival are interventions to reduce sex-selective abortion, ensuring safe Year India Kerala drinking water, better sanitation and hygiene, 1991 945 958 neonatal infant and under five mortality rate, 2001 927 960 immunization, distribution of vitamin A sup- 2011 918 964 plements and ensuring quality service to preg- Table-3.1 (Source: Secondary data) nant and lactating women. As the mortality rate The above table (Table-3.1) shows a de- of children in India is high, reducing mortality crease of child sex ratio in India from 1991 to of neonatal and children under five are signifi- 2011. But in the case of Kerala, the child sex cant goals of CFLG. This chapter examines the ratio has increased considerably from 1991 initiatives taken by the LSGIs under the domain to 2011 (census of India 2011). The statistics of Child Survival. This has been done by ana- shows that Kerala performs better than the na- lysing the nature of projects taken up by LSGIs tional average in the domain of child sex ratio. and by examining the allotment and expendi- The table (Table-3.2) below ture of LSGIs in the domain of Child Survival. shows various programmes for child sur- vival initiated by the Government.

The table below shows various programmes for child survival initiated by the Government PROGRAMME AND YEAR OBJECTIVE OF THE PROGRAMME Kerala Maternity Benefit Pro- The Government of Kerala began this programme to help pregnant women in the gramme (2018-2019)v state. The Government hopes to provide Financial Assistance. Accordingly, a bene- ficiary gets approximately Rs.5,000 as assistance Mainly lactating mothers and the new-borns will benefit from this Yojana. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY- This scheme is in operation in Kerala from 2005-06 and is implemented with the 2005-06) objective of reducing maternal and infant mortality by promoting institutional delivery. Immunisation strengthening The state has achieved tremendously in eliminating neonatal tetanus, polio and programme (1991-2001) reduction of other vaccine preventable diseases. Children in many districts are polio free. ICDS (Integrated Child Devel- To provide supplementary nutrition opment Scheme-1975) To provide health education and non-formal preschool education. Table-3.2 (Source: Secondary data)

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As mentioned above, the initiatives for YEAR WISE ALLOCATION AND UTILISA- child survival is a core component under the TION OF FUNDS BY LSGIs child-friendly programme. Hence the analy- Analysis of fund allocation and expen- sis of fund allocated and utilized by the LSGIs diture is a good indicator to understand the and nature of activities undertaken by them to nature of initiatives taken by the LSGIs un- realize the objective of child survival are im- der the domain of child survival. The follow- portant. The following section in this chap- ing table shows the allotment and expenditure ter is an attempt to shed light in these matters. of the same for the last three years. This would help understand the variation in allocation and expenditure for a particular time period.

YEAR WISE ALLOCATION AND UTILIZATION OF PANCHAYATS PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Percentage Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Intervals allocated utilised allocated utilised allocated utilised 0- 9.99 26 28 25 27 26 28 10-19.99 0 0 2 0 0 1 20-29.99 1 0 0 0 3 1 30-39.99 1 0 1 2 1 0 40-49.99 0 1 1 0 0 0 50-59.99 1 1 0 0 0 0 60-69.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 70-79.99 1 0 0 0 0 0 80-89.99 0 0 0 1 0 0 90-99.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 100-109.99 0 0 1 0 0 0 CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Percentage Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Intervals allocated utilised allocated utilised allocated utilised 0-9.99 1 1 2 2 2 1 10-19.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 20-29.99 1 2 0 0 0 1 30-39.99 1 0 0 0 1 0 40-49.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 50-59.99 0 0 0 1 0 1 60-69.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 70-79.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 80-89.99 0 0 1 0 0 0 Table-3.3 (Source: Primary Data)

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YEAR WISE ALLOCATION AND UTILIZATION OF MUNICIPALITIES MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 No. Municipali- Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipali- Municipality ty allocation utilisation allocation utilisation ty allocation utilisation Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage 1 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5.56% 4.83% 2 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Municipali- Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipali- Municipality ty allocation utilisation allocation utilisation ty allocation utilisation Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage 1 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Table-3.4 (Source: Primary Data)

The allocation and expenditure for child 17 and further declined to a mere 0 in 2017- survival in most of the Panchayats lie between 18. This shows that there is no considerable zero and 10 percentage. The allocation for 26 improvement in survival pre and post CFLG. Panchayats (out of 30 Panchayats) in 2015-16, 25 While looking at the case of municipali- Panchayats during 2016-17 and 26 during 2017- ties, their performance is poor in comparison to 18 lie below 10 percentage. This shows that more Panchayats. Out of 2 municipalities, only 1 could than 90 percent of the Panchayats could ear- initiate activity in the area of Child Survival that mark only 10 percentages of the funds allocated was also during the last year (2017-18). One mu- consistently for 3 years under the child-friendly nicipality could not allocate and utilize any fund initiatives for child survival. The situation is not for child survival during the last 3 years. The different when it comes to expenditure. Major- same case is shown in the case of control mu- ity of the Panchayats could spend only below nicipality as well. There can be various reasons 10 percentage of the total allocation for sur- for this trend. The domains suggested under the vival for a period of 3 years between 2015 and title of child survival are interventions to reduce 2018. 28 Panchayats in 2015-16, 27 in 2016-17 sex-selective abortion, ensuring safe drinking and 28 in 2017-18 could spend only below 10 water, better sanitation and hygiene, neonatal ar- percentage of the allocation. While examining resting infant and under five mortality rate, im- the case of control Panchayats, the same trend munization, distribution of vitamin A, supple- is followed with fund allocation and a slight im- ments and ensuring quality service to pregnant provement in the case of utilization. In the case and lactating women. The activities conducted of pre and post CFLG analysis, data shows there by LSGIs under the domain of Child Surviv- is slight decline in allocation when it comes to al are nutritional status screening of pregnant Gramapanchayats, particularly in the 2018 while women, lactating mother and children through there was a slight improvement in the expendi- PHC, Anganwadi classes, Gramasabha classes ture. The number of panchayats that were allo- on nutrition, visiting of ASHA workers, tribal cated more than 30 percent from the total funds medical camps, hygiene classes, and follow-up of under child-friendly initiatives for child survival immunisation and distribution of vitamin sup- was, 3 in 2015-16, that declined to 2 in 2016-17 plements. (See Table No.3.7) This information and further declined to a mere 1in 2017-18. In shows that most of the initiatives taken by LSGIS the case of fund utilization, the number of Pan- under this domain are either costless or lying chayats that spend more than 30 percent for under the routine activities of departments such child survival under child-friendly initiatives as health and social justice. This may be one rea- was 2 in 2015-16 which increased to 3 in 2016- son for low allocation by the LSGIs. At the time, KILA | IRTC Page | 11 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG the lethargy of LSGIs could be highlighted as a ence. This indicated CFLG training could not reason for poor performance in fund utilization. make much change in the scenario of fund allot- The above table shows urban local bodies are ment and utilization of LSGIs for child survival. poorly sensitized on child survival in terms of al- location and expenditure while comparing with 3.1) INITATIVES FOR ERADICATION OF the rural local governance. It is also interesting SEX-SELECTIVE ABORTION BY LSGIs that the Panchayats and municipalities who have In the case of child sex ratio, Kerala has not included in the CFLG have also shown poor a safer situation. However, interventions to pre- performance in fund allocation and utilization vent, sex-selective abortion are still pertinent. under child survival. The analysis of fund allot- The following table analyses the interventions ment and fund utilization during pre and post of local bodies in preventing sex-selective abor- CFLG does not show any considerable differ- tion.

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Panchayats Type of programmes Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayat Panchayat Not initi- Initiated Not initiated Initiated Initiated Not initiated ated 1) Initiatives from 5 25 5 25 5 25 health dept. 2) Classes from other 4 26 4 26 4 26 department CONTROL PANCHAYAT Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Panchayats Type of programmes Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayat Panchayat Not initi- Initiated Not initiated Initiated Initiated Not initiated ated 2) Classes from other 0 3 0 3 0 3 department Table-3.5 (Source: Primary data)

MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of TYPE OF PRO- municipality municipality municipality municipality municipality municipality GRAMMES Initiated Not initiated Initiated Not initiated Initiated Not initiated Initiatives from 0 2 0 2 0 2 health dept. Classes from oth- 0 2 0 2 0 2 er department CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 TYPE OF PRO- Municipality Initiated Municipality Initiated Municipality Initiated GRAMMES Initiatives from No No No health dept. Classes from oth- No No No er department Table-3.6 (Source: Primary data)

KILA | IRTC Page | 12 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG Note: This table indicates the number of pan- case of sex-selective abortion is not reported or chayats that have taken initiatives to eradicate identifying in their Panchayats. The strong legal sex-selective abortion. framework and its implementation may be one Note: The above given table indicate the reason for this and the continuous observation number of municipalities that have taken the mechanism through the PHC and Anganwadis initiative to eradicate sex-selective abortion. would also be working for prevention mecha- And table ‘Control municipality’ indicates the nism to address sex-selective abortion. Other initiatives taken to eradicate sex-selective abor- reason for not reporting of cases may be the hid- tion programmes. den practices that may be happening in private Regarding the efforts to identify and clinics and hospitals where the LSGIs have no eradicate sex-selective abortion, no LSGIs un- direct control. der the study has taken any specific initiatives themselves to address the issue. The initiatives KANMANI: SREEKRISHNAPURAM mainly come from the health department and PANCHAYAT other concerned departments like social justice KANMANI programme was initiated (ICDS), and they mainly conducted awareness by the Sreekrishnapuram panchayats part of classes and some events under programmes like promotion of gender sensitization and preven- Beti Bachao Beti Padao. Comparing the pre and tion of sex selective abortion by giving a token of appreciation to every new born girl child in post CFLG scenario, it is indeed noticeable that the panchayat. Panchayat officials and ward the number of panchayats, where at least one ac- member used to visit the new born girl child tivity or initiative to address the issue has been and mother with gift hampers. reported to be conducted, remains stagnant. Only a few numbers of panchayats under study 3.2) INITIATIVE FOR SENSITIZATION over the years has taken any of such initiatives. AND TRAINING UNDER RBSK BY THE However, among the 3 control panchayats that LSGIs come under the study, who have not received any RBSK is the new better version of the training on CFLG programme, none has report- school health programme that is being con- ed having conducted even the activities from the ducted over the last several years with an aim of side of the health department, ICDS, etc in all identifying and treating early childhood disabil- the 3 financial years of evaluation. Analysing the ities, deficiencies, diseases, etc. RBSK is a project data available for one trained municipality and under the health department, being implement- another untrained control municipality, in both ed in collaboration with the ICDS programme. the places no activities to address the issue of As part of the programme, RBSK nurses visit sex-selective abortion, has been reported either schools, PHC, and Anganwadis in their assigned in the pre-CFLG year of 2015-16 or the follow- locations periodically and conduct screening ses- ing post–CFLG years. Analysing these trends, sions to identify the health issues among children it is evident that the introduction of CFLG pro- and refer them to higher level public health care gramme was not an influencing factor in decid- institutions if in the required cases. The health ing the number or frequency of the initiatives to department also provides awareness classes in address the sex-selective issue under survival, connection with the programme on childhood department of health, and ICDS conducted such health issues at PHCs and Anganwadis mainly activities purely as part of their routine exercises. for parents. The frequency and quality of these In general, the low number of reported screening sessions and sensitization effort under sex-selective abortion cases in their localities RBSK undertook by the health system in collab- might have worked as a factor in reducing the oration with ICDS is required analysis. The study concern and interest on the side of trained LS- trying to find whether the implementation of GIs to come forward with new initiatives or to CFLG programme in the panchayats has result- strengthen the existing mechanisms to address ed in any sort of enhancement in the momentum the issue. In the interviews and focus group dis- of sensitization and training efforts under RBSK. cussion of stakeholders, it is reported that the

KILA | IRTC Page | 13 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG It can be observed from the table that an tive could not make many changes in the case increase in the number of activities of trained of urban locations while comparing with their Panchayats. Screening through PHCs and other rural counter parts. The inferences from the data related initiatives under NHM reported having indicate that the contribution of RBSK, NHM, conducted, in the post-CFLG training year of PHC are significant factors in the achieve- 2016-17 in comparison with the year pre CFLG ments under RBSK, the same time own initia- year of 2015-16.The table on initiatives under- tives by the LSGIs are not significant in nature. taken by the Panchayats show that among 8 type activities taken up by the Panchayats as the part 1.3) ACTIVITIES ADDRESSING MALNU- of RBSK activities 6 of them showing a slight TRITION BY LSGIs improvement After the CFLG while compare Malnutrition is a term used to refer to with that of pre initiative by ICDS, Anganwadi any condition in which the body does not re- classes, Health department classes, Gramasabha ceive enough nutrients for proper function. To classes, initiatives by LSGIs, Screening through address the issue of malnutrition various strat- schools are the components which have shown egies are adopted. The study assesses initiatives improvements at the same time two activities v/s of LSGIs to address malnutrition by examining screening through PHC and initiative by NHS the status of Nutrition supplementation under has shown increase in the first year of CFLG and the ICDS, Screening in Anganwadis, Activities further declined in second year of CFLG. In the under Health department, Nutrition for preg- case of control Panchayats, there is no signif- nant ladies, classes at PHC, and Own initiatives icant change in the activities initiated by them of LSG. in the pre and post CFLG. It is also noteworthy that initiatives such as classes in Gramasabha, own initiatives (add it in all other) by LSGIs, screening through schools are absent in the con- trol Panchayats. This shows that child-friendly initiative has influenced the CFLG Panchayats to initiate the above-mentioned activities. In the case of municipalities there is no significant change in pre and post CFLG inn the activities undertaken by It is pertinent to note that class- PHC in Pulamanthole Grama Panchayat es in Gramasabha, own initiatives of LSGs are missing here, this indicates that CFLG initia-

PANCHAYAT 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of ACTIVITIES UNDER- panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats TAKEN Initiated Not initiated Initiated Not initiated Initiated Not initiated Initiatives by ICDS 26 4 26 4 26 4 Screening though PHC 20 10 23 7 18 12 Initiatives byNHM 10 20 21 9 11 19 Anganwadi classes 23 7 24 6 24 16 Health department 16 14 19 11 19 11 classes Gram Sabha classes. 01 29 04 26 06 24 Initiatives by LSG 04 26 04 26 05 25 Screening through 4 26 4 26 04 26 schools -RBSK

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CONTROL PANCHAYAT Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats Initiated Not initiated Initiated Not initiated Initiated Not initiated Initiatives by ICDS 3 0 3 0 3 0 Screening though PHC 3 0 3 0 3 0 Initiatives by NHM 2 1 2 1 2 1 Anganwadi classes 3 0 3 0 3 0 Health department 3 0 3 0 3 0 classes Gram Sabha classes. 0 3 0 3 0 3 Initiatives by LSG 0 3 0 3 0 3 Screening through 0 3 0 3 0 3 schools -RBSK Table-3.7 (Source: Primary data)

MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of ACTIVITIES UNDER- Municipal- Municipal- Municipali- Municipali- Municipali- Municipalities ities Not ities Not TAKEN ties Initiated ties Initiated ties Initiated Not initiated initiated initiated Initiatives by ICDS 2 0 2 0 2 0 Screening though PHC 2 0 2 0 2 0 Initiatives by NHM 2 0 2 0 2 0 Anganwadi classes 2 0 2 0 2 0 Health department classes 2 0 2 0 2 0 Gram Sabha classes. 0 2 0 2 0 2 Initiatives by LSG 0 2 0 2 0 2 Screening through schools 2 0 2 0 2 0 -RBSK CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 ACTIVITIES Municipalities Initiated Municipalities Initiated Municipalities Initiated UNDERTAKEN Initiatives by ICDS Yes Yes Yes Screening though PHC Yes Yes Yes Initiatives by NHM No No No Anganwadi classes Yes Yes Yes Health department Yes Yes Yes classes Gram Sabha classes. No No No Initiatives by LSG No No No Screening through No No No schools -RBSK Table-3.8 (Source: Primary data)

KILA | IRTC Page | 15 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG Note: (1) The table indicates that the number of screening through schools are absent in the con- Panchayat taken initiatives in different activi- trol Panchayats. This shows that child-friendly ties for sensitization and training under RBSK. initiative has influenced the CFLG Panchayats to initiate the above-mentioned activities. In (2) Anganwadi classes (Classes about Mother the case of municipalities there is no significant and child care, nutrition, sanitation, and ado- change in pre and post CFLG inn the activities lescence class) undertaken by It is pertinent to note that class- It can be observed from the table that an es in Gramasabha, own initiatives of LSGs are increase in the number of activities of trained missing here, this indicates that CFLG initiative Panchayats. Screening through PHCs and other could not make many changes in the case of ur- related initiatives under NHM reported having ban locations while comparing with their rural conducted, in the post-CFLG training year of counter parts. The inferences from the data indi- 2016-17 in comparison with the year pre CFLG cate that the contribution of RBSK, NHM, PHC year of 2015-16.The table on initiatives under- are significant factors in the achievements under taken by the Panchayats show that among 8 type RBSK, the same time own initiatives by the LS- activities taken up by the Panchayats as the part GIs are not significant in nature. of RBSK activities 6 of them showing a slight improvement After the CFLG while compare 3.3) ACTIVITIES ADDRESSING MALNU- with that of pre initiative by ICDS, Anganwadi TRITION BY LSGIs classes, Health department classes, Gramasabha Malnutrition is a term used to refer to classes, initiatives by LSGIs, Screening through any condition in which the body does not re- schools are the components which have shown ceive enough nutrients for proper function. To improvements at the same time two activities v/s address the issue of malnutrition various strat- screening through PHC and initiative by NHS egies are adopted. The study assesses initiatives has shown increase in the first year of CFLG and of LSGIs to address malnutrition by examining further declined in second year of CFLG. In the the status of Nutrition supplementation under case of control Panchayats, there is no signif- the ICDS, Screening in Anganwadis, Activities icant change in the activities initiated by them under Health department, Nutrition for preg- in the pre and post CFLG. It is also noteworthy nant ladies, classes at PHC, and Own initiatives that initiatives such as classes in Gramasabha, of LSG. own initiatives (add it in all other) by LSGIs,

PANCHAYAT 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Activities undertaken panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats Initiated not initiated Initiated not initiated Initiated not initiated Nutrition supplementa- 30 0 30 0 30 0 tion under the ICDS Screening in anganwadis 28 2 29 1 30 0 Activities under Health 18 12 21 9 21 9 dept. Nutrition for pregnant 30 0 30 0 30 0 ladies classes at PHC 07 23 11 19 12 18 Own initiatives of LSG 0 30 0 30 0 30

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CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 "Number "Number of Number of "Number of Number of Number of of pancha- Activities undertaken Panchayats Panchayat panchayats Panchayat Panchayat yats Initiated" not initiated Initiated" not initiated not initiated Initiated" Nutrition supplementa- 3 0 3 0 3 0 tion under the ICDS Screening in anganwadis 3 0 3 0 3 0 Activities under Health 3 0 3 0 3 0 dept. Nutrition for pregnant 3 0 3 0 3 0 ladies classes at PHC 0 3 0 3 0 3 Own initiatives of LSG 0 3 0 3 0 3 Table-3.9 (Source: Primary data)

Note: The table shows that the number of Panchayat taken initiatives to addressing malnutrition.

MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Activities undertaken Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality initiated Not initiated initiated Not initiated initiated Not initiated Nutrition supplemen- 2 0 2 0 2 0 tation under the ICDS Screening in angan- 2 0 2 0 2 0 wadis Activities under 2 0 2 0 2 0 Health dept. Nutrition for pregnant 2 0 2 0 2 0 ladies Classesat PHC 1 1 1 1 1 1 Own initiatives of LSG 0 2 0 2 1 1 CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Activities undertaken Municipality initiated Municipality initiated Municipality initiated Nutrition supplemen- Yes Yes Yes tation under the ICDS Screening in angan- Yes Yes Yes wadis Activities under Yes Yes Yes Health dept. Nutrition food for Yes Yes Yes pregnant ladies Classesat PHC Yes Yes Yes Own initiatives of LSG No No No Table-3.10 (Source: Primary data) Note: The table indicate that the initiatives onto addressing malnutrition.

KILA | IRTC Page | 17 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG The initiatives to address the issue of malnutri- Table no.3.9 Show those other initiatives tion among under 5 children, majority consti- to address the malnutrition such as screening tute activities have undertaken supplementary and monitory of health department, and class- program under ICDS program and they have es by PHC are showing an increasing trend been taking place in all the 30 Panchayats there while one compares the initiatives of Panchayats is no difference between CFLG and control, in during pre and post CFLG at the same time it is this case, changes in pre and post scenario also noteworthy that own initiatives by LSGIs apart observed. While going through the allocation of from the initiatives of other agencies is missing. the Panchayats for the children a good amount On examining the case of control Panchayats of that is allocated or supplementary nutrition they could initiate all other activities mentioned programme through Anganwadis as mentioned in the CFLG Panchayat except classes on nutri- above. As mentioned earlier after PPC LSGIs tion by PHC hence it could arrive into a conclu- proposed to earmark a mandatory provision of sion that classes on nutrition on PHC may be the supplement nutrition through. Hence this inter- exceptional initiative which can be mentioned in vention can’t be attributed as the result of CFLG. CFLG Panchayats. In the case of municipalities, there is no considerable difference is seen in all The table below shows the allocation of funds these indicators in the pre and post period of for supplementary nutrition in the pre and post CFLG. The data of Panchayats and municipali- CFLG. ties unanimously highlight the absence of own initiatives of LSGIs in addressing nutrition. Fund allocation by a Panchayats As mentioned above mandatory allo- (Chengottukavu Panchayat) cation for supplementary nutrition may be one under study for supplementary nutrition reason for the dearth of other initiatives by the Year 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 LSGIs. This also gives an indication that address- Fund for 2300000 2400000 4034260 es the issue of nutrition and mapping the status nutrition of nutrition of children were not seriously taken Table-3.11 (Source: Primary data) up by the LSGIs under CFLG except the rou- tine initiatives happening through Anganwadis Table 3.11 shows the Panchayat has allo- discussion on this lacuna is also reflected in the cated huge amount of money for supplementary lethargy of preparing disaggregated data of chil- nutrition even before the CFLG. dren at the panchayat level. Panchayats could Data shows that a huge amount of fund not make disaggregated data of children from has been allocated for supplementary nutrition a comprehensive perspective [see discussion on in every year by LSGIs in Kerala. This may be chapter 4, table 4.3 and 4.4]. included in the 5% mandatory allocation of LS- GIs for children and old age. This might be act- 3.4) INITIATIVES TO FACILITATE ing as in per dimension restricting the addition- VACCINATION al allocation of LSGIs towards CFLG. Hence an Immunization is the process whereby a arrangement to exclude the supplementary person is made immune or resistant to an infec- nutrition programme from the mandatory 5% tious disease, typically by the administration of allocation for women and children may be a a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body’s own im- way out to provide more freedom to the LSGIs. mune system to protect the person against sub- However, the mandatory provision for supple- sequent infection or disease. (WHO | Immuni- mentary nutrition should continue at the same zation n.d.) Vaccination against various diseases level. And additional allocation from the state is an important tool for ensuring immunisation fund can be given for this. It is noteworthy that and survival. the increasing number of mandatory alloca- tions for the centrally instructed programme from the state and central government.

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Vaccination status India and Kerala Vaccination BCG Measles All vaccination All India 84.4 67.2 51.2 Kerala 100 88.4 79.7 Table-3.12 (Source: Secondary data) Planning Commission, Evaluation Report on Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) released in March 2011 By analysing table number 3.10, it is gramme. Initiatives for improving vaccination clear that Kerala shows better performance in includes ASHA house visit, PHC outreach work, comparison with the Indian average, the state Monitoring by Anganwadi teachers, Monitoring has to improve to achieve absolute vaccination. by Anganwadi teachers, Tribal medical camp So ensuring vaccination is a goal of CFLG pro- etc.

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Activities under- panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats Not taken Conducted Not conducted Conducted Not conducted Conducted conducted Campaigns 25 5 27 3 30 0 ASHA house visit 29 1 30 0 30 0 PHC outreach work 20 10 22 8 24 6 onitoring byAngan- 30 0 30 0 29 1 wadi teachers Tribal medical camp 4 26 3 27 4 26 CONTROL PANCHAYAT Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Activities panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats panchayats Not undertaken Conducted Not conducted Conducted Not conducted Conducted conducted ASHA house visit 3 0 3 0 3 0 PHC outreach work 3 0 3 0 3 0 Monitoring byAn- 3 0 3 0 3 0 ganwadi teachers Tribal medical camp 0 3 0 3 0 3 Table-3.13 (Source: Primary data)

Note: The table indicates that the number of panchayats is taken initiatives to eradicate vaccination.

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MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number Number of Number Number of Number Number of of Munic- Municipal- of Munic- Municipal- of Munic- Municipal- Activities undertaken ipalities ities Not ipalities ities Not ipalities ities Not Conducted conducted Conducted conducted Conducted conducted Campaigns 2 0 2 0 2 0 ASHA house visit 2 0 2 0 2 0 PHC outreach work 2 0 2 0 2 0 Monitoring byAnganwadi 2 0 2 0 2 0 teachers Tribal medical camp 0 2 0 2 0 2 CONTROL MUNICIPALITY Municipality Conduct- Municipality Conduct- Municipality Conduct- Activities undertaken ed ed ed Campaigns Yes Yes Yes ASHA house visit Yes Yes Yes PHC outreach work No No No Monitoring by Anganwa- Yes Yes Yes di teachers Tribal medical camp No No No Table-3.14 (Source: Primary data)

Data from the table (3.13 and 3.14) training could make only a slight improvement shows the initiatives of improving vaccination in the case of initiatives taken by the health de- has slightly enhanced in panchayats. At the same partment and ICDS system under the social jus- time, there is no considerable change in munici- tice department. The CFLG initiatives in pan- palities during pre and post CFLG. However, data chayats might have contributed in triggering the from control panchayats and municipalities also department initiatives for vaccination but the show that almost all the initiatives taken by the feedback from the control panchayats show that CFLG panchayats were also visible in the control there is no uniqueness in the activities of CFLG panchayats and municipalities who have not re- panchayats while comparing them with of con- ceived CFLG training. Along with the quantita- trol panchayats. tive data avail from the checklist qualitative data Even though the overall trend of immu- examined out of FGDs and interviews also ratify nization is positive in panchayats and munici- the observation that the health department has palities, there are some counter factors recent- a comparatively system for good immunization ly emerging in some panchayats particularly in coverage. But the panchayats hold only the role Malappuram district. Campaigns against vacci- of a monitor. nation from religious groups and some naturop- A health official from Kadukutti athy groups and anti-science movements have Gramapanchayats responded that: created a trend against vaccination among cer- “Even the migrant children also covered tain communities and groups. The role of LSGIs under the immunization network of the health is getting more relevant in such challenging ar- department.” eas. It is noticeable that ASHA workers, One health official about the vaccination Kudumbashree groups Anganwadi who are affil- programme; iated to panchayats as taking a key role in mak- “Vaccination programme is being con- ing the vaccination campaign a successful initia- ducted properly. With the help of ASHA work- tive. Hence, it could be observed that the CFLG ers, we have been able to reach out to the unim-

KILA | IRTC Page | 20 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG munized children, provide vaccination to them Kerala’s status as a state with one of the and also to properly provide iron-folic acid tab- best health infrastructures in the country may lets to pregnant women. “(JPHN: Kadukutti; 11- have had a positive bearing on the acceptable 03-2019-3-5p.m). standard of child survival despite the lack of Other official told about immunization. novel initiatives. Looking at future prospects in “We don’t have unimmunized children in this this direction, and given its past achievements, it panchayat. Migrant children had been given po- can be said that Kerala has a first mover advan- lio last Sunday. The mechanism is there to track tage in terms of formulating new programmes each and every child. There should be more cam- for child survival. The ambit of survival can be paigns regarding preventive health and nutrition expanded to include flourishing in formulating of children. There are classes being conducted in new programmes in this domain. Future exten- Anganwadis, but only fewer children are attend- sions of CFLG framework may take this idea ing them. Mainly awareness should reach par- into consideration. ents. The health department should work with more enthusiasm. “(H.I; Nenmanikara -19-03- 19-11-12. 30p.m).

SUMMARY The analysis of fund allocation pattern during pre- and post-CFLG training periods shows that only below 10% of funds have been allocated and spent in the domain of survival. Majority of the programs under the domain are routine programs and quantum of fund alloca- tion does not show any significant change. Apart from strengthening the existing policies of health department, social justice department, and ICDS programmes, any novel programmes are not ini- tiated by LSGIs for addressing issues such as pos- sible sex selective abortion. The health status of children is being assessed through the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) programme by different public institutions. It has also been shown that RBSK activities are having an in- creasing trend in rural local bodies in compari- son with the urban local bodies. A large amount of fund is allocated for supplementary nutrition every year by LSGIs in Kerala. But a mapping of the status of nutrition of children is not seriously taken up by the LSGIs. Though there are some exceptions in Malappuram and Kozhikode dis- tricts on immunization status, most of the LSGIs are positive and have about 100% coverage. But all the LSGIs are trying for the improvement of immunization status through better governing systems.

KILA | IRTC Page | 21 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

CHAPTER - IV

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Child development is a concept lying are Early childcare, Universal early childhood under child rights as per UNCRC. As have been care, Healthy and child-friendly school and pre- have discussed earlier the LSGIs in Kerala have schools, Education for all up to 18 years, Nu- done some investments to undertake the issues trition status and fitness of children. Activities of children through their development planning. measured under the domain are development Mandatory allocation was restricted only to the of a comprehensive child data, creation of Bar- supplementary nutrition programme. This lim- rier-free environment, quality of Anganwadi itation was also waved off after the introduction buildings, development of SC and ST children’s of guidelines for 5% mandatory allocation. This education, development of Anganwadis, schools has provided a golden opportunity for the LS- and public spaces by LSGIs. GIs to invest more money for the development In this context, an analysis about the al- of children. location and utilization of funds for child devel- The indicators instructed by the opment activities is highly relevant the following UNICEF under the head of child development table is an attempt in this direction.

YEAR WISE ALLOCATION AND UTILISATION OF FUND FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT BY THE LSGIs PANCHAYATS 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Percentage Number of pan- Number of pan- Number of Number of Number of Number of interval chayat allocated chayat utilised panchayat panchayat panchayat panchayat allocated utilised allocated utilised 0-9.99 0 4 1 1 0 2 10-19.99 0 2 0 1 1 0 20-29.99 0 3 0 2 0 2 30-39.99 1 2 0 4 1 3 40-49.99 1 0 1 4 1 5 50-59.99 0 4 3 3 1 5 60-69.99 1 4 0 5 2 4 70-79.99 2 4 3 6 4 3 80-89.99 11 4 9 2 6 3 90-99.99 13 3 10 2 10 3

KILA | IRTC Page | 22 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Percentage Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of interval panchayat panchayat panchayat panchayat panchayat panchayat allocated utilised allocated utilised allocated utilised 0-9.99 0 1 0 0 0 0 10-19.99 0 1 0 2 0 0 20-29.99 1 1 0 0 0 1 30-39.99 0 0 0 0 1 0 40-49.99 1 0 1 0 0 1 50-59.99 1 0 0 1 0 1 60-69.99 0 0 0 0 1 0 70-79.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 80-89.99 0 0 2 0 1 0 Table-4.1 (Source: Primary data)

MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Municipalities Municipalities Municipalities Municipalities Municipalities Municipalities allocation utilisation allocation utilisation allocation utilisation Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage 100.00% 33.74% 98.00% 35.58% 92.76% 33.51% 99.27% 94.87% 100.00% 66.96% 99.52% 45.49% 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality allocation utilisation allocation utilisation allocation utilisation Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage 100.00% 28.33% 100.00% 81.90% 100.00% 90.39% Table-4.2 (Source: Primary data)

Data from the plan documents of the LS- the panchayats who have allocated funds in the GIs shows that development is the single larg- percentage intervals 90 and above was 14. The est item they have allocated and utilized under allocation for the year 2016-17 was 2, 6, 9 and 13 CFLG. However, the above table shows that respectively. The allocation in 17-18 of the same there is a significant improvement in allocation panchayats in the same percentage intervals was and expenditure of LSGIs for child development 3,7,6 and 14.This data shows that the number of initiatives after CFLG. At the same time the in- panchayats who have earmarked funds for child creasing trend of allocation does not seem to be development has allocated above 50% under supplemented by increasing utilization of funds. CFLG has increased from 15-18 has increased There is a significant mismatch between the al- gradually. For instance, the number of pancha- location of funds and the utilization of funds. yats who have allocated more than 90% was 14 In the case of Panchayats in the pre CFLG year in 15-16; it was 13 in 16-17 which increased as 15-16 number of Panchayats who have allocat- again as 14 in 17-18. ed funds for the child development under their At the same time, the allocation of the total child budget below 50% was only 2 and number of panchayats who are lying in the in- the number of panchayats who have earmarked terval of 80-90 is showing a gradual decline. In the fund amount in the 50-80% was 3, the Pan- 2015-16 this number was 11 which reduced to chayats who have allocated funds 80-90 was 11, 9 in 2016-17 and further reduced to 6 in 2017-

KILA | IRTC Page | 23 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG 2018. This indicates though there is a gradual in- expenditure of the rural local government shows crease in allocation after CFLG majority of them a higher level of mismatch between allocation lying in 50-80. That increase is shown in the and expenditure notwithstanding the improving percentage intervals is shown 50-80In the case trend of allocation utilization pattern has shown of control panchayats the number of panchayats a gradual declining trend. This has made an im- who have allocated below 50 was also decreas- provement in allocation to become meaningless. ing it was 2 in 2015-16, reduced to 1 in 2016-17 The lethargy of panchayats in spending the allo- and the same was in 2017-18. This shows that cated money particularly in child development the control panchayats have also shown some may be a reflection of their insensitivity towards improvement in allocation. the issue of children. Absence of poor social au- The allocation of control municipality is dit mechanism from the participatory forums of remaining same (100) for CD during the last 3 children may be the other pertinent reason for years. Hence, we could reach into a conclusion this trend. This underscores the relevance of ac- that there is a significant improvement in the al- tive participatory citizenship of children under location of panchayats from pre-post CFLG pe- the local government participatory forum such riod. While there is no such trend is visible in as children’s Gramasabha panchayats could have the case of urban local body. KILA training and been acted as forums of social audit or vigilance the knowledge disseminated that might have mechanism to monitor the implementation of made a positive environment for increasing al- child-friendly initiatives. Data on child partici- lotment for child development. At the same time pation in CFLG panchayat which is discussed in till there is a gap which needs to be addressed in chapter 6(see chapter 6) indicate that participa- the urban local body. tory forums are either inactive or restricted to a As against the trend of increasing allo- one-time event. This has a larger implication in cation fund utilization by the panchayats under the utilization of funds for child development. the domain of child development has shown a gradual trend on declining. For instance, the 4.1) DISAGGREGATED DATA DIRECTORY number of panchayats who could spend only be- PREPARATION OF CHILDREN BY LSGIs low50% of allocation was 9 in 2015-16 which has Accurate Data from a core set of indica- increased 12 in 2016-17 and again12 in the year tors is relevant for developing child development 2017-2018. In the case of a number of pancha- plans in local self-government institutions. The yats who were lying in the percentage interval of UNICEF KILA initiative for child-friendly local 50-80 utilization it was 12 in 2015-16 which has governance as mentioned as disaggregated com- shown a slight improvement in 2016-17(14) and prehensive data set at the local government level again reduced in as 12 in 17-18. as a prerequisite for developing comprehensive The number of panchayats who have child development plan at LSG level. Disaggre- spent money between the percentages of 80-100 gated data on children on the dictators such as also showing a gradual declining trend in 2015- age, sex, education, health status, nutrition, so- 16 it was 7, which was reduced to 4 in 2016-17 cio-economic condition, nature of disability and which has shown a slight improvement in 2017- data on deprived social groups were proposed to 18(6) but in general, it was shown declined in the prepare at the inception level of the project in post CFLG training. In the case of control pan- all the LSGIs. It is not worthy that a meaning- chayats it is shown that below 50% of utilization ful child development plan cannot be developed has declined in 2015-16 this is a positive trend without the support of a proper database. Hence of fund utilization. As a reflection of this, the it is pertinent to examine the initiatives taken by number of panchayats who have shown spend- the LSGIs to prepare disaggregated data base at ing more than 15 % is also increasing. In the the local level. The following table is an attempt case of the expenditure pattern of municipalities in this direction. are showing a declining trend while the trend of control municipality showing a significant im- provement. In actual the data on allocation and KILA | IRTC Page | 24 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of ACTIVITIES Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat UNDERTAKEN Prepared Not prepared Prepared Not prepared Prepared Not prepared ICDS SURVEY 30 0 30 0 29 1 REPORT STATUS REPORT NA NA 7 23 14 16 DATA COLLEC- TION BY KILA 4 26 13 17 6 24 FORMAT DATA DIRECTO- 0 30 3 27 4 26 RY BY LSG CONTROL PANCHAYAT Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of ACTIVITIES Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat UNDERTAKEN Prepared Not prepared Prepared Not prepared Prepared Not prepared STATUS REPORT NA NA 2 1 2 1 DATA COLLEC- TION BY KILA NA NA 0 3 0 3 FORMAT DATA DIRECTO- NA NA 0 3 0 3 RY BY LSG Table-4.3 (Source: Primary data)

Note: The table indicates that the number of panchayats taken initiatives for collecting and prepare Disaggregated data of children.

MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number Number Number Number Number Number of ACTIVITIES UNDER of Munici- of Munic- of Munici- of Munic- of Munici- Municipali- TAKEN palities not ipalities palities not ipalities palities not ties prepared prepared prepared prepared prepared prepared 1) ICDS SURVEY REPORT 2 0 2 0 2 0 2)STATUS REPORT 1 1 1 1 2 0 DATA COLLECTION BY 0 2 1 1 1 1 KILA FORMAT DATA DIRECTORY 1 1 1 1 1 1 BYLSG CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 ACTIVITIES Municipality Prepared Municipality Prepared Municipality Prepared UNDERTAKEN ICDS SURVEY REPORT Yes Yes Yes STATUS REPORT No No No DATA COLLECTION BY No No No KILA FORMAT DATA DIRECTORY BY No No No LSG Table-4.4 (Source: Primary data)

KILA | IRTC Page | 25 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG It can be found that 100% of the trained ed data directory on children was the expected panchayats have been collecting data on chil- output of comprehensive data collection at LSG dren through the annual ICDS survey conduct- level but the data on panchayats in this regard ed by Anganwadis. The same Trend is seen in the is showing a pessimistic picture only 7 out of 30 case of municipalities. All the control pancha- panchayats (73%) could prepare Comprehensive yats and municipalities also did this. As ICDS data decoy while one municipality could pre- survey is a routine process there are no differ- pare the same. It is also pertinent to note that, ences in the pre and post period of CFLG train- 14 panchayats who have prepared status report ing. Hence the implication of CFLG training on could not reach into the target disaggregated ICDS data collection is not relevant. Apart from data on children. Absence of disaggregated data the details collected from the ICDS survey KILA on majority panchayats has created hurdles in has made a format for panchayats for collect- evidence-based planning majority of the pan- ing data of children during CFLG training. This chayats has shown ICDS data as a comprehen- was considered as a stepping stone for preparing sive database. Which is not actually a compre- comprehensive data directory on children. The hensive database as mentioned by KILA training inferences from the table show that majority of in practice LSGIs particularly panchayats has the panchayats have not prepared disaggregated taken a casual approach towards the planning data in KILA format. Only 19 panchayats out process. The reluctance of panchayats in prepar- of 30 have prepared this data from 2016-2018. ing evidence-based planning general might have In the case of municipalities 1 out of 2 prepared been reflected here as well. This casual report has data on KILA format it is noticeable that major- a negative impact on the quality of the project ity of LSGIs couldn’t data on children which is prepared by local bodies in the domains of child prerequisite for preparing CCDP, status report, survival, development, protection, and partici- data directory on children. The data on the sta- pation. The dearth of the proper database might tus report shows that 21 out of 30 have prepared have forced the panchayats to relay on general a status report in 2 years. It is noteworthy that impressionistic opinions while preparing plans only 19 panchayats have prepared data on KILA which in turn might have contributed to the ab- format. Hence it can be noted that 2 panchayats sence of innovative plans in these domains. out of 21 have prepared status report only based on the data through ICDS. 4.2 NUMBER OF PANCHAYATS HAVING It is also important to note that 9 pancha- OWN BUILDING FOR ANGANWADIS yats of 30 could not prepare any data on children Anganwadi is an institution under the which was a basic prerequisite for CCDP. In the LSGIs which enhance the physical, mental and case of the municipality, the situation is compar- social ability of children under the age of 3-5. It atively better. 2 municipalities studied could pre- is the target of CFLG programme to enhance all pare their status report. They have also collect- Anganwadis as child friendly for that it is nec- ed data in KILA format hence the performance essary to increase the quality of Anganwadis of urban LSGIs in preparation of status report through its modernising infrastructure, make it seems to be systematic in nature. Disaggregat- as a multiple recourse centre where clubs for ad-

Anganwadi in Cheruvathur Grama Panchayat KILA | IRTC Page | 26 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG olescent children library and other services are dis. In 2016-17 the status is continued. But 2017- available. In Kerala Anganwadis are working as 18 the number of panchayats which has own a service provider in rural areas supplementary building for Anganwadis has decreased as one. food for children and adolescent girls, moni- It shows an improvement in Anganwadi build- toring of pregnant ladies and lactating mothers ing. The data shows in the period of 2015-16 the are working under Anganwadis. Permanent and panchayats have own buildings for Anganwadis quality building are essential in providing such in the interval of 40-60% is 5. In 20156-17 there NUMBER OF PANCHAYATS WITH OWN BUILDING Percentage intervals 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 0-19.9 0 0 0 20-39.9 2 2 1 40-59.9 5 5 6 60-79.9 5 5 5 80-99.9 18 18 18 CONTROL PANCHAYATS 0-19.9 0 0 0 20-39.9 0 0 0 40-59.9 1 1 1 60-79.9 0 0 0 80-99.9 2 2 2 Table-4.5 (Source: Primary data) NOTE: This table indicates that the number of panchayats services. The table below shows the number of is no change in own building for Anganwadis in own building for Anganwadis under each pan- the interval of 40-60%. But in 2017-18 a slight chayath. improvement has seen. It increased from 5 to 6. Anganwadi institutions in Kerala are al- There is no change occurred in pre and post pe- ready well established through the developmen- riod of CFLG training, in 2015-16 the data shows tal experience of Kerala. The data shows about that 23panchayats have above 60% Anganwadis 60% of panchayats have already achieved own have own building. There is no change occurred building for Panchayats. The table shows that in 2016-17 and 2017-18. In municipalities there Out of the total 30 trained panchayats, 18 pan- is no significant difference in Anganwadi own chayats (60%) has about 80-100 % own building building on the pre and post period of CFLG for Anganwadis. Data on municipality shows training. But in 2017-18 there is slight improve- that below 65 % of municipality have own An- ment in only one municipality. It has improved ganwadi building when compared to the trend from 60.5% to 63.15%. In control panchayats of panchayats. The same trend continued in con- there is no difference in the status of Anganwa- trol panchayats. In control panchayats 2 out of di own building pre and post period. In control three panchayats have 80-100% own building municipality 2015-16 have 92.85% own building for Anganwadis. But one control panchayat for Anganwadi, it decreased to 89.85% in 2016- have completed only below 60% of own building 17. And then a slight improvement showed in for Anganwadis. When compared to the data of 2017-18 that increased up to 90.62%. municipality, control municipality demonstrat- ed a high difference in the status of Anganwadi 4.3) INITIATIVES FOR BARRIER FREE building. The control municipality has close to ENVIRONMENT IN PUBLIC SPACES 90% of own building. The CFLG municipalities Barrier free environment is one which have fared worse than control municipality in enables people with disabilities to move safely providing own buildings to Anganwadis. and freely and use all facilities within the gov- In 2015-16, 2 panchayats showed below ernment. Institutions like schools, hospitals and 40% completion of own building for Anganwa- other institutions coming under the LSGI were KILA | IRTC Page | 27 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

PERCENTAGE OF ANGANWADIS IN THEIR OWN BUILDINGS MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 34 57% 57% 57% 35 60.5 60.5 63.15% CONTROL 92.85% 89.85% 90.62% MUNICIPALITY expected to make barrier free environment. These facilities help them to involve in public spaces with more freedom. The following table gives a picture about the barrier free initiative by the LSGIs.

Cradle at Pulamanthole Grama Panchayat office

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 BARRIER Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of FREE INDI- Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat CATORS Initiated Not initiate Initiated Not initiate Initiated Not initiate Toilets 10 20 14 16 16 14 Chairs 8 22 12 18 13 17 Ramp in 12 18 16 14 19 11 schools Feeding cor- 4 26 5 25 12 18 ner Cradle 2 28 3 27 4 26 Lift 0 30 2 28 2 28 Drinking 21 9 23 7 22 8 water Wheel chair 5 25 7 23 10 20 CONTROL PANCHAYAT BARRIER Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of FREE INDI- Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat CATORS Initiated Not initiate Initiated Not initiate Initiated Not initiate Toilets 1 2 1 2 1 2 Chairs 1 2 2 1 2 1 Ramp in 2 1 2 1 3 0 schools Feeding 1 2 1 2 1 2 corner Cradle 0 3 0 3 0 3 Lift 0 3 0 3 0 3 Drinking 3 0 3 0 3 0 water Wheel chair 1 2 1 2 1 2 Table-4.7 (Source: Primary data) KILA | IRTC Page | 28 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG MUNICIPALITY Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of BARRIER Municipality Municipali- Municipality Municipali- Municipality Municipali- FREE INDI- Take Initia- ty Not Take Take Initia- ty Not Take Take Initia- ty Not Take CATORS tion Initiation tion Initiation tion Initiation Toilets 1 1 1 1 2 0 Chairs 1 1 1 1 2 0 Ramp in 0 2 2 0 2 0 schools Feeding cor- 0 2 0 2 1 1 ner Cradle 0 2 0 2 0 2 Lift 0 2 0 2 0 2 Drinking 2 0 2 0 2 0 water Wheel chair 0 2 1 1 2 0

CONTROL MUNICIPALITY BARRIER FREE Municipality Take Municipality Take Municipality Take INDICATORS Initiation Initiation Initiation Chairs Yes Yes Yes Ramp In schools Yes Yes Yes Feeding corner Yes Yes Yes Cradle No No No Lift No No No Drinking water Yes Yes Yes Wheel chair Yes Yes Yes Table-4.8 (Source: Primary data)

Barrier free environment enables acces- constructing Toilets, ramps in schools and fixing sibility of services to children. The data shows of chairs in schools and establishing feeding cor- LSGIs are done initiatives for creating barrier ner and arranging drinking water. The number free environment. Construction and enabling of of panchayats have initiated barrier free toilets Toilets, Chairs, Ramp In schools, feeding corner, was 10 in 2015-2016 which has increased 14 in Cradle, Lift, Drinking Water and wheel chair are 2016-2017 to 16 in 2017-2018.Th number of the indicators used to assess the availability of Panchayats arranged chairs for the visitor was 8 barrier free environment. in 2015-16, which increase 12 in 2016-17 and 13 The number of initiatives has increased in 2017-18.The same trend was seen in ramps in By the LSGIs has gradually increased during the primary schools, The number of panchayats have period 2015-2018.While comparing the trained which has constructed ramps in schools was 12 panchayat with the initiatives of the control pan- in 2015-16 which has further incre16, and again chayat with the trained panchayat their perfor- increased 19 in 2017-18. mance is quite low. Municipalities are also in the The panchayats have taken more initia- same trend over the years in the case of improve- tives to provide drinking water to the visitors. ment in barrier free initiative. In 2015-16 the 21 panchayat has provided this While comparing the pre and post CFLG facility which has increased to 23 this indicates period creation of barrier free environment has that the panchayats has given more interest to shown a significant advancement particularly in given drinking water even before CFLG. Ini-

KILA | IRTC Page | 29 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG tiatives such as cradle, lift in buildings, wheel- environment in public spaces while the control chair were rarely initiated in LSGIs but there is and panchayats and municipalities were inactive a slight increase in introducing these elements in this direction. This indicates that CFLG train- while comparing with the pre CFLG period. The ing has made a good impact of creation of bar- number of panchayats initiated; lift was zero in rier free environment. The qualitative data from 2015-16 which continued unaltered in coming FGDs and Interviews also ratify this observation. two years. In the case of wheelchair, the number An elected representative from Mulanthuruthy of panchayats initiated was 5 in 2015-16 which panchayat of Ernakulam district of responded. increased to 7 and 10 in respectively. The num- While taking about the barrier free facil- ber of panchayats arranged cradle for babies has ities we have constructed ramps and differently shown only slight increased 2 in first to 4 and in abled toilet in panchayat office and other institu- final year. This information show that the per- tions under panchayats. formance of CFLG panchayats in creating bar- “To talk about the barrier free facili- rier free environment in some specific aspects ties, we have constructed ramps and different- while they failed in other aspects. They have ad- ly abled friendly toilets in panchayat office and dressed the primary needs such as barrier free other public offices under it. Besides in some of toilets, ramps, drinking water, primary and uni- the government offices feeding rooms also have versal needs of differently abled children while been built. We mostly keep the programme of they could not address the secondary needs such children at the auditorium in the top floor of as lifts and cradle at the same time they neglect- panchayat office. If there are any differently abled ed a very important need of differently abled children among the kids coming to participate children with moving disabilities that is wheel- in these programmes, we have constructed lift chair, this shown CFLG has to focus creation of in the office to help them reach the auditorium.” more sensitivity towards creation of barrier free (President, Mulanthuruthy, 19/3/2019, 11- 12.30 environment in local bodies. Control panchayat PM). has shown comparatively low performance in An official from Pulamanthole pancha- the creation of barrier free environment in the yat responded about the barrier free facilities as local bodies. Cradle and lift have not built at any follows: municipality in the period 2015 to 2018.Other “Pulamanthole is a public friendly pan- facilities are in an increasing trend comparing chayat. Since the panchayat office has been shift- the pre and post training period. In The case of ed into the new building, we have had cradle and construction of toilets, the number of munic- feeding room facilities for children. Similarly, we ipalities initiated in pre CFLG period was only also have wheel chair facility for the different- one 2015-2016 and chair which has increased in ly abled.” (Plan clerk, Pulamanthole, 17/4/2019, 2 as 2017-18. In the case of drinking water both 12- 1PM). of the municipalities have taken initiatives even before CFLG. Only one could establish feeding corner that is also in final year (2017-18). In control municipality also cradle and lift are not Panchayats such as Kumarakom built in these years but other facilities were built and Ramapuram took initia- in a slow pace in these municipalities. Building tives in child safety and care by of Barrier free environment shows an increas- providing clean and safe drinking ing while comparing the pre and post period of water as a part of CFLG activi- training in the municipalities. Trained local bod- ties. Kumarakom is a panchayat ies shows better performance than the untrained which suffers from the scarcity LSGIs. Creating barrier free environment is a of clean water. To overcome this and to prevent water borne dis- prominent factor in establishing child friendly eases among children the Pan- atmosphere. According to the vision perceived chayat installed RO plants through training, many of the trained pancha- yat took initiatives for establishing a barrier free

KILA | IRTC Page | 30 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

4.4) EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES The following table shows the initiatives ESPECIALLY FOR ST STUDENTS BY LSGIs of the panchayats taken for the tribal children. Scheduled tribes are marginalized com- munity in Kerala. They face various socioeco- Total ST populated panchayats under study is 5 nomic deprivation and barriers in development. otal ST population control panchayats under Though education is free for children up to 14 study is 1. years, study materials and infrastructure for children is still expensive. LSGIs in Kerala have tribal sub plan for the development of tribal community hence under which they can initiate the activities for the children.

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 No of Pancha- No of Pan- No of Pancha- No of Pan- No of Pancha- No of Pan- INITIATIVES yats Conduct- chayats Not yats Conduct- chayats Not yats Conduct- chayats Not ed Conducted ed Conducted ed Conducted Scholarship for Higher 0 5 1 4 1 4 Studies. Laptop Distri- 0 5 0 3 1 4 bution. Study table for 2 3 3 2 3 2 Students. Study room 1 4 3 2 2 3 for Students. Study material 3 2 2 3 3 2 for Students. Career guid- 0 5 0 5 1 4 ance

CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 No of Pancha- No of Pan- No of Pancha- No of Pan- No of Pancha- No of Pan- INITIATIVES yats Conduct- chayats Not yats Conduct- chayats Not yats Conduct- chayats Not ed Conducted ed Conducted ed Conducted Scholarship for Higher 0 3 0 3 0 3 Studies. Laptop Distri- 1 2 0 3 0 3 bution. Study table for 0 3 1 2 1 2 Students. Study room 0 3 0 3 1 2 for Students. Study material 0 3 1 2 1 2 for Students. Career guid- 0 3 1 2 1 2 ance Table-4.9 (Source: Primary data)

KILA | IRTC Page | 31 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Municipality Municipality INITIATIVES Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality not Conduct- not Conduct- Conducted not conducted Conducted Conducted ed ed Scholarship for Higher 0 2 0 2 0 2 Studies. Laptop Distri- 0 2 0 2 0 2 bution. Study table for 0 2 0 2 0 2 Students. Study room 0 2 0 2 0 2 for Students. Study material 0 2 0 2 0 2 for Students. Career guid- 0 2 0 2 0 2 ance CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Municipality Number of Municipality Number of Municipality INITIATIVES Conducted Conducted Conducted Scholarship for Higher 0 0 0 Studies Laptop Distribution 0 0 0 Study table for Students 0 0 0 Study room for Students 0 0 0 Study material for Students 0 0 0 Career guidance 0 0 0 Table-4.10 (Source: Primary data)

The data shows in general, the educa- At the same time data show that from tional assistance initiatives for ST children by 2015-16 the panchayat has started a new initia- the LSGIs are very low. In the case of trained tive for assisting ST families to construct new panchayats, assistance to study material for ST study rooms for students. But this is showing students, study room, and distribution of Study a varying trend over the years. The number of table were given more preference while other fa- Panchayats-initiated study rooms for ST chil- cilities showing a varying trend. dren was 1 in 2015-16 which has increased 3 Distribution of Study table and distri- in second year and again reduced 2 last year. bution of study material are the two major ini- However, this has shown an increasing trend in tiatives done by panchayats for ST children. In post CFLG. In the case of career guidance, the 2015-16 the numbers of panchayats who have panchayats showed poor performances. Even distributed Study table to the ST students were though there was a slight increase in the num- 2 which increased 3 in 2016-17 and the same ber of Panchayats-initiated career guidance has number continued in 2017-18. The second high- improved over the year. In the case of control est intervention was distribution of study mate- panchayat, study material, study table, career rial to the students. In the first year that is pre guidance are the major activities done for ST CFLG year it was 3 which reduced to 2 in 2016- children. The table is not applicable to munici- 17 but again increased to 3. palities and control municipalities as there is no KILA | IRTC Page | 32 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG ST population in the selected municipalities and restrictions on panchayats in undertaking career control municipalities. orientation programme for students the pan- The lack of facility in study in tribal chayat with higher present of tribal population households and poor orientation of career are should be given more flexibility and autonomy the major issues faced by the tribal students. in deciding the initiatives that can be taken up panchayats are mostly interested to take up easy for tribes by considering the local context of the and simple initiatives rather than addressing the panchayat. basic issues of tribal children such as malnutri- tion, absence of study facilities at home and poor 4.5) EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES ESPE- career orientation the data show that, there are CIALLY FOR SC STUDENTS some slight improvement in the routine activity Scheduled caste is also a marginalized taken up for the panchayat during pre and post community in Kerala. Educational assistance to CFLG period. children from the scheduled caste community At the same time, they could not initiate aims for inclusion of all children from different any innovative programme after CFLG to ad- social-economic groups. dress the issues of tribal children this indicates All the LSGIs in Kerala has a provision that CFLG requires adopting a special strategy for special component plan hence there is a high- to address the issues of children in tribal re- er relevance in evaluating the activities taken up gions rather than a universal approach. Some by the LSGIs for children from SC communities bureaucratic strings are also making limitations during pre and post CFLG period. The following on panchayats in addressing the needs of tribal table is an attempt in this direction. children. For instance, the LSGI guidelines put

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of INITIATIVES UN- Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Not Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Not DER TAKEN Not Conduct- Conducted Conducted Conducted Conducted Conducted ed Laptop Distribution 14 16 17 13 18 12 Study table/chair for 18 12 14 16 18 12 students Study room for 10 20 13 17 15 15 students Scholarships 11 19 10 20 12 18 Day protection 0 30 0 30 2 28 centres Financing for higher 6 24 5 25 5 25 education Scholarships to men- tally and physically 1 29 4 26 2 28 challenged SC Study materials 0 30 1 29 0 30 Others 3 27 5 25 3 27

KILA | IRTC Page | 33 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of INITIATIVES Number of Number of Number of Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat UNDER Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Not Conduct- Not Conduct- Not Conduct- TAKEN Conducted Conducted Conducted ed ed ed Cycle Distri- 0 3 0 3 0 3 bution Laptop Distri- 2 1 1 2 1 2 bution Study table/ chair for stu- 0 3 0 3 2 1 dents Study room 1 2 2 1 2 1 for students Scholarships 2 1 1 2 0 3 Day protection 0 3 0 3 0 3 centres Financing for higher educa- 0 3 0 3 0 3 tion Scholarships to mentally 0 3 0 3 0 3 and physically challenged SC Study mate- 1 2 0 3 0 3 rials Others 0 3 0 3 0 3 Table-4.11 (Source: Primary data)

MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number Number of Number Number of Number of Number of INITIATIVES UN- of Munici- Municipali- of Munici- Municipality Municipality Municipality DER TAKEN pality Not ty Conduct- pality Not Not Con- Conducted Conducted Conducted ed Conducted ducted Cycle Distribution 0 2 0 2 1 1 Laptop Distribution 1 1 1 1 0 2 Study table/chair for 0 2 0 2 1 1 students Study room for stu- 0 2 0 2 0 2 dents Scholarships 0 2 0 2 0 2 Day protection centres 0 2 0 2 0 2 Financing for higher 0 2 0 2 1 1 education Scholarships to men- tally and physically 0 2 0 2 0 2 challenged SC Study materials 0 2 0 2 0 2 Others 0 2 0 2 0 2

KILA | IRTC Page | 34 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 INITIATIVES UN- Municipality Con- Municipality Con- Municipality Con- DER TAKEN ducted ducted ducted Cycle Distribution No No No Laptop Distribution No No No Study table/chair for No No No students Study room for stu- No No No dents Scholarships Yes Yes Yes Day protection centres No No No Financing for higher No No No education Scholarships to men- tally and physically No No No challenged SC Study materials No No No Others No No No Table-4.12 (Source: Primary data)

It is clear that the educational assistance the case of distribution of laptop. Hence, one given to SC students by the trained Panchayats cannot observe any uniqueness in the perfor- is not in a sustainable mode. Only the distribu- mance of CFLG panchayats while comparing tion, laptop, study table, cycles and scholarships them with the control panchayats. were showing an increase in 2017-18 compared Performance of municipalities in the ed- to the year of 2016-2017. But the rate of initia- ucational assistance to SC children is very low. tives and effort in this particular domain doesn’t Study table and economic assistance for higher shows a static increase whereas there is a gradual education are the only initiatives taken during increase in project allocation for these domains 2017-18 period. No other efforts were made for through special consideration as a part of child SC children by considering the vulnerability or friendliness creation. But actualization of these marginality of SC students. Control municipal- projects is not effective in all LSGIs. In short ity has given only scholarships to SC students most of the LSGIs considering the vulnerable or for the educational purpose in the 2015 to 2018 marginalized group during planning period but period which is a part of mandatory allocation this consideration was absent in implementa- for SC students. Though both trained and non- tion stage. Data showed that there is an increas- trained samples are less performing in the case of ing trend in laptop distribution, study room but SC children, hence the study could not observe initiate such as scholarships for mentally and any considerable distinction between CFLG and physically challenged students and provision- non CFLG panchayats. During FGDs a hope ing financial assistance etc higher education has raised from few panchayats for instance, Mat- shown a decreasing. On comparing the pre and tathur panchayat of Thrissur district has taken post CFLG scenario there was Increase only in a good initiative to establish a child protection the distributive programme laptop distribution centre. One ward member from Mattathur pan- and distribution of study table. Construction of chayat in Thrissur told about educational initia- study rooms was the only exception in this case. tives; The control panchayat has also shown “In Monadi SC colony, a day protection similar performance to panchayat exception in centre for children is undergoing construction. KILA | IRTC Page | 35 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

Inauguration of the centre will be there after the 4.6) INITIATIVES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE month of April. This centre can be used to meet DEVELOPMENT IN PRE-SCHOOLS the academic needs of children in the colony and Pre-School has an important role in so- also to conduct training for them. Panchayat has cialisation, character formation and comprehen- also planned to use one room in this centre as li- sive development of children. LSGs Are respon- brary and conduct programmes here to enhance sible to provide baby friendly or child friendly the artistic and sports skills of children” (Ward environment for the children age group of 3 - 5 Member-Mattathur-16/03/2019- 11-1.30pm) years the infrastructure development, provision- The data regarding the of initiatives of ing of learning aids, utensils, toys to the Angan- local body or SC children indicates that CFLG wadis, and making the Anganwadi environment could only increase the momentum of some tra- conduce to joyful learning and providing oppor- ditional projects taken which had been taken up tunity for the children for better psycho-motor by the LSGIs such as distribution of laptop and development are the responsibilities of local study table. CFLG could not introduce any inno- bodies. CFLG projects as provided instructions vative initiatives in the list of activities. This also to make the Anganwadis more attractive in na- underscores the relevance of special effort with ture. The following table examines the nature in CFLG to make it more inclusive and friendly and extent of activities that LSGIs has taken to to the marginalized community. make the preschool more attractive.

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number Number of Number Number of Number of ACTIVITIES Panchayat of Pancha- Panchayat of Pancha- Panchayat Panchayat UNDERTAKEN Not Con- yat Con- Not Con- yat Con- Not Con- Conducted ducted ducted ducted ducted ducted Anganwadi maintenance 28 2 29 1 27 3 Distribution of toys and study 9 21 6 24 11 19 material Making building as learning 9 21 4 26 6 24 aids Utensils and another materials 12 18 13 17 11 19 purchase Construction of Child friendly 5 25 6 24 11 19 toilets Furniture-chair, bed and shelf 13 17 14 16 14 16 purchase and maintenance Children’s park in Anganwa- 5 25 5 25 4 26 dis.

KILA | IRTC Page | 36 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number Number of Number Number of Number of Panchayat of Pancha- Panchayat of Pancha- Panchayat ACTIVITIES Panchayat Not Con- yat Con- Not Con- yat Con- Not Con- Conducted ducted ducted ducted ducted ducted Anganwadi maintenance 2 1 3 0 3 0 Toys and study material 0 3 0 3 0 3 purchase Anganwadi CFLG wall draw- 0 3 0 3 0 3 ing Utensils and another materials 2 1 1 2 1 2 purchase Child friendly toilets 0 3 0 3 0 3 Furniture-chair, bed and shelf 0 3 0 3 0 3 purchase and maintenance Children’s park in Anganwa- 0 3 0 3 0 3 dis. Table-4.13 (Source: Primary data)

MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number Number of Number of Number of Municipality Municipali- of Munici- Municipali- Municipality ACTIVITIES Municipality Not Conduct- ty Conduct- pality Not ty Conduct- Not Con- Conducted ed ed Conducted ed ducted Anganwadi mainte- 2 0 2 0 2 0 nance Toys and study mate- 2 0 2 0 2 0 rial purchase Anganwadi CFLG 1 1 1 1 1 1 wall drawing Utensils and another 1 1 1 1 1 1 materials purchase Child friendly toilets 2 0 2 0 2 0 Furniture-chair, bed and shelf purchase 2 0 2 0 2 0 and maintenance Children’s park in 0 2 0 2 1 1 Anganwadis.

KILA | IRTC Page | 37 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Municipality Municipality Municipality ACTIVITIES Conducted Conducted Conducted Anganwadi mainte- Yes Yes Yes nance Toys and study materi- Yes Yes Yes al purchase Anganwadi CFLG wall Yes Yes Yes drawing Utensils and another No No No materials purchase Child friendly toilets Yes Yes Yes Furniture-chair, bed and shelf purchase and Yes Yes Yes maintenance Children’s park in An- No No No ganwadis. Table-4.14 (Source: Primary data)

The above table shows that majority of yat were poor in terms of establishment of chil- the panchayat have been undertaking the task of dren’s park and in making Anganwadi building maintenance and renovation of the Anganwadis as learning aids. even before CFLG initiative. There was no signif- On analysing the data on the control icant change even CFLG period in this initiative. panchayats, it could be observed that it could not The same trend was shown in the case of distri- initiated the ideas of child friendly toilets and bution of utensils and furniture to the Angan- making building as learning aids (‘Bala’-special wadis. While examining the activities those were programme). Hence the role of CFLG in intro- initiated in panchayat in the pre-primary sector, ducing some new concepts to the trained local majority of the panchayat has followed only the bodies is appreciable. traditional activities which they were already In the case of urban LSGI there is no following. CFLG did not make any significant considerable difference in intervention of mu- change in this direction, at the same time some nicipalities in pre-primary sector before and af- of the new initiatives which were proposed as ter CFLG training. It is also interesting to note the part of CFLG such as construction of Child that they could initiate the ideas of child friendly friendly Toilets, Making Anganwadi buildings as toilet and Bala even before CFLG training. learning aids through paintings and the estab- Anganwadis are the cradles of child lishment of children’s park were not taken up se- friendly initiatives, indications from the data riously by majority of the local bodies. There was underscores that fact that even though CFLG a slight Improvement in the number of pancha- has introduced some innovative ideas in the yats who are initiated child friendly toilets which pre-primary sector majority of the CFKG pan- was 5 in 2015-16 increased to 6 in 2016-17 and chayats failed in realizing them in practise. In- further increased to 11 in 2017-18. However, terventions for making pre-schools as an attrac- the concept of child friendly toilets could not tive centre of joyful learning was missing even in practice in at least 50 percent of CFLG pancha- CFLG with framework. yat even after years of its implementation. The Literature shows that some of the pan- data shows that performance of CFLG pancha- chayat had done exemplary initiatives to make

KILA | IRTC Page | 38 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG the preschool process more attractive even at the friendly local governance in a region can be es- initial stage of people’s planning campaign. The tablished only with the sustainable and mean- panchayats have done interventions even to for- ingful coordination of schools and other edu- mulate a new curriculum for pre-primary school cational institutions. Panchayat raj municipality in the people’s planning campaign (PPC). Such act provide powers and responsibilities to the kind of innovative interventions were missing in LSGIs to make educational intervention through CFLG panchayats. schools. Hence LSGISs have been undertaking An elected representative from Mat- several initiatives for the improvement of the tathur Gramapanchayats has responded that: infra sectors an academic activity in schools. “As a child friendly project play equip- LSGIS were proposed to make mandatory al- ment have been provided to Anganwadis” – locations for implementation of Sarva Shiksha “(Ward Member-Mattathur-16/03/2019 - 11- Abhiyan in their jurisdiction. Along with as the 1.30pm) part of child friendly governance initiatives LS- GIs under CFLG projects has undertaken there 4.7) INTERVENTIONS OF LSGIS on initiatives. Almost 22 programmes were ini- IN THE SCHOOLS tiated in different LSGIs based on schools for the A school is an educational institution de- comprehensive development of children. The signed to provide learning spaces and learning following table provides information’s regard environment for the teachings of children. Child LSGIS interventions in Schools.

Smart classroom in Thirunnavaya Grama Panchayat

Haritha Vidhyalayam Project in Unnikulam Grama Panchayat KILA | IRTC Page | 39 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of ACTIVITIES Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat ini- Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat initiated Not initiated tiated Not initiated initiated Not initiated Ground renovation 9 21 11 19 5 25 Distributing Sap- 0 30 0 30 1 29 lings to schools Maintenance and 24 6 22 8 24 6 renovation Seeds and grow 3 27 2 28 3 27 bags to schools Construction of 5 25 4 26 6 24 toilets (normal) Distribution of water provision and 6 24 7 27 6 24 water purifier. She toilet. 0 30 0 30 0 30 Smart classes. 6 24 8 22 14 16 Child friendly 4 26 5 25 10 20 furniture. Children’s play area 7 23 10 20 8 22 (children’s park). Construction of 2 28 1 29 2 28 new buildings. Disability friendly 1 29 1 29 6 24 toilets. Fund for bio diversity park and 0 30 0 30 4 26 medicinal park. Career guidance. 5 25 2 28 3 27 Buds schools. 4 26 3 27 6 24 Newspaper and magazines to 9 21 11 29 13 17 school. Drainage construc- 2 28 3 27 3 27 tion. Shelves and racks to 3 27 4 26 7 23 schools. Distribution of 2 28 3 27 5 25 sanitary napkin. Haritha vidhya- layam project by 0 30 2 28 1 29 panchayat. Distribution of fur- 1 29 0 30 1 29 niture. (normal) Distribution of computer and relat- 0 30 0 30 1 29 ed equipment’s.

KILA | IRTC Page | 40 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of ACTIVITIES Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat initiated Not initiated initiated Not initiated initiated Not initiated Ground renovation 0 3 0 3 0 3 Saplings to schools 0 3 0 3 0 3 Maintenance and 3 0 3 0 2 1 renovation Seeds and grow 0 3 0 3 0 3 bags to schools Construction of 0 3 0 3 0 3 toilets normal. Water purifier. 0 3 0 3 0 3 She toilet. 0 3 0 3 0 3 Smart classes 0 3 2 1 3 0 Child friendly 0 3 0 3 0 3 furniture Children’s play area 0 3 0 3 0 3 (children’s park) Construction of 1 2 1 2 1 2 new buildings. Disability friendly 0 3 0 3 0 3 toilets. Fund for bio diversity park and 0 3 0 3 0 3 medicinal park. Career guidance. 1 2 0 3 1 2 Buds schools. 0 3 1 2 1 2 Newspaper and magazines to 1 2 0 3 0 3 school. Drainage construc- 0 3 0 3 0 3 tion. Shelves and racks to 1 2 0 3 0 3 schools. Distribution of 0 3 1 2 1 2 sanitary napkin. Haritha Vidhya- layam project by 0 3 0 3 0 3 panchayat Distribution of 0 3 0 3 0 3 normal furniture. Distribution of computer and relat- 0 3 0 3 0 3 ed equipment. Table-4.15 (Source: Primary data)

KILA | IRTC Page | 41 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of ACTIVITIES Municipality Municipality Municipali- Municipality Municipali- Municipality initiated Not initiated ty initiated Not initiated ty initiated Not initiated Ground renovation 0 2 1 1 2 0 saplings to schools 0 2 0 2 0 2 Maintain and reno- 1 1 2 0 2 0 vation Seeds and grow bags 0 2 0 2 0 2 to schools Construction of toilets 0 2 1 1 2 0 normal Water purifier 0 2 1 1 1 1 She toilets 1 1 1 1 1 1 Smart classes 0 2 2 0 2 0 Child friendly furni- 1 1 1 1 2 0 ture Children’s play area 1 1 2 0 2 0 (children’s park) Construction of new 0 2 1 1 2 0 buildings Disability friendly 0 2 1 1 0 2 toilets Fund for bio diversity park and medicinal 0 2 0 2 0 2 park Career guidance 1 1 0 2 1 1 Buds schools 0 2 0 2 0 2 Newspaper and maga- 1 1 1 1 2 0 zines to school Drainage construction 0 2 1 1 1 1 Shelves and racks to 2 0 2 0 2 0 schools Distribution of sani- 0 2 1 1 1 1 tary napkin Haritha Vidhyalayam 0 2 0 2 1 1 project by panchayat Distribution of normal 0 2 0 2 0 2 furniture Distribution of computer and related 0 2 0 2 0 2 equipment

KILA | IRTC Page | 42 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 ACTIVITIES Municipality initiated Municipality initiated Municipality initiated Ground renovation No No No Saplings to schools No No No Maintenance and renova- Yes Yes Yes tion Seeds and grow bags to No No No schools Construction of toilets Yes Yes Yes normal Water purifier Yes Yes Yes She toilets Yes Yes Yes Smart classes Yes Yes Yes Child friendly furniture Yes Yes Yes Children’s play area (chil- No No No dren’s park) Construction of new No No No buildings Disability friendly toilets No No No Fund for bio diversity park No No No and medicinal park Career guidance Yes Yes Yes Buds schools Yes Yes Yes Newspaper and magazines No No No to school Drainage construction No No No Shelves and racks to Yes Yes Yes schools Distribution of sanitary Yes Yes Yes napkin Haritha vidyalayam project Yes Yes Yes by panchayat Distribution of normal No No No furniture Distribution of computer No No No and related equipment Table-4.16 (Source: Primary data)

KILA | IRTC Page | 43 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG The table shows the rate initiatives taken installation of water purifier and provisioning by different LSGIs on programmes and projects of child friendly furniture to schools. The data based on schools for the comprehensive develop- show that all these elements except the mainte- ment of children. As compared to other working nance of school have made significant changes domains of CFLG, school-based programmes in municipalities after CFLG. The table indicates have attained better status in establishing child that municipality has shown more apathy in ar- friendliness by introducing naive projects for eas such as construction of child friendly toilets, the comprehensive development of children she toilets, and disability friendly toilets, and es- in mass population. There is a gradual positive tablishment of bio-diversity park in the schools. change in the rate of initiatives by introducing The trend of CFLG municipalities and children community development programmes panchayats provides as a picture that there is along these years. And the notable trend in the some new initiative from CFLG municipalities data is that there is accelerating change in make- and panchayats at the same time the number able projects such as smart class room building, panchayat who have initiated innovative pro- newspaper and arts magazine preparation etc gramme are restricted to 1/3 of the total LSGIs while the basic facilities such as drainage con- who have implemented CFLG programme. This struction, she toilets etc were not in the consid- highlights the fact that impacted training on eration of LSGIs. She toilets were absolutely ab- CFLG LSGIs has made a differential impact. This sent in almost all LSGIs and most of the LSGIs points out the need of indicator-based action on and school officials believes that there is no need each sector to achieve some minimum target lev- for separate She toilets. els of the programme. There can be exceptional LSGIs are shown improvement in the cases and higher-level achievement as the result performance of some interventions in the of on initiatives of LSGIs. At the same time some school. Maintenance of school, creation of smart basic levels of achievement are inevitable for the classroom, distributing of magazines and news- success of the programme. This also highlights papers to school, arranging play areas in school, the need of a list of micro level initiatives it can initiating buds’ school, establishing bio-diversity be taken up in each sector needs to be delivered park and are important among them. The table as part of CFLG programme. shows that majority of the panchayat have spent money for the maintenance of the school even THALIRIDAM is a child friendly initiative before CFLG and they have continued the same developed by Porur Panchayat in a district during CFLG period as well. The table indicate to reduce the gap between children and envi- while comparing pre and post CFLG period the ronment. Through this project, the pancha- CFLG trained panchayat has made some new yat instructed all aided and unaided schools initiatives after CFLG. Creation of bio-diversity to provide a sapling for every child. It was an Park in schools, construction of disability friend- initiative that started on the special interest ly toilets and establishment of child friendly fur- of the Panchayat Welfare standing commit- niture are pertinent among them. These initia- tee. The sustainability of the programme is tives are missing in the control Panchayat; hence ensured by the collective effort of LSG and it can be taken as contribution of CFLG. Principals of the schools. Construction of the she-toilets, renova- tion of playgrounds, career guidance, construc- tion of new buildings and Haritha Vidyalayam project by panchayat the initiatives for are the 4.8) INITIATIVE FOR CREATING elements neglected by the majority of the Pan- PUBLIC SPACES chayats. Public space mentioned here as spaces Along with the maintenance of school those can fulfil objectives such as, socialization municipalities are made some changes in aspect of children, facilitating recreational activities of construction of toilets, child Friendly Park, and to nourish the enjoyable life of children, KILA | IRTC Page | 44 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG playground, and public libraries are the exam- The following tables show the performance of ples of public spaces. Nuclearization of families LSGIs in creation of public spaces. increases the relevance of public spaces as a space for socialisation of children family and social re- lations etc. Park, playground, public libraries are the examples of public spaces. There are some studies observe that lack of physical activities leading to the health problem of children such as obesity this highlights the need of sufficient space for children to play and grow. By under- standing the relevance of having public spaces in each LSG province, each LSGIs initiated projects to develop and recreate public spaces to ensure Children’s Park Kattakada Grama Panchayat better recreational facilities.

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 No of No Pan- No of No Pan- No of No Pan- ACTIVITIES Panchayat chayat not Panchayat chayat not Panchayat chayat not initiated functioning functioning functioning functioning functioning Children’s library corner initiated by external 2 28 2 28 5 25 agency Children’s library corner 5 25 7 23 7 23 by panchayat Children park 3 27 3 27 2 28 Renovation of stadium 1 29 2 28 4 26 Renovation of ground 5 25 5 25 8 22 Installation of the high mass light in stadium/ 1 29 0 30 2 28 ground Panchayat library reno- 1 29 0 30 2 28 vation CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 No of No pan- No of No pan- No of No pan- ACTIVITIES panchayat chayat not panchayat chayat not panchayat chayat not functioning functioning functioning functioning functioning functioning Children’s library corner 0 3 0 3 0 3 by external agency Children’s library corner 0 3 0 3 0 3 by panchayat Children park 0 3 0 3 0 3 Renovation of stadium 0 3 1 2 1 2 Renovation of ground 0 3 0 3 1 2 Installation of the high mass light in stadium/ 0 3 0 3 0 3 ground Panchayat library reno- 1 2 0 3 1 2 vation Table-4.17 (Source: Primary data) KILA | IRTC Page | 45 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 No mu- No munic- No mu- No munic- No mu- No munic- ACTIVITIES nicipality ipality not nicipality ipality not nicipality ipality not functioning functioning functioning functioning functioning functioning Children’s library corner by 0 2 0 2 0 2 external agency Children’s library corner by 0 2 1 1 1 1 panchayat Children park 0 2 0 2 0 2 Renovation of stadium 0 2 0 2 0 2 Renovation of ground 0 2 1 1 1 1 Installation of the high mass 0 2 1 1 0 2 light in stadium/ground Panchayat library renovation 0 2 1 1 0 2

CONTROL MUNICIPALITY ACTIVITIES Municipality functioning Municipality functioning Municipality functioning ACTIVITIES Yes Yes Yes Children’s library corner by No No No external agency Children’s library corner by No No No panchayat Children park No No No Renovation of stadium Yes Yes Yes Renovation of ground Yes Yes Yes Installation of the high mass light in stadium/ No No No ground Panchayat library renova- No No No tion Table-4.18 (Source: Primary data)

The above table describes that the num- municipality as well. The above table on perfor- ber of panchayats who have taken initiatives for mance of LSGIs in creation of public spaces indi- creating public spaces quite low in general, not cates that only a minority of LSGIs could do any more than 1/6 of the total panchayats. Among of such initiatives. As have mentioned about the these establishing children’s corner library, ren- creation of more spaces for play and recreation ovation of playground, and renovation of the are getting foremost relevance in the age of chil- stadium are the intervention which have shown dren isolation with in families but the LSGIs who a slight increasing trend after the CFLG. At the have been included in CFLG projects also could same time panchayat library renovation, estab- not make could not exhibit better performance lishment of children’s park are the elements they in this regard. Higher land value and the higher have shown poor performance. of the investment may be one reason which re- Data of the control panchayats are also strict the LSGIs from taking more initiatives for showing similar trend. Establishment of reno- creating public spaces. This undergoes the need vation of municipal library and the renovation of a special allotment to the LSGIs in promoting of municipality ground are the two glaring in- their initiatives for creating new public spaces terventions of municipalities after CFLG. The and in renovating existing spaces. same activities have been taken up by the control

KILA | IRTC Page | 46 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

Ramapuram Panchayat initiated a practise of 4.9) RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES providing free membership for all children in FOR CHILDREN the panchayat library and a chance to partici- Recreational programme is productive pate in all activities of the library. The Pancha- programme with an objective of mental, phys- yat provided a nurturing space for children by ical, intellectual and emotional development of organizing quiz sessions, discussion and inter- children. They can be cultural, arts and sports action sessions etc. Free access to magazines events and coaching programme for the compre- and newspaper for children was also provided hensive development of the children. Following after declaring the library as child friendly. Spe- table analyses the activities initiated by LSGIs. cial day observations were organized to ensure participation of children and to scale up social awareness among children.

Arts fest for differently abled children in Thirunnavaya Grama Panchayat

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat ACTIVITIES Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Not Not Not Conducted Conducted Conducted conducted conducted conducted Swimming coaching 3 27 2 28 1 29 Summer camp 4 26 0 30 6 24 Anganwadi Bala Mela 7 23 5 25 4 26 Sports kit 3 27 4 26 3 27 Self-defence training for girls 3 27 5 25 6 24 Literature workshop 2 28 0 30 0 30 Kurunnila programme 3 27 5 25 3 27 Sports coaching 4 26 2 28 3 27 Arts fest 2 28 3 27 3 27 Arts fest for differently abled 2 28 2 28 3 27 Tour and trips for Balasabha 0 30 3 27 3 27

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CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat ACTIVITIES Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Not Not Not Conducted Conducted Conducted conducted conducted conducted Swimming coaching 0 3 0 3 0 3 Summer camp 0 3 0 3 0 3 Anganwadi Bala Mela 0 3 0 3 0 3 Sports kit 0 3 0 3 0 3 Self-defence training for girls 0 3 0 3 0 3 Literature workshop 0 3 0 3 0 3 Kurunnila programme 0 3 0 3 0 3 Sports coaching 0 3 0 3 0 3 Arts fest 0 3 0 3 0 3 Arts fest for differently abled 0 3 0 3 0 3 Tour and trips for Balasabha 0 3 0 3 0 3 Table-4.19 (Source: Primary data)

MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Municipality Municipality Municipality ACTIVITIES Municipality Municipality Municipality Not conduct- Not conduct- Not conduct- Conducted Conducted Conducted ed ed ed Swimming 0 2 0 2 0 2 coaching Summer camp 1 1 0 2 1 1 Anganwadi 1 1 1 1 1 1 Bala Mela Sports kit 0 2 0 2 0 2 Self-defence training for 0 2 0 2 1 1 girls Literature 0 2 0 2 0 2 workshop Kurunnila 0 2 0 2 0 2 programme Sports coach- 1 1 0 2 1 1 ing Arts fest 0 2 0 2 1 1 Arts fest for differently 0 2 0 2 0 2 abled Tour and trips 0 2 0 2 0 2 for Balasabha

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CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 ACTIVITIES Municipality Conducted Municipality Conducted Municipality Conducted Swimming coaching Yes Yes Yes Summer camp Yes Yes Yes Anganwadi Bala Mela No No No Sports kit No No No Self-defence training for Yes Yes Yes girls Literature workshop Yes Yes Yes Kurunnila programme No No No Sports coaching Yes Yes Yes Arts fest No No No Arts fest for differently Yes Yes Yes abled Tour and trips for Bal- No No No asabha Table-4.20 (Source: Primary data) Information from the table indicates that the experience of the panchayats municipalities panchayat has shown poor performance in gen- has shown comparatively better performance in eral in organising recreational activity for the the case of organising recreating activities for the children. They could make good performance children. only in two elements, organizing summer camp It can infer from the table that LSGIs has and self-defence training for girls are the two given low preference for providing recreational elements they could perform well. At the same facility to the children. The children’s try for play time, they could not make significant change in and engage in recreational activities are still not organising swimming coaching, organising An- reach into the minds of planners involve in the ganwadi Balamela, distribution of sports kit, or- planning exercises of LSGIs ganising sports coaching and the organising Arts This indicates the relevance of special fest for differently-abled children. However, Pan- training for CFLG panchayat to include pro- chayat could initiate tour and trips for Balasabha grammes for providing recreational activity to the children.

Nirbhaya self-defence classes Nirbhaya Summary self-defence classes which includes training Development is the single largest domain in Kalari, Karate etc. was introduced to em- under which LSGIs have allocated and utilized power and to increase the confidence among funds under CFLG. There has been improve- children. About 60 children made use of ment in allocation and utilization of funds for these training and participation of children child development. However, the fund allocation was ensured by the voluntary mobilization is not proportionately reflected in the fund utili- work done by Kudumbashree members, An- zation. Accurate data on children is essential for ganwadi workers etc. formulating development plans but the essential disaggregated data is not prepared by majority of participant after CFLG. Here also the number LSGIs. Development of premises for anganwadis of the panchayat who have initiated any of these is in stagnation after 60% completion in major such activities are quite low which is lower than LSGIs. Development of barrier free environment 1/5 of the total panchayat. The data from control is in an increasing trend in LSGIs. But it needs panchayat indicates that their performance on to be more inclusive of disabled. Educational these aspects are also poor. Notwithstanding to KILA | IRTC Page | 49 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG initiatives are to be made more inclusive for SC, Child development can be an important ST and socio-economic backward sections. LS- indicator of social development and progress. GIs are developing infrastructures in preschools, Given the importance of child development to schools and public places in a slow but continu- the accepted development goals, it is crucial that ing process. Recreational opportunities and ac- proper fund utilisation in child development be tivities for children as development activities are ensured through proper checks and balances, le- yet to improve and get into the scheme of plan- veraging the local administration network of the ning process. state.

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CHAPTER – V

CHILD PROTECTION

INTRODUCTION life. It is the duty of the LSG to protect children UNICEF uses the term child protection and adolescence from exploitation, abuse, mor- to refer to preventing and responding to vio- al and material abandonment. Formulation and lence, exploitation and abuse against children administering the Panchayat with different com- – including commercial sexual exploitation, mittees and samithies to ensure child protection trafficking, child labour and harmful tradition- in various situations is given prime importance. al practices. The other targets of UNICEF pro- These are the functioning programmes of pan- grammes related to protection are protecting chayat and panchayat related departments. children who are uniquely vulnerable to these Jagratha samathi, child protection committee abuses, such as children living without parental and school vigilance committee are the commit- care, children getting in conflict with law and in- tees functioning in LSGIs for child protection. volved in armed conflict. Child protection is a CFLG documents of KILA classified child pro- prominence issue in most of the countries and a tection into seven domains. Safeguarding the major area of intervention of UNICEF. rights they are children as per law, prevention In Kerala the goal of the programme of child abuse in all settings, Safe and protective is to prevent all type of violations against chil- school zone, Safe adolescent phase, prevention dren’s and to strengthen the protection services of child marriage, supportive and caring family for children in vulnerable situations. Its sup- environment, disability reduction and disabled port the newly launched Government of Kerala friendliness. (Rajan and Radhakrishnan 2016) programme namely integrated child protection to create a protective environment to children. MEASURES FOR Protection schemes help to improve the educa- CHILD PROTECTION tional quality of children’s and create awareness Jagratha samathi: - It’s a platform for en- for empowering them, families and communi- suring the protection of the rights women and ties. This can enable children, family, and com- children under the local self – government. munities to take collective action against child Jagratha samithies has administrative structures labour and other abuses lying under the domain and both panchayat and ward level. of child protection. ICDS, ICPU and stakehold- The of objectives of jagratha samathi are ers helped to reduce child marriage ratio and • Protect the rights and to ensure friendly en- control the violence against children. Protection vironment to them involves extending safety from deliberate and • To accept to receive the complaining regard- situational harm through appropriate and timely ing violation of child rights and taken action safeguard from any kind of abuses. of them. The purpose of CFLG training is to • To ensure friendly atmosphere to children strengthen the protection services for children everywhere and provide protection to there in vulnerable situation and also strengthen the right. different committees related to children. Chil- • Provide guidelines and ideas to local dren in Kerala are exposed to various threats in self-government to avoid child related issues KILA | IRTC Page | 51 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG of children and delinquent juveniles and for the Child protection committee: - Child adjudication of certain matters related to dispo- protection committee is a government of India sition of delinquent juveniles and also it replaced initiated programme for child protection. It’s be- all other child acts. It has also replaced and all ing implemented across the country since 2009- other child acts related to juvenile justice. (The 2010. juvenile justice (care and protection of children) The main objective of this committee is Act, 2015 2016) to be improving the wellbeing of children in dif- Child labour: - Child labour refers to the ficult situations, as well as reduction of vulnera- employment of the children in any work that de- bility to situation it also intended to take action prives children of their childhood, their poten- against any kind of abuse, neglected to child, tial, dignity and that is harmful to physical, men- exploitation, abandonment and separation of tal and social development. It is a major problem children from parents. Every village have a child of the developing countries. Child labour spoil protection committee under the chairmanship and destroys the future of the children, the child of the president of panchayat to recommend and labour sustains due to poverty, employment, im- monitor the implementation of child protection proper education, limited rules and laws on child services at the village level. The main functions labour etc. these reasons forces a child to earn are; to identify the vulnerable children’s in the money to supporting his/her family. The data village, to provide support to orphan and vul- shows that the practise of child labour by using nerable children and forming adolescent club Malayali children for work is not reported while from every village under the panchayat in Kerala. At the same time of child and adoles- Protection of Child Sexual Offenses: - cent labour of migrants are still under practise The (POCSO) Act, 2012 is a comprehensive law in Kerala hence LSG has a key role in identifying to provide to ensure the protection of children and taken action against the child labour. from the Offence of sexual assault, sexual harass- ment and pornography it intends to safe guard the interest of child at every stage of judicial pro- YEAR WISE ALLOCATION AND UTILSA- cess by incorporating child friendly mechanism TION OF CHILD PROTECTION by LSGIs for reporting. Recording of evidence, investiga- Details of child protection allocation and utilisa- tion and speedy trial of offence through desig- tion nated special court are to be carried out. Child protection is one among the key The act defines a child as any person be- areas of the intervention of LSGIs under CFLG. low eighteen years of age, and defines different As has been mentioned earlier LSGIs were in- form of sexual abuse, including penetrating and structed to allocate a minimum of 5 percentage non – penetrating assault, as well as sexual ha- of their plan fund for addressing the needs of rassment and pornography. People who traffic children and old age people. Running of Jagratha children for sexual purposes are also punishable samithi, maintaining complaint system for chil- under the provision relating to amendment in dren, awareness class through, Anganawadis, the said act. Balasaba, and classes in CDS and crime map- Juvenile justice act: - A juvenile means a ping are the major activities that are coming person who has not completed eighteen years of under the CFLG undertaken by the LSGIs. The age and a “child in conflict with law” means a following table provides a description about the child who is alleged or found to have committed allotment and utilisation of funds by the LSGIs an offence and who has not completed eighteen in the area of child protection. years of age on the date of commission of such offence. Juvenile justice act 2015 provides provi- sions for both children in need of care and pro- tection and children in conflict with law. It pro- vides protection, treatment and rehabilitation

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PROTECTION PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Percentage Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat intervals allocated utilised allocated utilised allocated utilised 0-9.99 23 24 25 25 23 23 10-19.99 7 6 2 2 5 5 20-29.99 0 0 2 2 1 1 30-39.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 40-49.99 0 0 1 1 0 0 50-59.99 0 0 0 0 1 1 60-69.99 0 0 0 0 0 0

CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Percentage Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat intervals allocated utilised allocated utilised allocated utilised 0-9.99 3 3 2 2 1 1 10-19.99 0 0 1 1 1 1 20-29.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 30-39.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 40-49.99 0 0 0 0 0 1 50-59.99 0 0 0 0 1 0 Table-5.1 (Source: Primary data)

PROTECTION MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Utilisation Allocation Utilisation Allocation Utilisation Allocation Percentage Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of of Munici- Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality pality 1 0.00% 0.00% 1.39% 0.46% 1.68% 0.56% 2 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.23% 0.23% CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Allocation Utilisation Allocation Utilisation Allocation Utilisation Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality 1 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Table-5.2 (Source: Primary data)

KILA | IRTC Page | 53 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG The above table show that majority of the case control panchayat as well. This spending the panchayat has allocated the fund in percent- pattern of municipalities exhibits comparatively age interval of 0 -20 for child protection out of better pattern than the panchayats during CFLG their total allocation for children in three years. period. In the 2015-16 none of the municipali- The trend shows that there was no significant ties could spend any amount in the head of child increase in the number of panchayats who have protection whereas it has improved to 0.46% in allocated more money for the child protection 2016-17 and again increased to 0.56% in 2017- activity then after the initiation of CFLG pro- 18. gramme. The data of the control panchayat also Above trend reflects that CFLG did not show the same trend of allocation hence one can make a significant impact on allocation and ex- reach into a conclusion that CFLG panchayat penditure of local bodies in the domain of child could not make a significant difference in the al- protection. There might be different reasons for location for child protection. Coming to the case this one pertinent reason may be the nature of of municipalities there is a slight increase in the activity lying under this domain. It seems that allocation of municipalities for child protection many of the activities included under this are after CFLG programme. There was no allocation cost less in nature. Along with these local bod- from the municipality from in the year 2015-16 ies could not identify innovative actions in this were as it has increase in to 1.39% in 2016-17 domain. However, the CFLG could make an im- and shifted to 1.68% in 2017-18. However, the pact on municipalities in terms of allocation and control municipalities allocation remains zero in spending. continues three years, this indicates that CFLG municipality could perform slightly better than 5.1) ACTIVITIES FOR FACILITATING control municipality in the case of allocation for CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEES (CPC) child protection. CHILD PROTECTION The trend of utilization of child protec- As discussed earlier, LSGIs have a key tion indicates that most of the panchayats 96 role in smooth functioning of child protection percentage could spend allocation between the committees, the following table analyses the ini- percentage intervals of 0-30. Only one pancha- tiatives of LSGIs in facilitating in the functioning yat could do comparatively good performance in of child protection committees. utilization of funds. The same trend is found in

3.1) ACTIVITIES FOR FACILITATING CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEES (CPC)

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Programmes panchayat panchayat not panchayat panchayat not panchayat panchayat not initiated initiated initiated initiated initiated initiated initiated Jagratha 11 19 13 17 16 14 samathi Vigilance 2 28 4 26 7 23 committee Child protec- 4 26 4 26 4 26 tion centre Complaint boxes at ward 1 29 3 27 4 26 level

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CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Programmes Panchayat ini- Panchayat not Panchayat ini- Panchayat not Panchayat ini- Panchayat not initiated tiated initiated tiated initiated tiated initiated Jagratha 2 1 0 3 0 3 samathi Vigilance 0 3 0 3 0 3 committee Child protec- 0 3 0 3 0 3 tion centre Complaint boxes at ward 1 2 1 2 1 2 level Table-5.3 (Source: Primary data)

Table-5.3 (Source: Primary data) Table-5.3 (Source: Primary data)

MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Programmes Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality initiated initiated not initiated initiated not initiated initiated not initiated Jagratha samathi 1 1 1 1 2 0 Vigilance com- 1 1 1 1 1 1 mittee Child protection 0 2 0 2 0 2 centre Complaint boxes 0 2 0 2 0 2 at ward level

CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 PROGRAMMES Municipality initiated Municipality initiated Municipality initiated Jagratha samathi No No No Vigilance committee Yes Yes Yes Child protection centre No No No Complaint boxes at ward No No No level Table-5.4 (Source: Primary data)

The data shows that activities to facilitat- protection centre. During 2015-16, there is only ing the child protection committee have an in- 11 panchayat has Jagratha samithies in actual creasing trend from 2015 to 2018. Among these, functioning, in 2016-17 it has increased into 13 Jagratha samithy, Vigilance committee, and in- and further Increased to 16 in 2017-18. In the stallation of the complaint box at ward level are case of child protection centre data shows that the element which has shown a higher rate of no evident change during pre to post CFLG pe- trend. There is a static trend in the case of child riod (four in all years). in spite of the increased

KILA | IRTC Page | 55 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG trend of initiatives of panchayat it is noteworthy v e n e .” that such a progressive trend is restricted only to Another responded head mistress of 50% of total panchayat. This highlights that the Cheruvathoor UPS, Kasaragod (Cheruvathoor rate percolation of CFLG initiatives are restrict- Gramapanchayat) commented on 7/4/2019; ed only to one half of the Panchayats lying under “We have Jagratha Committee in the the CFLG projects. panchayat. Similarly, in school a teacher has Observation that can be drawn from the given the charge, so that children can open up data of control panchayat is that they show a de- about their complaints before her. “(HM, UPS, clining trend in the case of activities that facil- Cheruvathoor, 7/4/2019, 10.30- 12 PM) itating the child protection committees. There During the field work we got a feedback were 2 panchayats has Jagratha samithy during from a Head Master of Kadukkutti union Lowe 2015-16 and this rate to was to zero in the year Primary School of Kadukkutti Gramapanchayat of 2016-17 and this status continued without about the potential of child protection groups any change till 2018. Only one panchayat was in a school she has responded (in an FGD dated installed complaint boxes during 2015-16 and 11/3/2019) still the number remains same without any sign There is government direction to form of progress in other panchayats. This points out school protection groups. But it is not active in that there is a slight improvement in the case schools. Still in some schools this committee of CFLG Panchayats while comparing with the is very active. In high schools and higher sec- control Panchayat in the initiatives facilitating. ondary schools, it has to be made active. There While analysing the case of municipal- should be a proper body for the school protec- ities, there are no evident changes in the ac- tion group and positions such as chairman etc. tivities during pre and post CFLG training pe- should be created. Bus drivers, shop keepers and riods. The only slight change that happened is all other relevant personals should be included in the increase in the number of municipalities the protection group. Alongside a bonding and who have organised Jagratha samithis, this has attitude should be inculcated between children been increased from 1 to 2 when during the pe- and teachers, which will encourage children to riod of 2015-17 to 2017-18.When comparing the open up about their problems before their teach- status of CFLG initiatives among municipality ers. If we are ready to acknowledge their issues with control municipality, the trend shows that and pains, they will come and tell us about their nothing has been done in control municipality. problems. Especially in high schools, for the There is an exceptional case of vigilance com- very specific purpose, someone who can interact mittee which has been working from 2015 to and behave in a friendly and loving manner with 2018 in control municipality. This indicates that children should be employed. These responds there are some evident initiatives in the trained indicate the potential of one more institution in municipalities while comparing with the control schools (CPC) for protecting the interest of the municipality. The comments from the quali- children. CFLG programme can include this as tative tools also ratifies above observation that a best strategy or initiating child protection in a Jagratha samithies are the committees function- school. ing in the panchayat who can also deals with the issues of children along with the issues of wom- 5.2) SENSITIZATION CREATION INITIA- en, President of Mulamthuruthy Grama pancha- TIVES ON CHILD RIGHTS yat during a personal interview on 19/3/2019 Child right is a concept which has been commented; widely discussed among the community since “Jagratha Committee has been sum- it is a new concept continues sensitization pro- moned properly once in two months. Cases re- grams are made to make it as a popular concept lated to children is also being discussed in the in parents and communities, there require con- committee meetings. However as of now any tinues sensitization programme among the chil- cases of grave nature have not been reported and dren and the stakeholders such as parents and hence panchayat has not had required to inter- teachers who have a prominent role in ensuring KILA | IRTC Page | 56 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG child rights. There were different kinds of initia- by ICDS classes of Balasabha, classes by pancha- tives in LSGIs for sensitizing various stakehold- yat as the part of CFLG classes CDS vigilance ers on child rights there were Anganwadi classes committee, child right classes in schools.

Sensitization efforts by LSGIs on child rights

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of ACTIVITIES UNDER- Panchayat Panchayat not Panchayat Panchayat not Panchayat Panchayat not TAKEN conducted conducted conducted conducted conducted conducted Anganawadi classes by 28 2 28 2 28 2 ICDS Balasabha classes at 5 25 8 22 10 20 panchayat level Classes by panchayat as specific initiative under 1 29 4 26 6 24 CFLG CDS vigilance commit- 0 30 0 30 1 29 tee classes Crime mapping by 3 27 13 17 4 26 external agency Classes of health 11 19 13 17 11 19 School level classes 14 16 16 14 16 14

CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of ACTIVITIES UN- panchayat panchayat not panchayat panchayat not panchayat panchayat not DERTAKEN conducted conducted conducted conducted conducted conducted Anganawadi classes 3 0 3 0 3 0 by ICDS Balasabha classes at 0 3 0 3 0 3 panchayat level Classes by pancha- yat as specific initia- 0 3 0 3 0 3 tive under CFLG CDS vigilance com- 0 3 0 3 0 3 mittee classes Crime mapping by 0 3 0 3 0 3 external agency Classes of health 3 0 3 0 3 0 School level classes 1 2 1 2 1 2 Table-5.5 (Source: Primary data)

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MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Activities under- Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality taken conducted not conducted conducted not conducted conducted not conducted Anganawadi 2 0 2 0 2 0 classes by ICDS Balasabha classes 2 0 2 0 2 0 at panchayat level Classes by pan- chayat as specific 0 2 0 2 1 1 initiative under CFLG CDS vigilance 0 2 0 2 0 2 committee classes Crime map- ping by external 0 2 0 2 0 2 agency Classes of health 0 2 2 0 2 0 School level 2 0 2 0 2 0 classes

CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 ACTIVITIES UNDER- Municipality Municipality Municipality TAKEN CONDUCTED CONDUCTED CONDUCTED Anganawadi classes by Yes Yes Yes ICDSs Balasabha classes at pan- Yes Yes Yes chayat level Classes by panchayat as specific initiative under No No No CFLG CDS vigilance committee Yes Yes Yes classes Crime mapping by external No No No agency Classes of health No No No School level classes Yes Yes Yes Table-5.6 (Source: Primary data)

KILA | IRTC Page | 58 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG Analysis of initiatives of panchayat for thy that there are lot of players involved in child sensitizing stakeholders on child rights show right sensitization among different stakeholders. that prominent activity under this domain is ICDS, health department, educational depart- classes in Anganwadi by ICDS it can be found ment, and private agencies are working into the that this activity has been done more than 95% same ground which often leading to overlapping of panchayat. There is no growth in this activity and repetition. Hence it could be suggested that even after CFLG initiatives since this is a routine there needs a co-ordination mechanism between department programme by ICDS team result of different agencies working on child right sensi- these cannot be attribute to CFLG. Classes by tization with in a LSGIs. This underscores the panchayat in Balasabhas and special sensitiza- relevance of an institutional mechanism which tion programmes organised as the part of CFLG could coordinate all the agencies and the activ- are the two programmes that have shown some ities working on child rights under a common improvement during post CFLG period. For umbrella. CFLG programme can think of such instants sensitization programme number of as LSGI level institution in future. panchayats who have initiated sensitisation Along with the quantitative data qualita- programme through Balasabha was only five in tive data from FGDs and interviews also throw- 2015-16 which has increased to 8 and 10 in 2016- ing light into the need of sensitization on child 17, l 2017-18 respectively. The number of special right. Many comments ratified that most of the sensation programme under CFLG was only one children don’t know how to respond to situation in 2015-16 which has increased to 4 and 6 in when they are facing situations of abuse. One 2016-27, 2017-18 respectively. At the same time girl child from Mulamthuruthy Gramapancha- some important activities such as crime map- yat during the FGDs of the children commented; ping were restricted to only 1/10 of the pancha- “Once while I was travelling in bus an yat even after CFLG. The same trend was shown aged man misbehaved with me. But when I in the case of sensitization within vigilance looked back at him, he smiled at me. Then I didn’t committee. Coming to the control panchayats, know what to do” (Mulanthuruthy, 19/3/2019) their activities were restricted to sensitization And regarding the use of complaint box in schools. This same trend was shown in mu- in panchayat also show that children are not us- nicipalities as well. One can infer from data that ing these possibilities for recording their com- except the Anganwadi sensitisation programme, plaints. Vice-president of Kadukutty Gramapan- other traditional sensitization programmes such chayat in his interview on dated 18/3/2019 as sensitization with in a school and sensitiza- commented tion through health department were also im- According to vice president Kadukutty plemented only less than 50% of the panchayat. children do not use complaint boxes instead; It is also interest to note that apart from the tra- they inform their issues to Anganwadi teachers. ditional methods of sensitization on child right “Currently the problem of children is innovative communication and publicise educa- communicated mainly through Anganwadi. tive tools were not used for creating sensitization There is complaint box at panchayat office. We in among stakeholders. Is also not worthy that refrain from keeping complaint boxes at ward special programme targeted on all parents and level, because we do not see the possibility of teacher were not also implementing in CFLG people using them. With Anganwadi teacher’s panchayats. Many of the study show that paren- people have comparatively more opening up tal aspiration and parental pressure on children about their matters”. (Vice-President, Kadukutty, are children and child right violations in schools 18/3/2019) are the elements which are challenging child It is also interest in that there is some rights in the eve of cut throat competition. In misconception among CFLG resource persons such context continues parents and teacher edu- regarding the free interactions of child. One cation programme on child rights are necessary, CFLG resource person from a Gramapancha- and they have to adopt innovative strategies for yat from Ernakulam district in his interview on sensitization. This kind of initiative is missing in 3/4/2019 commented about children’s friendship CFLG programme in general. It is also notewor- KILA | IRTC Page | 59 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

“Relationship is wrong. Children should only trust their parents. Friendship is not a good Swastha (Child Protection): The pancha- thing” yat developed a questionnaire for crime Feedback from the qualitative enquiry mapping named “swastha” to check the undergoes the relevance of strong and continues crimes against children and to address sensitization through the children about their this issue in a systematic manner at pan- rights and how those rights can be realised. It is chayat level also important that there requires deeper sensi- tization programme to the recourse persons af- Reported Child Abuse cases in LSGIs filiated to CFLG and other child right initiatives. • Number of Panchayat: 30 KILA can think of specialised orientation pro- • Number of Control Panchayat: 3 grammes on child right to the recourse person • Number of Municipality: 2 from different departments engaging with chil- • Number of control Municipality: 1 dren. 5.3) Number of Panchayat Reported child abuse cases in different years

PANCHAYAT AND CONTROL PANCHAYAT NUMBER OF CASES & ACTION TAKEN 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Number Number of Number Number of Number Number of of cases cases action of cases cases action of cases cases action reported taken reported taken reported taken Panchayat 32 13 38 1 20 8 Control 2 1 1 1 6 1 panchayat Table-5.7 (Source: Primary data)

MUNICIPALITY AND CONTROL MUNICIPALITY NUMBER OF CASES & ACTION TAKEN 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Number Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of of cases cases action cases report- cases action cases action cases reported reported taken ed taken taken Municipality 0 0 2 0 0 0 Control 1 0 4 0 4 0 Municipality Table-5.8 (Source: Primary data)

Note: The table refers to the number of child abuse cases per year in selected LSG.

After the introduction of POCSO in ma- in grassroots hence the number the analysis of jority of the abuses against children is registered number of cases reported in panchayat related to under this act child and adolescence child prohi- various provision to child protection are import- bition is also prevent child labour. Prohibition of ant. The following table also providing informa- child marriage act is also a strong rule to protect tion in this regard. child right. Since the legal side of child rights are It is noteworthy that the number of cas- strong in enough to ensure to protect the child es reported in panchayat before and after CFLG its substances depend upon hoe it implemented has shown only a varying trend, it was 32 in 30 KILA | IRTC Page | 60 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG panchayats during 2015-16, which has increased a conclusion that number of cases and number to 38 in next year. But this again reduced to 28 of actions taken cases by the LSGIs are also not in 2017-18. At the sometime control panchayat satisfactory in nature. The limitations of LSGIs who have not implemented CFLG has shown far in terms of mandatory powers maybe one factor better performance in this regard. Number cases which restricting in their interventions. Absence registered in municipality have also not shown a of institutional mechanism for proper monitor- significant increase during CFLG years with the ing of cases at LSG level may be the other factor performance of the control municipality was bit which leads to their limited intervention. This ahead than the CFLG trained municipalities. also emphasise the need of institutional mech- The above data are provided by the ICDS anism at LSG level for coordinating and moni- supervisors who are also affiliated to district toring the management of cases related to child child protection units, at the same time during rights within the local bodies. the field work we could observe that there is a Along with the quantitative data from mismatch between data provided by both police the above table, qualitative information provides station and ICDS on child abuses. For instance, the versatile nature of abuses that children have the number of cases reported in Adimali and to face in different situations and difficulties in Kanjukuzhy police stations are 16 at the same dealing with them. Some comments indicate time the data provided by the ICDS supervi- that sexual abuse cases were also reported in the sors are 10 respectively. It is noted that presently case of boys as well. President of Chapparappa- there is no system for cross reporting the report- davu Gramapanchayat of Kannur district in his ed child abuse cases in police station to the re- interview commented thus: spective panchayat. The dis-functioning of child “Abuse cases against boys had been re- protection committees and Jagratha samithi ported. It was a boy, who asked for lift on his there may be the reason for this. From the field way back from school, faced such an experience experience we can reach into a conclusion that once. Though the case got registered, no follow child abuses cases are not properly reported in up actions were taken” (President, Chapparapa- panchayats and handle by the responsible bod- davu, 22/3/2019). ies related to the panchayat. This also highlights Some comments indicate that number of the need of a statutory institution at panchayat abuses by trapping the girls in affair is also in- level which is mandatorily responsible to collect creasing tremendously. One police officer from and keep all updated information related to the Adimali, in his interview 2/4/2019 commented; children. Such an institution is important for the “Cases in which abuse takes place by smooth implementation of CFLG programme as trapping the child in love affair has also increas- well. ing in number (Police personal, Adimali, Feb 15) While going through the initiatives of The local body authorities have indicated panchayat for taking action on reported cases the their helplessness and powerlessness in dealing situation is not optimistic. In 2015-16 there were with the cases like POCSO. President of Pulam- 32 cases reported from 30 panchayat but pan- anthole Panchayat of Malappuram district in his chayat could take any action only on 13 cases. In interview on 10/4/2019 commented; 2016-17 this numbers were 38 and 14 respective- “Last year there were 3 POCSO cases. ly and 2017-18 it was 20 and 8 respectively. The But they were beyond the intervention capacity percentage of cases in which panchayat has tak- of panchayat and hence police dealt with them.” en action was 40 in 2015-16, 36 in 2016-17, and (President, Pulamanthole) 40 in 2017-18. This indicates that the panchayat The above comments point out the in- could not take any action steps in 60 percentag- creasing number of atrocities against children es of reported cases. In the case of municipality and its diverse nature. It’s also indicates that and control Panchayats the number of report- present laws such as POCSO ACT not provides ed cases and number of cases took action rate sufficient power to the LSGI’s in intervening in also low. From this informer which reaches into such cases. This also underscores the relevance

KILA | IRTC Page | 61 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG of an institutional mechanism at LSG level for better protection of child rights with in their ju- panchayats who have taken action, there was risdiction. no action on reported cases in the year 2015- 16. While only one out of three cases were per- 5.4) Number of LSGIs Reported cases and tak- suaded by the panchayats in 2016-17. Two out of en action on Children Conflict with Law three cases perused by the panchayat in 2017-18. Children who involve in criminal offenc- In the case of municipalities there was no action es, drug abuse, and juvenile offences are com- in the years 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Number of Panchayat reported cases on children conflict with law

PANCHAYAT AND CONTOL PANCHAYAT NUMBER OF CASES & ACTION TAKEN 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of cases action cases action cases action cases reported cases reported cases reported taken taken taken Panchayat 3 0 3 1 3 2 Control Pan- 2 0 0 0 0 0 chayat Table-5.9 (Source: Primary data) MUNICIPALITY AND CONTROL MUNICIPALITY NUMBER OF CASES & ACTION TAKEN 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of cases action cases action cases action cases reported cases reported cases reported taken taken taken Municipal- 0 0 1 0 1 0 ity Control Municipal- 2 0 2 0 3 0 ity Table-5.10 (Source: Primary data) ing under the domain of children under con- The present juvenile justice system is not flict with law. Since CFLG is initiative for child providing any space for the interventions of lo- friendly panchayat, the number cases reported cal body, in the cases related to children in con- in panchayat and action taken by them is im- flict with law. There is no local level institution portant for analysis. The following table provides is functioning related to the implementation a description in this regard. of this law. This also, underscores the need of a While going through the number of cas- LSGI level institution to gather information on es reported in the panchayat, it is found that they children in conflict with law and to involve in are too low. Number of cases reported in 2015- these cases with the perspective of child right. 16 was only three which was the same in 2016-17 The agencies that are associated to cases on chil- and 2017-18. There was no considerable increase dren in conflict with law would have to handover in the case of municipalities as well. Only a slight the details of such cases to the respective LSGI’s. increase has seen in the case of controlled mu- This would enable them to peruse such cases in nicipalities. Looking at through the number of the perspective of child right.

KILA | IRTC Page | 62 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG 5.5) Initiative for providing psycho social sup- in education system. Even the suicides after de- port for children through LSGIs claring exam results are common phenomena in the state. Since CFLG is attempting to evolve a PSYCHO SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR child friendly local governance system, valua- CHILDREN THROUGH LSGIs tion of initiatives taken by the LSGIs to provide Studies show that children in Kerala are psycho social support to the children in needy facing several psychological issues because of the situations is quite pertinent. The following table parental pressure and competitive environment is an attempt for analysing such initiatives.

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Initiative Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Providing Not providing Providing Not providing Providing Not providing Counsellor appointed by 6 24 7 23 7 23 panchayat ICDS Coun- 6 24 8 22 9 21 sellors Legal service centre at pan- 1 29 2 28 2 28 chayat Counselling at 0 30 2 28 3 27 PHC

CONTROL PANCHAYAT Initiative 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Providing Not providing Providing Not providing Providing Not providing Counsellor appointed by 0 3 0 3 0 3 panchayat ICDS Coun- 2 1 2 1 2 1 sellors Legal service centre at pan- 0 0 0 0 0 0 chayat Counselling at 0 3 0 3 0 3 PHC Table-5.11 (Source: Primary data)

KILA | IRTC Page | 63 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Facility Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Providing Not providing Providing Not providing Providing Not providing Counsellor appointed by 0 3 0 3 1 2 panchayat ICDS Coun- 1 2 2 1 2 1 sellors Legal service centre at pan- 0 3 0 3 0 3 chayat Counselling at 1 2 1 2 1 2 PHC

CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Facility Municipality Providing Municipality Providing Municipality Providing Counsellor appointed by No Yes Yes panchayat ICDS Counsellors Yes Yes Yes Legal service centre at Yes Yes Yes panchayat Counselling at PHC No No No Table-5.12 (Source: Primary data)

The reflections from table indicate that The performance of both panchayats and mu- most of the panchayats failed in offering psycho nicipalities, in the case of initiating legal service social support to the children in needy situations. centres for children at LSGIs is literally poor. Appointment of counsellor through ICDS and Data from the table indicates that even by panchayats is the only two activities which two third of the LSGIs could not take any ini- had shown some momentum in the panchayats. tiatives for providing psycho social support to Here also the rate of increase after CFLG t is not the children. As mentioned above, children in significant in terms of numbers. For instance, Kerala is going through the situations of sur- there were six panchayats who have appointed rounded pressure because of career aspirations counsellors through their own initiatives before of the parents. Along with these, children from CFLG. And this has increased only to seven in marginalised groups such as fisher men, tribal, two CFLG years. In the case of appointment of and scheduled caste communities are also facing counsellors through ICDS, the number was six specific issues related to their socio-economic in pre CFLG year, which has increased to eight in backgrounds. The number of cases reaching into the first year of CFLG and enhanced only to nine family court and the number of divorces is also in the last year. While going through the data of showing an increasing tendency in state. Most of control panchayat, they could perform only in the studies indicate that children are the victims the elements of ICDS counsellor. The initiatives of such family breakdowns these all factors un- by municipalities indicates that they could make derscore the relevance of a strong psycho social little advantage in the case of appointment of support mechanism at LSG level to address the ICDS counsellor, counsellor by municipality, psycho emotional issues of children. But such and provisioning of counselling through PHC. initiatives are missing within the framework of

KILA | IRTC Page | 64 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG CFLG. Hence it could be suggested that CFLG Among the activities under the domain has to think about a LSGI level institutional of protection, for facilitating child protection mechanism to provide continues psycho social committees (CPC) there is a government di- support to the children. Kerala Panchayati Raj rection to form school level protection groups. Act provides sufficient powers to the LSGIs to But these groups are not active in schools, with intervene in primary education. The concept of a few exceptions. Analysis of the initiatives by panchayat resource centre for education was also panchayats for sensitization creation initiatives proposed by a Kerala education Rules Revision on child rights shows a positive trend on rou- committee appointed by Government of Kerala tine programmes of ICDS through anganwadis (Government of Kerala 2010). A resource school (95%), classes by panchayath in Balasabhas, and can be identified in each LSGI which can act as special sensitization programmes organised as a coordination centre of all educational research, the part of CFLG. At the same time some im- training, and other educational service system portant activities like crime mapping were re- within the LSGIs. This centre can also function stricted to only one in ten panchayats even after as a legal service cum counselling centre for chil- CFLG training. With regard to reported cases dren. and action taken on children in conflict with law in LSGI’s, the present juvenile justice system is Summary not providing any space for the intervention of Child protection is a key area of interven- local body in cases of child abuse. Under activ- tion of LSGIs under CFLG. LSGIs were instruct- ities for support for the psycho-social problems ed to allocate minimum 5 percentage of their of children through LSGI’s, data indicates that plan fund for addressing the needs of children even two-third of the LSGIs could not take any and aged persons. However the trend of allotted initiative for providing psycho social support to fund and utilization the domain of Protection children. reflects that the CFLG training did not make a Under the framework of CFLG, there is significant impact on allocation and expenditure much scope for scaling up the domain of protec- of local bodies. It can be argued that many of the tion beyond the mandates of existing legal struc- activities included under this domain are not tures. Child protection initiatives under CFLG cost-intensive in nature. Along with this, local programme can be designed to be independent bodies could not identify and experiment with and not merely supporting the administrative innovative actions under this domain. However, -legal system. Kerala’s local development system CFLG training could bring an impact in terms of holds the potential to lead the way in conceptu- allocation and spending in municipalities. alizing such novel initiatives.

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CHAPTER VI

CHILD PARTICIPATION

Children’s participation includes the op- cannot be envisaged as not yet persons or adults portunity for children to express their points of in the making. Attention must be paid to their view and opinions and thus to influence deci- inner feelings, thoughts and views. sions which may affect their lives. Participation There were different experiments in includes different kinds of involvement, contri- Kerala to bring Children’s participation in dem- bution, assistance and co-determination. They ocratic process after the initiation of Peoples differ in quality and have to be distinguished in Planning Campaign. The concept of children’s participation initiated and controlled by adults, Gramasabha and Children’s Panchayats were equal decision-making, and children’s self-deter- evolved and experimented in the mid of first mined and initiated participation. The right to decade of 21st century as the part of these ini- be heard manifests itself in several articles of the tiatives. Considering children as equal citizens UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (see with the right to participating decision making Articles 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, and 31). Participation was the vision behind all these experiments. is one of the Convention’s guiding principles and The CFLG programme has developed its footing most advanced innovations on UN convention from the experiment happened in LSGIs all over (UNICEF 2004). the state. Article 12 of the United Nations Con- The CFLG training by KILA offers guid- vention on the Rights of the Child recognizes ance to practitioners working with children. It that children have a right to be heard. The appli- is designed to help staff develop their own best cation of this right has been broadly conceptu- practice and pilot new ways of involving chil- alized as ‘participation’, although the term itself dren. Participation is about children having the does not appear in the Convention. Of course, opportunity to express their views, influence de- children have always participated in many ways cision-making and achieve change. Participation within societies – for example, at the communi- is a way of working and it is an essential princi- ty level, through play and the arts, and in their ple that should be applied to all arenas – from economic contribution to their families. In the homes to government, from local to internation- context of Article 12, however, the term ‘par- al levels. The publication offers advice on ways ticipation’ has evolved, and is now very widely for practitioners to support children’s meaning- used, as a shorthand to describe children’s right ful involvement in the governance, planning, to involvement in decisions and actions that implementation, monitoring and evaluation of affect them and to have those views taken into their work. account. Children’s right to be heard and to be There are several rights to children and taken seriously is a crucial and also visionary they are mainly categorized under four domains. provision of the Convention on the Rights of Child participation is one among them. The the Child. Children can no longer be perceived CFLG programme has proposed some measures as passive recipients of care and protection, or to ensure the participation of every child in local accidental beneficiaries of policy decisions; they governance. Children’s Gramasabha, Bala Pan-

KILA | IRTC Page | 66 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG chayat (Children’s Panchayat) and representa- were envisaged as schools of democracy to the tion of children in all working groups were these children. In this context, this chapter analyses mechanisms. Balasabhas, run by Kudumbashree how far the expectation of CFLG in evolving were considered as basic units for bringing chil- participatory citizenship among children has dren in local governance. Bala Panchayats were been realized in practice. envisaged as a forum of Children at Panchayat level comprising of representatives from Bal- Allocation and utilization of LSGIs in the do- asabhas. It is proposed that consultations with main of Participation Bala Panchayat, would be helpful to bring the Since participation is an important do- issues of children in the agenda of local govern- main of child rights the LSGI require money to ment and that would naturally lead to the evo- implement the programmes lying under the con- lution of child friendly local plans. (Rajan and cept of participation. Conduct and documenta- Radhakrishnan 2016).It was also expected that tion of Gramasabhas, Children’s gramasabhas, discussions and demands raised in children’s Bala Panchayats and initiatives for collecting and Gramasabha, would also be considered in mak- documenting demands of children from partic- ing local development plans. The vision of CFLG ipatory forum and conducting child parliament programme envisaged that it would provide are the major activities proposed in CFLG under more opportunities for the children to partici- the domain of participation. The following table pate in local decisions making process and local examines how much money have been allocated development plans with the rights of citizenship. and utilized for the activities to ensure children’s In other way round, these participatory forums participation in local governance. Year wise allocation and utilisation of child participation in LSGIs

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Percentage Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Interval allocated utilised allocated utilised allocated utilised 0-9.99 30 30 30 30 26 28 10-19.99 0 0 0 0 2 2 20-29.99 0 0 0 0 1 0 30-39.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 40-49.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 50-59.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 60-69.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 70-79.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 80-89.99 0 0 0 0 1 0

KILA | IRTC Page | 67 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat allocated utilised allocated utilised allocated utilised 0-0.19 0 1 0 1 1 1 0.2-0.39 1 1 2 1 1 1 0.4-0.59 1 0 0 0 0 1 0.6-0.79 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.8-0.99 1 1 0 0 0 0 1-1.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 2-2.99 0 0 0 0 1 0 3-3.99 0 0 1 1 0 0 Table-6.1 (Source: Primary data)

PARTICIPATION MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality allocation Per- utilisation allocation utilisation allocation utilisation centage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage 1 0.00% 0.00% 0.61% 0.03% 0.00% 0.00% 2 0.73% 0.73% 0.00% 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%

CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality allocation utilisation allocation utilisation allocation utilisation Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage 1 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Table-6.2 (Source: Primary data)

The trend from the above tables exhibit of municipalities shows that they didn’t allocate that majority (more than 95%) of the panchayats any money during pre CFLG year, for the activ- could allocate only between 0-10 percentage in- ities under the domain of participation. At the tervals in the first two years. That is in 2015-16 same time their allocation has shown a feeble and 2016-17 there was a small increase in the progress in the next year. Notwithstanding to the allocation of the panchayat, for participation in improvement in 2016-17, their allocation again the second year of CFLG. Example, in 2017-18 declined to zero in 2017-18. While comparing here the number of panchayats who have allo- CFLG municipalities with control municipal- cated money for participation between the per- ities, their status in allocation for participation centage intervals of 0-10 reduced to 26, which remains zero throughout the years irrespective of was 30 in the previous year (86%). While going pre and post CFLG periods. While one examins through the trend of control panchayats, it can the experience of utilization of panchayat in the be observed that they could allocate only a mea- domain of participation, it could be noted that gre amount in the domain of participation, and all the Panchayats were lying in the percentage there was considerable difference between pre intervals between 0-10 in the years of 2015-16 and post CFLG years. The trend of allocation and 2016-17. This shows there was no difference KILA | IRTC Page | 68 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG in the utilization of panchayat in the first year of rum may be comparatively low and which would CFLG. However, there was little difference in the not have been accounted as official spending of second year of CFLG in terms of fund utilization LSGIs. Anyway, the following tables which ex- of CFLG. Two out of thirty panchayats (6%) of plain the performance of panchayats in organiz- the Panchayats could improve their fund utiliza- ing children’s forum would through more light tion performance in the last year. On examining into these directions. the case of control Panchayats, their fund utiliza- tion performance is lower than 1%. The informa- 6.1) CHILD PARTICIPATION AND tion about the municipality also show that their BALASABHA fund utilization is again below 1%. They could Balasabhas are an inclusive platform of not spend any amount during the years 2015-16 the children which can enhance their agency and and 2016-17. community interactions. Balasabhas are working We can infer from the above table that under the broad umbrella of Kudumbashree and LSGIs has allocated only a small amount (lower they are functioning as a sub set of Kudumbashree than 10%) in average for the activities in the do- neighbourhood groups. Each Balasabhas con- main of participation. Whereas their utilization sist of 15-30 children between the age group of is also seeming to be poor. (Below 10%) How- 5-18 and it is giving the opportunity to under- ever, the CFLG initiatives could make a small stand democratic system. Kudumbashree data change in allocation and expenditure of pancha- claims that there are 32,878 Balasabhas and 4, yats in the domain of participation. However, 3908 members (Kudumbashree, 2018). KILA such a trend is not visible in the case of munici- has taken Balasabhas as prominent institutions palities as well. It is interested to note that their for participating children in local governance. performance of control Panchayats and munic- Hence CFLG programme has given prominence ipalities is too poor in fund allocation and uti- to orient the functions of Balasabhas. lization for participation while comparing that Since Balasabhas are important forums of CFLG LSGIs. We could conclude that CFLG which provides universal access to children in all initiatives did not make a significant change LSGIs, and analysis about how much local bod- in the performance of LSGIs in the allocation ies succeeded in organizing them is quite rele- and spending for children’s participation. There vant. The following table is an attempt to provide could be several factors which might have influ- information in this aspect. enced this pattern. The CFLG LSGIs even may Conducting of Balasabha meeting and not have imbibed the relevance of building chil- its proper documentation are equally relevant dren’s participation forum in their jurisdiction. when such initiatives are undertaken under a In the other pertinent factor may be the amount programme like CFLG. of money required for organizing children’s fo-

KILA | IRTC Page | 69 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG The following table provides information about documentation about the functioning of Balasabhas in CFLG LSGIs and control LSGIs

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of ACTIVITIES UNDER Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat TAKEN initiated not initiated initiated not initiated initiated not initiated Has Conducted but lost documents in floods from 0 30 2 28 2 28 CDS office Has conducted but ward level documents are not 8 22 8 22 11 19 available at CDS office Has Conducted ward level documents are available at 6 24 12 18 15 15 CDS office

CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of ACTIVITIES UNDER Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat TAKEN initiated not initiated initiated not initiated initiated not initiated Has Conducted but lost documents in floods from 0 3 0 3 0 3 CDS office Has conducted but ward level documents are not 3 0 3 0 3 0 available at CDS office Has conducted ward level documents are available at 0 3 0 3 0 3 CDS office Table-6.3 (Source: Primary data)

MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Activities under taken Municipality Municipality Municipali- Municipality Municipali- Municipality initiated not initiated ty initiated not initiated ty initiated not initiated Has Conducted but lost documents in floods 1 1 1 1 1 1 from CDS office Has conducted but ward level documents 1 1 1 1 1 1 are not available at CDS office Has conducted ward level documents are 1 1 1 1 1 1 available at CDS office

KILA | IRTC Page | 70 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Activities under taken Municipality initiated Municipality initiated Municipality initiated Has conducted but lost documents in floods from No No No CDS office Has conducted but ward level documents are not No No No available at CDS office Has Conducted ward level documents are available at No No No CDS office Table-6.4 (Source: Primary data)

The above table reflects that two pan- initiated to keep the documents in CDS office in chayats have lost their documents related to the year of 2015-2016. Balasabhas in flood. The data indicates that the The above table shows that, the control number of panchayats who have not kept Bal- municipality has not performed well and one asabha related documents in Area Development among the trained municipality has the concern Society level (ADS) has shown an increasing about child and they are giving the space to child trend even after the CFLG implementation. to perform and participate. One of two munici- The number of panchayats who could not keep palities which got training has been conducting such documents was eight in 2015-16 increased Balasabha. to eleven in 2017-18. It is noteworthy that the By comparing the control panchayat number of panchayats who have kept Balasabha with CFLG trained panchayat, it is evident that related documents at Community Development the lack of training affected the effective func- Society (CDS) has shown an increasing trend tioning of Balasabha in control panchayats. 2015 while comparing the same in pre and post CFLG onwards they are conducting Balasabha regular- regimes. The number of panchayats who have ly but the documents are not available at CDS kept Balasabha related documents in CDS office office. Table shows that among 30 sample Pan- was only six in 2015-16, i.e.; in pre CFLG year. chayats only 15 panchayats were taken initiative This has increased to 12 in first year of CFLG to keep ward level documents at CDS office. But (2016-17) and further expanded to 15 in the last in the case of control panchayats it’s reflects that year of CFLG. It is noteworthy that even though the 0 out of 3 panchayats are kept documents of the control panchayats have organized children’s Balasabhas in CDS office. Balasabhas, all of them failed in keeping respec- The municipalities were showing a child tive documents in a systematic manner. One out friendly approach in the case of Balasabha con- of two municipalities could maintain records re- duction but there was no documentation ev- lated to Balasabhas in their CDS office. At the idence at the CDS offices. But they are much same time the control municipality could not better than the activities of control municipality. even conduct Gramasabhas. The above table The control municipality data narrates that there gives us a feeling that CFLG initiative contrib- was nothing happening for the betterment of uted in streamlining the process of conducting children beyond mandatory allocation. Balasabhas and maintaining its documents in a KILA introduced CFLG training with systematic manner. the collaboration of UNICEF to the strength- The table shows that documentation ev- ening the activities of the panchayat level Child idence of Balasabhas was kept in safe in CDS of- friendly programmes. Balasabhas are playing an fice after getting CFLG training. When its com- important role all among them. But the collected pares to 2017-2018, there was only 6 panchayats data reflects that the majority of the panchayats

KILA | IRTC Page | 71 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG and municipalities are at least conducting Bal- The data shows that the number of asabha and creating a space to child to partici- Panchayat who have conducted children’s pate, in the case of control panchayat also taken Gramasabha as the part of CFLG as shown a de- up the same stand as compared to control mu- clining trend in 2 years. For instants the num- nicipality. At the same time, trained municipal- ber of Panchayat who have conducted child ities had taken initiatives for the conduction of Gramasabha was 24 in 2016-17 which has re- Balasabha. duced to 21 in the second year of CFLG. At the same time there was an improvement of number 6.2) DOCUMENTATION OF CHILD of panchayat who have done proper documen- GRAMASABHA OF LSGIs tation CDS during 2 years CFLG. In the 1 year Children’s Gramasabha is an assembly of of CFLG it was only 10 which have improved all children between the age of ten and eighteen to 16. This indicates that the first year of CFLG of a ward (Constituency of a LSG or Urban Local only 41% of the panchayat who have conducted Body). Children’s Gramasabha aims to initiate a children’s Gramasabha has taken initiative for child friendly development perspective in the proper documentation. This has increased 76% Local Government through rectifying the gaps in second year of CFLG. Coming to the case in the planning interventions for children. It also of municipality both of them conducted child makes plans to fill the gaps identified. (Rajan and Gramasabha in first CFLG year, whereas it has Radhakrishnan 2016). reduced into one in the second year of CFLG The following table explains the status of years. However, initiatives of municipalities in children’s Gramasabha conducted in LSGIs and documenting the child Gramasabha seem to be the number of LSGIs done documentation on poor in the first year which has improved in sec- Children’s Gramasabha. ond year. It can be inferred from data that the initial enthusiasm of panchayat in organizing children Gramasabha has shown a declining ten-

STATUS OF CHILDREN’S GRAMASABHA AND ITS DOCUMENTATION BY LSGIS PANCHAYAT 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Activities under- Number of Pan- Number of Pan- Panchayat not Panchayat not taken chayat initiated chayat initiated initiated initiated Has conducted; documents are 10 20 16 14 available Has conducted 24 6 21 9 Table-6.5 (Source: Primary data)

MUNICIPALITY 2016-2017 2017-2018 Activities under- Municipality Municipality not Municipality Municipality not taken initiated initiated initiated initiated Has conducted; documents are 0 2 1 1 available Has conducted 0 2 1 1 Table-6.6 (Source: Primary data)

KILA | IRTC Page | 72 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG dency in the second year. In the first year 80% of who have participated in one Gramasabha had the panchayat could conduct child Gramasabha a sceptical approach about the efficiency of it. whereas it has reduced to 70% in second year. It Most of them indicated that these were conduct- is also interested to note that child Gramasabha ed as onetime events rather than an institution were identified as one-time event at Gramapan- which needs to sustain for protecting interest chayat rather than an institution which need to of children it also widely commented that LS- be sustaining each local body. Not be standing GIs are not taking the comments raised by the this the data indicates CFLG could contribute in children in Gramasabhas as issues which need improving the documentation process of CGSs. to be addressed. Hence children’s Gramasabha Anyway, CFLG could establish the relevance of as children could not see this Gramasabha spac- child Gramasabhas as a participatory institution es has bodies which follows accountability to the of Children in LSGIs. children. Along with this the authority of the Lo- Along with the quantitative data the in- cal Government could not perceive children’s as formation from FGD of children and Stakehold- citizens who also have rights like other citizens. ers on child Gramasabhas also provided some They follow a guardian’s approach who does not gauges regarding the issues related to conduct of believe children are not capable to take decision CGSs. Any of the children attended in FGD in and make independent opinion that can lead to panchayat commented that the demands raised decisions. They still believe they can take deci- by them in Gramasabhas were note seriously sion in favour of children rather than the actual taken up by the panchayat. One child of Mullan- demands coming out from the children. kolly Panchayat of Wayanad during the CFGD conducted on date commented; 6.3) INITIATIVES FOR COLLECTING AND “Cheta, when we were studying in 6th DISCUSSING CHILDREN’S DEMANDS IN standard I had raised demand for a playground. GENERAL GRAMASABHA Now we are studying in 9th standard and have Children’s demands raise and gathered not yet happened after that”. through different children’s forum such as chil- Another child from Kolazhy Gramapan- dren Gramasabhas, Balasabhas, and Bala Pan- chayat of Thrissur district in FGD of children chayats would be converted in to reality only commented. when those issues are raised and discussed in the “There is no point in merely conducting decision-making forums of adult citizens. Gen- meetings at panchayat. Efforts should be taken eral Gramasabhas and working group are the to materialize things. In Child Panchayat also we two major citizen’s forums that have a key role in merely talk about our needs, but efforts to fulfil making the plans of local bodies. An evaluation them are lacking”. (Child participant, Kolazhi, in the aspect of how far the children’s demands 12/3/2019) are raised and children’s demands were brought The same response was given by children in to the adult forums such as a Gramasabhas in majority of the panchayats; and working groups are relevant. The following FGDS in panchayat raise the issue of ap- table is attempt in this direction. athy of panchayat in taking on the issues on CGS (19/03/2019). Children’s responses from FGD in major- ity of the panchayat indicated that the demands raised by them where not demands raised from CGS, were not taken up by the LSGIs. Accord- ing to the opinion of stake holders that shows there was a great change that happens because of the CFLG training and because of that they are learned about the children’s need in several so- cial situations. The responses related to conduct of children’s GS at LSGIs indicates that children

KILA | IRTC Page | 73 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of NATURE OF Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats INITIATIVES Initiated Not initiated Initiated Not initiated Initiated Not initiated Has collected the demands of children and but not dis- 1 29 1 29 3 27 cussed in working group Has collected and discussed in general 5 25 6 24 8 22 Gramasabha CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of NATURE OF INITIA- Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats TIVES Initiated Not initiated Initiated Not initiated Initiated Not initiated Has collected the demands of children and but not dis- 0 3 0 3 0 3 cussed in working group Has collected and discussed in general 0 3 0 3 0 3 Gramasabha Table-6.7 (Source: Primary data)

MUNICIPALIY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of NATURE OF Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality INITIATIVES Initiated Not initiated Initiated Not initiated Initiated Not initiated Has collected the demands of children 1 1 1 1 2 0 and but not discussed in working group Has collected and discussed 0 2 0 2 0 2 in general Gramasabha

CONTROL MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 NATURE OF INITIA- Municipality Initiated Municipality Initiated Municipality Initiated TIVES Has collected the demands of children and but not dis- NO NO NO cussed in working group Has collected and discussed NO NO NO in general Gramasabha Table-6.8 (Source: Primary data)

KILA | IRTC Page | 74 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG The above table show that initiatives eral Gramasabhas. While one goes to the data of for discussing children’s demands in work- control panchayat and municipality, they could ing groups of LSGIs and general Gramasabhas not do any initiative both in terms of discuss- were poor only. The number of panchayats who ing children’s issue either in Gramasabha or in have discuss the demands raised by the children working groups. through children’s Gramasabhas, Balasabha and Bala panchayat were discuss only in one pan- CHILDREN’S PARTICIPATION IN WORK- chayat during the pre CFLG year that is, 2015- ING GROUPS 16 but this did not show a significant increase In order to ensure the voice of children, in this FLG years. This number has increase in and to raise their demands in decision making a slow pace; it has increased only to three in the forums and participation in working groups year 2017-18. In the case of discussing in de- of the local bodies is important. As the part of mands in the forums of general Gramasabha CFLG programme it was instructed to the LS- the trend is also showing a slight increase. The GIs to incorporate at least two children in each number of panchayats who have discussed chil- working group of LSGIs. dren’s demands in general Gramasabha was 5 in pre CFLG year which has increased into 6 and 6.4) REPRESENTATION OF CHILDREN IN 8 respectively in the years of 2016-17, 2017-18. WORKING GROUP While one examines the case of municipality According to the table, it shows the there was an improvement in the number mu- representation of children and their awareness nicipality who have brought children’s demand about working group; it is evident that there is in to the working groups. The number of mu- a gradual positive change in the representation nicipalities who have discussed children’s issues rate of children in working group during post in working group was one in 2015-16 which has CFLG period. An official at different LSGs de- increased in 2 in the second year of CFLG im- scribes it as a modification in strategy which was plementation. However, they could not do any adopted by the stakeholders due to the attitude initiative for discussing children’s issue in Gen- change that occurred after KILA training. PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of panchayat panchayat panchayat DESCRIPTION panchayat panchayat panchayat non-involve- non-involve- non-involve- involvement involvement involvement ment ment ment Children represen- tation in working 3 27 4 26 7 23 groups. Awareness about par- ticipation of children 7 23 8 22 8 22 in working group CONTROL PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of panchayat panchayat panchayat panchayat panchayat DESCRIPTION panchayat involve- non-in- non-in- involve- non-involve- involvement ment volvement volvement ment ment Children representation in 0 3 0 3 0 3 working groups. Awareness about participa- tion of children in working 1 2 1 2 1 2 group Table-6.9 (Source: Primary data) KILA | IRTC Page | 75 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

MUNICIPALITY 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of DESCRIP- Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality TION non involve- non involve- non involve- involvement involvement involvement ment ment ment Children representation 0 2 2 0 2 0 in working groups Awareness about par- ticipation of 0 2 0 2 1 1 children in working group Table-6.10 (Source: Primary data)

Awareness of panchayat regarding the 6.5) FUNCTIONING OF CHILDREN PAR- CFLG instructions to include children in work- LIAMENT/BALAPANCHAYAT ing group has not shown a significant improve- Children’s parliament and Bala Pancha- ment while one compares pre and post CFLG re- yat is representative bodies off selected from gimes. At the same time there was a small trend grass root level institution such as Balasabha and of increase in the case of including in working child Gramasabhas in addiction to these school groups. The panchayats who have included chil- level parliaments of school also organise some dren in working group was only 3 during pre panchayat. Bala panchayat and parliament as CFLG year (2015-16) which has increased ion to envisaged as a panchayat forum by giving rep- 7 in second year of CFLG. While coming to the resentation to children from all wards of LSGIs case of municipalities they were aware about the and some panchayat has formed panchayat level need of including children in working group and children committees as well. The following table taken initiatives to include them in the first and providing information about the initiative tak- second year of CFLG implementation. en by the LSGIS for organising children’s parlia- The above trend explains that only ment and Bala Panchayat. around 1/4 of the panchayat were aware about the need of including children in working groups, and taken action to include them in the same. Representation of children in decision making bodies of LSGIs is a key factor in mak- ing the Child Friendly Local Governance, since working groups are the key forums of planning in LSGIs children’s representation in them is quite relevant. Majority of the Panchayats could not consider children are citizen who are ma- tured in to participate the forums of adults and to make opinions. They might have the feeling that adults can also plan for the children even in the absence of children.

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PANCHAYAT 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of THE NATURE OF Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats Panchayats ACTIVITIES Not Not Not Conducted Conducted Conducted Conducted Conducted Conducted Has conducted 11 19 11 19 13 17 School parliament 8 22 8 22 1 29 Conducted at panchayat level selecting children from Bal- 2 28 2 28 6 24 asabhas Conducted I panchayat level choosing children from chil- 1 29 1 29 6 24 dren’s Gramasabha Table-6.11 (Source: Primary data) MUNICIPALITY 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Number Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of THE NATURE OF of Munici- Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality ACTIVITIES pality Not Not Not Con- Conducted Conducted Conducted Conducted Conducted ducted Has conducted 1 1 1 1 2 0 School parliament 0 2 0 2 0 2 Conducted at pan- chayat level selecting 0 2 0 2 0 2 children from Bal- asabhas Conducted I pan- chayat level choosing 1 1 1 1 2 0 children from chil- dren’s Gramasabha Table-6.12 (Source: Primary data)

The above table indicates that gathering In the case of municipality, the children’s of children in the forum of school parliament gathering in municipality was happening one has shown a gradual decline after the initiation municipality in the pre-CFLG year which has of CFLG programme. The number of Pancha- increased to two in the last year of CFLG (2017- yat who have conducted school level gathering 18). in the form of children’s parliament was 8 in There were two in which the panchayat/ pre CFLG year that is 2015-16 which was the municipality level gatherings of children were same in the first year of CFLG 2016-17 and this occurring in LSGIs some of the panchayats. has reduced 1 in 2017-18. At the same time the Some of the panchayat has selected children’s number of Panchayat who have conducted pan- from Balasabha for the panchayat level gath- chayat level gathering of children in the form of ering. While some other has selected children either children parliament at panchayat level or from children’s Gramasabha to the panchayat Bala Panchayat has shown an increasing trend. level gathering. Data shows that the number of For indents the number of panchayats has or- Panchayats who has conducted panchayat level ganized children’s parliament or Bala Panchayat gathering by selecting children’s from Balasabha was three in the pre CFLG year (2015-16) which was in two in the pre CFLG year which was the was same in the first year of CFLG and it has in- same in the first year of CFLG and increased to 6 creased to 12 in the second year of CFLG. in the second year of CFLG (2017-18). The num-

KILA | IRTC Page | 77 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG ber of Panchayat who has conducted panchayat • The lack of clarity about the purpose and level gathering of children was one in 2015-16 it proper guidance is the reason for not being was the same in the first year of CFLG and that is triggered up the activities to assemble child increased in to 6 year in the second year of CFLG parliament in control panchayats and mu- that is 2017-18. In the case of control panchayat, nicipalities. the gathering of children was restricted only in school and not in to the level of panchayat. The comment below the panchayat ward While one comes to the case of munici- member of Mattathur points out the root cause palities, they have organized municipal level of of inefficient working of child parliament among gatherings of children while selecting children trained and control LSGs: from children’s ward Sabhas. In the case of con- “Through the conduction of a child trol municipality there was no initiative for any parliament, it is being intended that children kind of municipal level of gathering of children. should be introduced to the main stream gov- The overall trend of panchayat level ernance system and since the childhood they gathering of children is showing and increas- should have a base knowledge regarding the ing trend during pre and post CFLG regimes. It panchayat and public affairs. However, many was 10% in pre CFLG year it has increased in times children of Kudumbashree workers and 40% in last years of CFLG. However, it is worth other public workers are mainly participating in mentioning that still 60% of panchayat could not the child parliament. Due to the same reason, a organize panchayat level gatherings of children democratic approach is not happening in child for collecting their demands. The performance parliament. Child parliament does not get con- of CFLG municipalities is showing slightly bet- ducted in many places, but this is the situation ter trend in this regard. In the same time no such whenever it happens. So panchayat authorities initiative has happened in control panchayat or should understand the proper objective behind municipality is highlights the fact that the CFLG the conduction of child parliament and periodi- programme could inculcate the concept of chil- cal training should be provided to the concerned dren’s parliament/ Bala Panchayat among the people to conduct it in line with this objective LSGIs covered under CFLG programme even .When the responsibility bearer change from the though reach of these needs to be expanded. concerned positions, the new person in charge It is also noteworthy that when the num- should show the concern to learn about the ber of panchayats who were conducting chil- proper objectives and conduction of child par- dren’s parliament at panchayat level/Bala Pan- liament. “(Ward member, Mattathur). chayat has increased in the number of Panchayat who having conducted in only school parliament 6.6) TOTAL ALLOCATION AND UTILISA- for children has gradually reduced. This indi- TION OF LSGIs FOR CHILDREN OTHER cates some of the panchayat could reorient the THAN MANDATORY ALLOCATION schools towards a panchayat level gathering of As have mentioned above, LSGIs in- children. It is also noticeable that panchayat has structed to allocate minimum of five percentage follow diverse approaches in organizing children of their total allocation for children and elderly in a panchayat level body. 50% of the panchayat population. Some mandatory allocations were who have organized children’s gathering at pan- instructed within this such as allocation for sup- chayat level by selecting children directly from plementary nutrition programme, allocation for child Gramasabhas were as the other half has or- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Since this to be manda- ganized panchayat level assembly of the children tory allocation of the autonomous initiatives of by selecting them from children Gramasabha or local bodies for children could be recognize by ward Sabha this shows the adaptive capacity of accepting these two allocations from the total panchayats in making there on strategy for im- allocation of the children. The following table plementing a centralized programme. indicates how much amount have been allocat- The FGD also marks a trend of, Stake- ed and utilizes by LSGIs for children except the holders were aware of child parliament but they mandatory allocation instructed by state gov- were lack clarity on its various purpose ernment through planning guidelines.

KILA | IRTC Page | 78 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG TOTAL ALLOCATION AND UTILISATION OF PANCHAYATS FOR CHILDREN 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Percentage Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat Panchayat intervals allocated utilised allocated utilised allocated utilised 0-4.99 6 17 4 10 3 8 5-9.99 12 10 7 13 12 16 10-14.99 9 3 11 6 7 5 15-19.99 1 0 5 0 5 0 20-24.99 0 0 0 0 2 1 25-29.99 1 0 0 0 0 0 30-34.99 1 0 0 1 1 0 35-39.99 0 0 1 0 0 0 40-44.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 45-49.99 0 0 1 0 0 0 50-54.99 0 0 1 0 0 0 Table-6.13 (Source: Primary data)

TOTAL ALLOCATION AND UTILISATION OF CONTROL PANCHAYATH FOR CHILDREN 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Percentage of Percentage of allocation utilisation allocation utilisation Sl. No. allocation by utilisation by Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of panchayat panchayat panchayat panchayat panchayat panchayat 1 10.42 4.28 7.28 4.62 8.26 4.91 2 28.31 15.27 6.54 1.09 12.57 9.16 3 14.52 3.86 36.82 2.19 36.82 25.84 Table-6.14 (Source: Primary data)

TOTAL ALLOCATION AND UTILISATION OF MUNICIPALITY AND CONTROL MUNICIPALITY FOR CHILDREN 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Allocation Utilization Allocation Utilization Allocation Utilization Sl. Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of No. municipality municipality municipality municipality municipality municipality 1 8.04 0.9 12.29 4.87 8.27 1.87 2 0.44 0.41 4.49 2.74 9.28 3.86 Table-6.15 (Source: Primary data)

Majority of the Panchayat allotted funds has increased to 5 in the 1st year of the CFLG for the children between the interval of 0-15, in and maintains the same status in the 2nd year 2015-16, 27 Panchayats have allocated money in of CFLG. It also interesting that two panchayats these percentage intervals which has reduced to have allocated more than 45% their total alloca- 22 in 2016-17 and remained the same in the sec- tion for addressing the needs of children in the ond year of the CFLG. At the same time there year of 2016-17, whereas the same was missing was a percentage increase in the number of pan- in the second year of CFLG. The data of control chayats who have allocated money between the panchayat shows that they were also allocated percentage intervals of 15-20 after CFLG proj- more than 10 % even before their total alloca- ect. This was one in the pre CFLG year which tion for children even before CFLG. It is notable KILA | IRTC Page | 79 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG that even one panchayat has allocating 36.82% of during the CFLG period. At the same time the their allocation for addressing the needs of chil- municipality has shown an inconsistent trend of dren during two continues year. Hence, we could increase and decrease in allocation during CFLG find out the trend that even the CFLG panchayat period. It is interest in that even after exempting were allocating money for addressing children the mandatory allocations for children’s by LS- may be because of initiation taken them. GIs they could earmark more than 5% of their The municipality has shown a varying total allocation towards addressing the needs of trend towards the allocation of children before children. This is indicative of concern of LSGIs and after CFLG. One municipality has allocated in addressing the needs of children. Note with 8.04 % of their allocation towards children in the standing a positive trend of allocation in the year of 2015-16 which has increased to 12.29% utilization pattern of LSGIs has shown a poor in the first CFLG year, which again reduced to trend of utilization. Majority of the panchayats 8.27 % in second year CFLG. In the case of an- could spend only lower than 15% of than their other municipality it could allocated only 0.44% total allocation. In other were round most of during pre CFLG year which has increas3ed to the panchayat could not utilise85% of their to- 4.99 in the first year of CFLG and again raised tal allocation for children. This point out the le- to 9.8% percentage in the second year of CFLG. thargic approach of local bodies in spending the However, the municipality shown an increas- money allocated for the children. Utilization of ing trend in allocation after CFLG even though the money allocated for the children may not be there was a varying trend in allocation. Even included in their preferential area of spending. though the majority of the panchayat has allo- This highlights the need of special orientation cated more than 5% of their allocation towards from CFLG for ensuring creative interventions children in the picture of utilization of fund is from the LSGIs for addressing the needs of chil- not optimistic in nature. It can be observed that dren. majority of the panchayat could spend only the amount less than 15% of total allocation before and after CFLG. The number of panchayats who could spend below 15% of total allocation was 30 during 2015-16 which has reduced only to 29 during the CFLG years. Only one panchayat could spend more than 20% during the CFLG project period. In case of utilization in control pancha- yat it shows a varying trend. Two panchayats have shown a considerable change in their uti- lization’s while comparing with pre CFLG year while the utilization of one panchayat shows a static picture. The utilization of municipalities has shown a mixed trend one municipality has shown consistent increase in utilization fund for children while the other has shown a trend of in- crease in on year and decrease in another year. In the case of control municipality shows an in- creasing trend in fund utilization since 2015-16. From the table showing the allocation and utilization pattern of LSGIS for children we can draw the following conclusion. Majority of the panchayats could allocate more than 5 % of their allocation toward addressing the issues of children. And this has shown an increasing trend KILA | IRTC Page | 80 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

SUMMARY child gramsabhas. Children’s participation in The CFLG initiatives could bring about working groups of LSGI’s and representation of a diminutive change in allocation and expendi- children in decision making bodies of LSGIs has ture of panchayats under the domain of partici- shown a slight improvement while comparing pation. At present, the allocation and utilization the pre- and post- CFLG periods. Majority of the comes under 10% of the plan fund. However, it is panchayats have not been considering children to be noted that the performance of control Pan- as either citizens or decision makers. Function- chayats and municipalities is too poor in fund ing of children’s participation in Balapanchayats allocation and utilization for participation while has shown an increasing trend in CFLG trained compared to that of CFLG trained LSGIs. The ac- LSGIs when comparing pre- and post- CFLG tivities coming under this domain have shown a period. Still 60% of the panchayats could not slightly improving trend, and data indicates that take any initiative to organise a panchayath lev- after the CFLG training majority of the trained el gathering of children for understanding their panchayats are conducting Balasabhas to pro- demands, and the CFLG municipalities show a vide a space for child participation. In the con- slightly better trend in this regard. Coming to trol LSGI’s almost nothing is happening towards the total allocation and utilization under the betterment of balasabhas. In the case of child four domains of CFLG, it is interesting to note gramasabhas, the CFLG training could establish that even after the mandatory allocation for chil- the relevance of child gramasabhas as a partic- dren by LSGIs they could earmark more than 5% ipatory institution of children in LSGI’s. These of their total allocation, but in utilization it has are happening as one-time events and there is a shown a poor trend. need to improve the documentation process of

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CHAPTER VII

ATTITUDE AND KNOWLEDGE OF TRAINEES REGARDING CFLG

As part of the study, a questionnaire ad- realizing the concepts delivered in training and ministrated among the trainees who have at- the third portion was to understand the contri- tended CFLG training from the selected 30 pan- bution of KILA training in building capacity of chayats. Elected representatives, Government trainers in the basic concepts of CFLG. staff, and Resource persons who were part of the training were identified and a questionnaire was 7.1) STATUS OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTI- administrated among them. The research team TUDE OF TRAINEES REGARDING CFLG. could identify 40 participants from 17 pancha- The table deals with the questions that yats which includes 32 elected representatives, 7 assess the knowledge and attitude of trainees government staff, and one resource person. The regarding CFLG. This particular session con- first portion of the questionnaire was intended stituted 12 objective type questions concerned to understand the attitude and knowledge level with either the level of knowledge or the attitude of trainees regarding various domains of CFLG. of each trainee regarding the basic concepts of The second portion covered the initiatives tak- CFLG. en by them after getting CFLG training towards

STATUS OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF TRAINEES Elected Government Resource per- Total Representatives Officials sons Percent- Chosen Chosen Chosen Chosen Chosen Chosen Chosen Chosen age of Questions Right Wrong Right Wrong Right Wrong Right Wrong 22right Answer Answer Answer Answer Answer Answer Answer Answer answer Q.1: Clarity about Vision Document 19 13 4 3 1 0 24 16 60% for Children. Q. 2: Clarity about Children’s Data 14 18 3 4 1 0 18 22 45% Profile. Q.3: Clarity about Comprehensive 31 1 5 2 1 0 37 3 92.5% Local Develop- ment Plan. Q.4: In-depth idea about child 14 18 2 5 1 0 17 23 57.5% survival. Q.5: In-depth idea about child Devel- 16 16 3 4 1 0 20 20 50% opment.

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Q.6: In-depth idea about Child 16 16 3 4 1 0 20 20 50% Protection. Q.7: In-depth idea about Child 26 6 4 3 1 0 31 9 77.5% Participation. Q.8: Consider- ing Children as 21 11 7 0 1 0 29 11 72.5% citizens Q.9: Understand- ing about children 8 28 5 7 0 1 13 27 67.5% in conflict with law Q.10: Understand- ing about reasons 22 10 7 0 0 1 29 11 72.5% of child abuse Q.11: Under- standing about the importance of 20 12 5 2 1 0 26 14 65% opportunities to play. Q.12: Understand- ing the role of children as stake- 15 17 5 2 0 1 20 20 50% holders in policy making. Table-7.1 (Source: Primary data)

The table can be broadly classified in to except the domain of participation (77.5%) in 3 section, first three questions are coming under other three domains around half of the partic- first section intended to assess the knowledge ipants did not have a clear idea about the basic level of trainees regarding the basic activities concepts. proposed as a pre requisite of CFLG. Prepara- The third section of the questionnaire at- tion of vision document for children, children’s tempted to understand the knowledge and atti- data profile and comprehensive local develop- tude of trainees regarding child rights, the ques- ment plan are important among them. While tions from 8 to 12 included in this section. The one analyses the responses of the participants overall responses in this section showed majority which is noted that they have a high level of of the respondent could give right terms except knowledge regarding comprehensive local de- the case of question number 12. This indicate velopment plan (92.5%), at the same time more that majority of the trainees could internalise than half of the trainees didn’t have a clear idea the basic concept delivered through training, at about children’s data profile and 60% of them the same time it is interesting to note that even have idea about vision document for children. It after training and two years of intervention half is also relevant to not that majority of the trained of the trainee still believe that adults can make panchayat could not prepared these three docu- plans for children even without the participation ments except few cases. of children. This attitude of trainees might have The second portion of the questionnaire acted as an impediment in activating children’s from question 4 to 7 deals with different do- democratic forums as a forum of citizens. Oth- mains of CFLG, Such as; survival, development, er notable factor is that even though the tribes protection and participation. The questions were has shown comparatively better performance re- intended to assess the knowledge level of train- garding their knowledge level of child rights the ees in these domains. The responses indicate that activities to uphold child rights have not been

KILA | IRTC Page | 83 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG evolved in the panchayat in par with their bet- propose through organizing balasabhas, chil- ter level of knowledge. Absence of continuity in dren’s gramsabhas arts and sports programme, the functioning of children’s democratic forums education programme, initiatives for creating such as children’s gramaasabha, panchayat is child friendly environment, toys distribution, good instants for this. and Participation of children in decision making forums. These are the indictors used to assess the 7.2) INITIATIVES AFTER GETTING CFLG initiatives after training. TRAINING The effectiveness of CFLG training could be analyzed based on the initiatives taken by the trainees after training in realizing the activities

INITIATIVES TAKEN GETTING CFLG TRAINING Activities Elected Persons Government Staffs Other Staffs Total Percent- Not Ini- Not Ini- Not Ini- Not Ini- Initiated Initiated Initiated Initiated age of tiated tiated tiated tiated initiatives Balasabha 24 8 0 7 0 1 29 11 72.5 programme Childrens 15 17 4 3 1 0 20 20 50 Gramasabha Arts and sports 14 18 2 5 0 1 16 24 40 programme Education 9 23 3 5 0 1 12 28 30 Programme Creating Child Friendly Envi- 15 17 3 4 1 0 19 21 47.5 ronment Collecting dis- aggregate Data 15 17 3 4 1 0 19 21 47.5 of Children Toys Distribu- 9 23 1 6 1¬ 0 11 29 27.5 tion Participation of children in 13 19 4 3 1 0 18 22 45 desion making forums. Table-7.2 (Source: Primary data)

The data indicates that majority of them opment underscores the fact that majority of the could involve (72.5) in organising balasabha LSGIs could not initiate innovative programmes programmes after training while only half of in the sectors. them could take initiatives for organising chil- Data from the table highlights that only dren’s gramasabhas. This data can be linked with less than half of the trainees could take any the poor performance of children in grama pan- initiative to create child friendly environment chayats. It is also worth mentioning that the ini- (47.5) and collecting disaggregated data of chil- tiatives of trainees for organising arts and sports dren (47.5). It is also interesting to note that programme (40%) and education programmes more than half of the trainees could not take (30%) for children seems to be low. This also in- any initiatives to bring children’s participation dicates that the data from the chapter of devel- in decision making forums. The overall trend in-

KILA | IRTC Page | 84 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG dicates that initiatives of trainees after training SUMMARY in realising the activities propose through CFLG The assessment of attitude and knowl- training was below the average except in the case edge of trainees regarding child rights and the of organising Balasbhas. domains of CFLG has shown that majority of the trainees could internalise the basic concepts 7.3) CONTRIBUTION OF KILA TRAINING delivered through the training. The knowledge IN IMPROVING THE PARTICIPANTS’ BA- level of trainees regarding the mandatory data to SIC CONCEPTUAL KNOWLEDGE ABOUT be kept in the LSGIs is satisfying. At the same CFLG. time regarding children’s profile data, 60% of There was a portion in the questionnaire trainees did not have any idea. The knowledge to understand the contribution of CFLG training level of trainees about the four domains of CFLG in raising the awareness level of trainees regard- was between 50% and 60%, except for the par- ing the basic concepts of CFLG in their percep- ticipation domain (77.5%). The responses for tion. Awareness of child rights, Understanding questions on knowledge level regarding child the role of children in the society, need of ex- rights gave satisfying results. Notably, half of panding the participatory forum of children and the trainees believe that adult can make plans acceptance of citizenship of children were the for children without participation of children. indicators used assess this. Contribution of KILA training in improving the

CHANGE IN AWARENESS LEVELS OF TRAINEES Elected Persons Government Staffs Other Staffs Total Percent- Not Im- Not Im- Not Im- Not Im- age of Particulars Improved Improved Improved Improved proved proved proved proved improved persons Awareness of 21 11 5 2 1 0 27 13 67.5 child rights Understand the role of 20 12 5 2 1 0 26 14 65 children in the society Expanding the par- ticipatory 20 12 4 3 1 0 25 15 62.5 forums of children Accept cit- izenship of 15 17 7 0 1 0 23 17 57.5 children. Table-7.3 (Source: Primary data) Overall trend of the responses show that participants’ basic conceptual knowledge about KILA training has contributed in raising the CFLG has shown a below optimum trend. But awareness level of trainees on various aspects of an activity for organizing balasabhas has shown child rights. All the responses showed that the 72.5% trainees taking initiatives. The partic- trainee have made more impacts on creating ipants’ awareness level about basic concepts of awareness child rights and the understanding child rights has increased because of the train- the role children in society. ing.

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CHAPTER – VIII

SUCCESS STORIES: PROMISING PRACTICES OF CFLG

INTRODUCTION replication, contextual modifications, inventing The CFLG training programme was in- sustainable project execution practices and scale deed an appreciable effort towards inducing a enhancement. new sense of direction among the LSG institu- While some of these interventions will tions in Kerala to develop a more socially ac- excite one with the creativity of the idea behind, countable, democratic and rights-based system some of them can exhibit the power of cooper- of governance. It must have been for the first time ation and collaboration among multi-stakehold- that through the training provided by KILA, the ers in making something good really happen. In panchayat and municipal authorities were asked this chapter we share some of the awe-inspiring to seriously think on how the voices of children stories of these model CFLG initiatives and pro- could be incorporated into the decision making grammes undertook by various panchayats. In- and policy planning mechanism of local gover- stead of giving just glittering narratives of these nance and that their needs and concerns should interventions done, we prefer to present a more be accounted for and addressed effectively. This critically analysed and genuine picture of how was a sincere call to count children as responsible they actually got planned, executed and followed citizens with all rights to peacefully live, devel- up in the field. Using primary data collected op and participate in a democratic society. The through the study, we evaluate the chosen cas- paradigm of programme implementation put es mainly on the aspects of their origin of idea, forward, which holistically encompasses per- implementation procedures, impacts, replica- formance indicators under four major domains bility, scalability and sustainability. When such of CFLG such as child development, protection, an exercise is being done, as the result these ac- participation and survival, and also enlists ideas counts will talk about the limitations, challenges and designs for numerous activities and projects being faced, draw backs and other issues with under each domain, was certainly a push for the intervention under lens. Each case present- the participating LSG bodies to transcend the ed in this chapter, beyond all their recognised boundaries of usual welfare programmes focus- achievements and limitations, make an import- ing children and do something more proactive, ant contribution in giving us a beginning point creative and need based for their minor citizens. or an initial platform to discuss, argue on, crit- Some of the panchayats put in really countable icise and appreciate, the potential of change be- efforts to work on this freshly channelized in- ing envisioned by a massive social programme sights and energy and walked the extra miles in like CFLG and redefine and rejuvenate the cre- implementing unique child friendly initiatives ative imaginations, social awareness, skill sets, and programmes, which resulted in a set of in- responsibilities and commitments of both gov- spiring model interventions with great scope for ernment machineries and public.

KILA | IRTC Page | 86 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG TRANSFORMATION OF PUBLIC SPACES Single Registry Pilot Project AS CHILD FRIENDLY The Edavaka Panchayat was selected as The process of transforming LSGs to one among the two Grama Panchayats for the child friendly approach was initiated by trans- pilot project initiated by UNICEF and Social forming public spaces like primary health cen- Welfare Department, Government of Kerala. tres and Anganwadis child friendly. LSGIs like This project aimed to create a single window Kattakkada, Vengannur, Kumarakom, Mutho- for integrating the data about children. It was ly, Ramapuram, Vadakarapathy, Unnikkulam, aimed that the data consolidation done by the Thirunavaya transformed their primary health collective participation of different departments centres and Anganwadis. The promoting factor to make available the data on children and gov- behind this specific initiative was the guidance ernment services utilized by them from village notes provided by KILA after training and the to state level. This was expected to enhance the immense effort taken by KILA mentor. The am- planning and monitoring of the welfare schemes bience of PHC and Anganwadi were made child meant for children. Based on the findings and friendly by setting up a special room for breast rectification the single registry scheme would be feeding and a special room for immunization of up scaled to all Panchayats in the state. kids. The PHC premises were painted with at- tractive cartoon characters to make PHC more Organic Farming Familiarisation children friendly. Anganwadis were made child A separate project proposal was formu- friendly by installing child friendly toilets, child lated for Organic Farming Familiarisation and friendly furniture etc. Beyond that most of the the panchayat allocated funds and an imple- panchayats allocated fund for toys and to recon- menting officer for the smooth functioning of struction of children play space at Anganwady. the programme. The students of the panchayat LSGs were transforming all their government were given classes under the guidance of 2 farm offices to a mode that is accessible to children. houses of the Panchayat. The session was lead by renowned organic farmer Cheruvayal Raman CASES OF COMMENDABLE IMPLEMEN- who is the Ambassador of the Kerala State Biodi- TATION OF CFLG versity Board. Different varieties of potato seeds were distributed and resulted in the familiariza- EDAVAKA GRAMA PANCHAYAT - PIO- tion of organic farming and indigenous crops. NEERS OF CFLG INITIATIVES Edavaka Panchayat is situated in the KOLAZHY GRAMA PANCHAYAT Manathavady Block of Wayanad District. The Kolazhy panchayat in Thrissur District Gram Panchayat came to existence in 1964 and was active in organizing skill training. It was the CFLG initiatives of the Panchayat were for- after the KILA training that the panchayat de- mulated on the basis of Situational Analysis and signed specific child friendly initiatives. Vice the conveyance of the Balasabha. The panchayat president Jessy Lonappan reported that it was was declared child friendly under the leadership from a model presentation session conducted by of the student governing council constituted at KILA that she understood the technical viability the Gramasabha level on November 14, 2014. of the many programmes that could be initiated. Green literacy programme was an agriculture Nirbhaya Self-Defence Classes initiative by different panchayats which started The classes, which include Kalari train- as a part of CFLG exclusively for children with ing, Karate training etc. were initiated to em- an objective of culturing agriculture habit and power and to increase the confidence among eco-friendly approach among them. All pan- children. About 60 children made use of these chayats initiated the programme after the vision training and participation of children were en- that was conceived through the CFLG training. sured by the voluntary mobilizing work done by Kudumbashree workers, Anganwadi workers etc.

KILA | IRTC Page | 87 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG Green School: session conducted by KILA that she understood In the 2017-18 financial year, under the the technical viability of the programme. In Jan- special interest of the then welfare standing uary and February months of 2019, breakfast Committee chairperson and current vice presi- has been provided to more than 300 children dent Jessy Lonappan, a sapling nursery started from Kuttur GLPS & Kuttur GHSS. working in her ward in Kolazhi panchayat. The land used for this initiative was that of a private KATTAKKADA GRAMA PANCHAYAT person (provided free of rent ) and funds from Kattakada grama panchayat in Thiru- MNREGA programme were utilized to buy vananthapuram had the experience of mooting seeds in bulk from an agro farm in Wayanad and some creatively different and interesting child to employ MNREGA workers in the nursery. friendly initiatives to share. Soon after KILA’s Growing up about 5000 saplings of Gooseberry, training, in 2016-17 Kattakada panchayat con- Lakshmitharu, etc in this nursery in 2017-18, the ducted a drawing competition for children panchayat decided to provide them free of cost studying till 12th standard to select a logo for to all government, aided and unaided schools the panchayat. It was a proud moment when the in the panchayat with a vision of creating green panchayat officially chose the design by a child school campuses. Schools were allowed to take who won the competition as the logo that rep- as many as saplings they needed from the nurs- resents Kattakada Grama panchayat. The activ- ery and according to the vice president, almost ity was set to mark the adaptation of the idea of all the schools in the panchayat had made good child friendliness into the functioning of pan- use of this opportunity. Ms Sumangala, teacher chayat governance system. It should be acknowl- and eco-club coordinator at Kuttoor GHSS for edged as a good child friendly initiative both in long time, though she could not recollect the ex- the respects of giving a platform for the children act year, was sure that around 60 saplings had interested in drawing to perform their talent and been brought to the school at that time from more significantly as a gesture of respect towards nursery and all of them were given to children the stake of children in the governance system of to take home. According to Ms. Jessy Lonappan, panchayat. in 2018-19 saplings of fruit plants also had been Later in 2018-2019, Kattakada Pancha- distributed among schools. The nursery in the yat received attention by proposing the creation ward of the vice president, where the initiative of alumni networks in aganwadis to support began, was reported to be still functional. their developmental needs. As the result of co- ordinated efforts, alumni meet happened across Crime Mapping: the anganwadis in the panchayat and out of the As part of the crime mapping pro- total 38 anganwadis, 22 created their own data gramme, ward level awareness creating sessions base of alumni. This initiative is an interesting on child right issues for children and adults were model of tapping the potential of alternative and conducted. The main problems being faced by non-conventional ways of resource mobilisation children and main problematic areas in the pan- and allowing determination and effective co-op- chayat were enlisted. Reports regarding some of eration to overrule the usual of excuse of lack of the serious issues that came across in the sessions funds or resources in general, and do something were also handed over to the police department. good. Crime mapping was the result of long term collaboration between BSW department of St. MATTATHUR GRAMA PANCHAYAT - Mary’s College, Thrissur and the panchayat SMART CLASS ROOM FOR A SMART GEN- ERATION Free Breakfast: Being a comparatively better performing Free breakfast programme for children panchayat in making their local self-governance studying from pre-primary to 7th standard was system child friendly, Mattathur has done sever- initiated as per the special interest of the vice al initiatives in education field. president and it was from a model presentation

KILA | IRTC Page | 88 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG Infrastructure Development: RAMAPURAM GRAMA PANCHAYAT Mainly comprising of the projects imple- Ramapuram Panchayat formulated the mented to improve the infrastructural facilities CFLG activities through a situational analysis at 2 government LP schools and 2 Government and vision perceived through CFLG training by UP schools in the panchayat. A good number of KILA. Commendable efforts and interest taken projects and portion of plan fund for panchayat by Panchayat member Jeena Nath and SAFA- upkeep are spent every year for these 4 schools. LAM 55+, an organization of retired officers The panchayat has also done projects for the em- and CFLG section started at Panchayat and ap- powerment of public primary and upper primary pointed an implementation officer to coordinate educational system in Mattathur. Two projects - CFLG activities. The team were able to launch a a long term one that provides smart furniture to number of child friendly initiatives . all 4 schools year after year and another one that built a small children’s park in 3 of the schools Free Membership: A new practise of providing were found to be quite interesting interventions, free membership for all children in the pancha- which can set models for other panchayats yat and to utilize and participate all activities of panchayat library was initiated. The Panchayat Child Protection Centre- Ideal Project at provides a nurturing space for children by or- Monadi SC Colony ganizing quiz sessions, discussions and interac- This project at Mattathur panchayat is tion sessions etc. Free access to magazines and an under-construction initiative, but of a unique newspaper for children were also initiated after nature that could not find parallels in any of the declaring the library as child friendly. Special other panchayats evaluated, which aims to build day observations were organized to ensure child a day time protection centre for children in the participation and to scale up social awareness SC colony of Monadi locality in the panchayat. If among children. the panchayat can ensure the efforts to sustain its proper functioning as it is being envisioned, the Safe Drinking Water: Ramapuram panchayat social significance it will have and the impacts took initiatives in child safety and care by pro- it can create will be of a significant dimension, viding clean and safe drinking water as a part which can provide a unique model for the entire of CFLG activities. The panchayat suffers from state. scarcity of clean water and tackled the drinking water problem by installing water purifiers in all ‘Water Literacy’ Programme Initiated on The schools. Background of Frequent Drowning Death of Children. Safalamee Baalyam: A Programme to nurture When the matter of frequent drowning leadership ability among children. It is import- of children came for discussion in Mattathur ant that the children of the panchayat are being panchayat governance committee, the mem- provided with opportunities to lead and engage bers were reported to have unanimously voted in the different programmes of the panchayat in support of this solution and it was included through which they can grow as leaders and re- in 2017-18 year’s annual plan as a specific child sponsible citizens. friendly project and allocated an amount from This has led to a decrease of water borne the plan fund to pay for the instructor, buying diseases and increased confidence among the swimming tubes and to do the maintenance of students to take up initiatives. panchayat pool laying in Chembuchira locali- ty. The CFLG training received from KILA was UNNIKULAM GRAMA PANCHAYAT said to be a motivational factor in planning such CFLG activities initiated on the basis of projects and going ahead with its effective im- CFLG training by KILA. Separate sub commit- plementation. The ultimate aim of panchayat is tees were formed exclusively for CFLG activities. said to be providing swimming coaching to all children in the panchayat.

KILA | IRTC Page | 89 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG Haritha Vidyalayam: A project initiated with thorities walked an extra mile to solve the drink- an objective to influence organic farming and ef- ing water crisis in anganwadis by providing all of fective waste management among children’s life them with water connections from Kerala Water through schools. As a part of this, certain pro- Authority. grammes such as ring composting installation, The readiness of the panchayat to under- sapling planting, kitchen garden etc. were car- stand and approach the participatory platforms ried out at different schools. for children as opportunities it is obliged to en- sure them to exercise their rights to participate Krishipadam: This is an agro training pro- in the day to day life of a democratic society, also gramme exclusively for children which intro- resulted in the creation of a children’s corner in duces different practical tasks such as insecticide panchayat library in the year of 2019, following production, pH value, soil testing etc. through the idea put forward by children in their grama live classes and activities. Interactions with ex- sabha. Kumarakom panchayat has set up feeding perts, harvesting festivals, and seed kit distribu- rooms in many of their offices and institutions, tion for 6500 students were also conducted as a which is an important indicator to read not part of KRISHIPADAM. only the child friendliness but also the women friendliness being represented by a governance Amma Ariyan: This programme was launched system. Kumarakom was one of the severely af- among mothers focusing on anganwadis, where fected places in the 2018 floods and the pancha- the mothers are being sensitized about the nec- yat took timely action to collaborate with local essary precautions and the importance of nutri- clubs, provided counselling support for children tious food intake. in flood affected families and distributed study materials to the affected school going children. KUMARAKOM GRAMA PANCHAYAT This Panchayat has a section clerk, who has been Kumarakom grama panchayat seems to particularly assigned the duty of looking after have adopted the idea of child friendly gover- the matters related to all child friendly initiatives nance into the core of their functioning. Over being undertaken by the panchayat. the last 3 years they have initiated a set of very In Kumarakom as well, the criticism was unique and contextually relevant child friendly heard that though the LSG body wanted to com- interventions in the panchayat. The panchayat mit several projects benefiting children, lack of has been showing good interest in frequent or- availability of funds and rejection of project pro- ganisation and effective conduct of participatory posals from various government departments platforms for children like Balasabha ,Balapan- and administrative levels work as the main hur- chayat, Child gramasabha etc. dles in realising their vision about a child friend- The land of Kumarakom panchayat be- ly panchayat on a better level. ing surrounded by a network of backwaters; the place has always struggled with the scarcity of MALA GRAMA PANCHAYAT clean drinking water. So it was one among the CFLG activities were initiated ac- main demands of children raised in a bala sabha cording to the needs that were raised during gathering that panchayat should install water pu- Gramasabhas and projects were planned on the rifiers across the schools in panchayat. Authori- basis of CFLG training provided by KILA. ties took this concern seriously, and brought it for discussion in the grama sabhas of children Free Swimming Training: In Mala panchayat, it and general public. The demand received strong was one of the main demands of children raised support in these platforms. As the first step, in in their gramasabhas conducted after KILA’s 2018 the LSG body installed RO water purify- training that the panchayat should provide free ing plants in all 5 government schools in the swimming coaching to children. In 2016-17 pe- panchayat. In the next phase, in 2018 mini RO riod, during the discussion that happened over plants were distributed among the aided schools the demands and suggestions given by children functioning in the panchayat and in 2018 the au- in gramasabhas at the panchayat planning com-

KILA | IRTC Page | 90 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG mittee meeting, this demand also came up for after the training was about the drop out issue in discussion. Finding its comparatively better po- the schools in panchayat. Panchayat authorities sition in terms of financial and logistical viabil- resolved to intervene in the issue and in 2017 as ity, the committee decided to add it as a project the first step they collected details of the regu- in the next financial year plan and to allocate an lar absentee children with the help of teachers amount from the plan fund for the implemen- and also using the data available with the sta- tation. This project comes under the authority tus report of children they had already created. of health and education standing committee of Next, groups consisting of panchayat members, the panchayat and implementation officer is the anganwadi teachers, ASHA workers and health Head Master of the only government UP school department officials, visited the houses of these in the panchayat. The plan fund allocation for the students, talked to parents and children in per- project was around 1 lakh rupees in the year of son and understood the reasons for children not 2017-18. Due to the lack of suitable water bodies attending schools. Based on the findings from to conduct the training, panchayat authorities house visits, panchayat conducted awareness approached the Holy Grace CBSE School in the classes and counselling sessions for children panchayat with a request to allow the classes to and parents at panchayat level and consequently be conducted in the swimming pool available there is said to have been a down fall in the school in the school campus after the school’s hours. dropout rate in the panchayat. This achievement School authorities were quite co-operative to- of Pallippad panchayat reaffirms the scope of wards this request and they provided panchayat participatory forums of children like exclusive with the pool and swimming equipment for chil- grama sabhas, Bala panchayats etc in helping the dren at a nominal rent and also allowed to use democracy to reach out to the younger genera- the service of their swimming trainer after the tions and in turn them to reach a healthy con- normal class hours ,provided that he is receiving sciousness about their rights and duties both as remuneration from panchayat for this extended a citizen and a human being. However in many hours of work .Once all these resources arranged places when such platforms are being conduct- ,ward members called for applications in the ed as a mere procedure to just get away with the gramasabhas of adults and directed the parents obligation or to produce a minutes report at the to give the name of interested children studying maximum, the spirit and commitment shown in 5th -10th standards and consent forms filled by panchayats like Pallippad to respond to and to either them or implementation officer directly resolve at least some of the issues got raised at . This year the training conducted continuously these platforms are inevitable elements in their over a month in the after-school hours. In the meaningful conduct and indeed present us with second batch of 2018-19 year, total 75 children an experience to learn from. In this case the underwent the training, which took place in utilisation of status report of panchayat’s child this January. While the classes were being con- population in finding out the children in need ducted, monitoring of parents, ward members of help also gives another example for how this and frequently implemented. More than 100 exclusive data set can propel and support timely, children learned an important life skill through positive interventions. swimming training programme. While collecting details of this interven- Through the monthly classes and activ- tion, the welfare standing committee chairman ity sessions could provide awareness on various of panchayat mentioned about the technical child rights issues and skill training in several difficulties and legislative restrictions pancha- fields to children. There was an Implementation yats are facing in allocating fund for activities or officer as well. programmes like this, which block them from going ahead with several initiatives they want- PALLIPPAD GRAMA PANCHAYAT ed to do as part of the CFLG programme. In his One of the main concerns raised by chil- words District Panchayat Committee also does dren in their ward level grama sabhas and bala not give approval when they come up with some panchayats conducted by Pallippad panchayat project. Here there is no valid supportive data

KILA | IRTC Page | 91 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG to state that this intervention, particularly given VADAKARAPPATHY GRAMA PANCHAYAT the complex nature of school dropout issue and Following the training on CFLG pro- participatory platforms for children in general gramme, as part of the directions issued from have got followed up and conducted in the long KILA, in 2017-18 the panchayat created a data run effectively. While several internal and exter- base of their child population. This exercise re- nal factors can influence the life span, effective sulted in a finding of significance that there are execution and impact quality of such interven- around 14 other state children inhabiting the tions like lack of funds, lack of interest on the panchayat without any proper identification side of LSG body ,missing coordination among documents and facing the absence of a conduc- concerned departments ,resistance from public tive environment for their growth and develop- or political problems ,as the comment denotes ment. The Panchayat authorities timely stepped the absence of an encouraging and sometimes into the issue, and a case was registered under compelling environment of shared responsibil- the provisions on human trafficking based on ities among various administrative levels and the understanding that these children were child bureaucratic machineries and missing sup- labourers brought to the panchayat for some portive legislations are no factors less capable of work, at the expense of their health, education tampering the progress of CFLG programme or and the very right to live in the love, protec- any other initiative aiming at social good for that tion and care of own families. Finally through matter. the coordinated actions of panchayat and oth- er concerned authorities, children’s parents got RAJAKUMARI GRAMA PANCHAYAT contacted and they were safely sent back to their Rajakumari panchayat does not have homes. many child friendly initiatives to show case in It is true that the interventions done by their credit. It has been observed during the LSG body in this case are something that they study that, the awareness created through train- are totally liable to do when such a circum- ing is yet to make a considerable impact, in the stance of serious human right violations arises. way LSG body here approach the whole idea of But this issue, which went unnoticed until then child friendly governance and hence also in the irrespective of the on-going efforts of various life of child community of the panchayat. How- government departments to create awareness ever, Rajakumari panchayat did undertake an on the problem of child labour and the rights of interesting initiative in the wake of a fresh spirit children in general, came into light only when channelized through the training. In 2018, it in- the panchayat set out to form a date base of their stalled boards briefing the rights of children in child community as one of the primary steps to panchayat office and several other institutions build a child friendly local governance system at under it, which still can be found as reminders their place. Along with this, the new insights and for everyone visiting these offices to acknowl- inspirations acquired from CFLG training might edge that children are also rightful citizens. Lat- have propelled the body to stand stronger for the er the panchayat also published a book on child cause of child rights protection. So when many rights by themselves. This model of awareness of us argue or blatantly believe that there is no creation can be suggested for all other panchyats issue of child labour in the state or at least in our to follow as a beginning point to kick start their localities ,this experience being shared by Vada- transformation into a child friendly governance karappathy panchayat shows the relevance and system. But the fact should also be understood unavoidable need to create an exclusive data base that if the LSG body does not take further steps or registry of child population at the LSG level, that can actually touch and positively change the comprising of comprehensive data on the social lives in field, such awareness creating efforts will ,economic ,cultural ,political and emotional lives remain on paper. of children and effectively update and modify it over the time . As CFLG programme includes the formation of child data base in their list of must do initiatives, it is learnt that its scope works well

KILA | IRTC Page | 92 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG beyond providing just numbers of beneficiaries arranged coaching facility for children in games for various child friendly projects and actually like football, basketball etc. and this was some- helps to save the lives of children living in trou- thing children had been asking for persistently ble, which will further strengthen the readiness in their gramasabhas. Along with these initia- of LSG body for effective emergency responses tives, training for making the panchayat con- and interventions. scious about the absence of a comprehensive un- derstanding about the living conditions of their VENGANOOR GRAMA PANCHAYAT child population, in 2016 it also conducted an Similar to almost all the panchayats analytical study to gather details regarding the under study, in Venganoor also we heard com- actual living circumstances of children. Based ments by elected representatives and other con- on the findings reached by this study, the pan- cerned authorities and figures denoting that it chayat published a vision document in the name was the training provided by KILA on CFLG of ‘Nilaav’ to guide and facilitate its transition programme that helped them to realise the role into a child friendly panchayat. The formulation of panchayat in ensuring holistic development of a vision document is highly recommended to of children. It is indeed true that it was after ensure efficient and effective planning, imple- the training many panchayats started to con- mentation, monitoring and timely up gradations duct children’s gramasabhas, which is a crucial of the projects and activities under such a mas- up-gradation of a crucial instrument of decen- sive transformatory programme like CFLG and tralised democracy and realise that children also Venganoor panchayat sets a good model on this have very specific demands, needs and concerns front. to put forward to the government machinery. It is largely determined by the ideological stand SREEKRISHNAPURAM and commitment of LSG body that up to what GRAMA PANCHAYATH extent it properly responds and effectively inter- Sreekrishnapuram is a panchayat in Pal- venes into the issues being brought up in such akkad block of Palakkad district in Kerala. Child participatory platforms. However, the very ex- friendly local governance at Sreekrishnapuram perience of encountering children publicly ex- was initiated as a multi convergence approach pressing their own opinions, interests and needs on child friendly initiatives to ensure participa- regarding anything that matters in their person- tion and citizenship among children. al and social lives, is in itself a factor that can The CFLG activities initiated followed by encourage or other times compel the body to ad- the KILA training conducted in November 2016. dress at least some of the issues being raised by Ten selected students from the panchayat had them. undergone 2-day training at Shikishak Sadan at The notable child friendly initiatives un- Palakkad. And they were asked to submit a re- dertook by Venganoor panchayat are of good port on the Projects that arre to be implemented scope for replication in other panchayats and through analyzing situation and assessing needs they again provide testimony to the above-men- exclusively for the Children. The report was sub- tioned potential of participatory platforms to mitted to the Panchayat. Two Children were add- proper child friendly initiatives. In 2017, a mag- ed in every Working group and vision document azine named “Kinav” was published in Venga- were submitted based on the Four Right Based noor, when panchayat stood along with children dimensions formulated by the CFLG training to realise their desire to create a way to showcase (Child Survival, Child, Development, Child Par- their literary and artistic talents. There was an ticipation and Child Protection) And based on executive committee of children to coordinate this many Child Friendly Initiatives were formu- the activities of magazine creation and the re- lated out of which 3 notable interventions are: sponse of child community in the panchayat in terms of their creative contributions into this Karunyasparsham (CHILD DEVELOP- initiative said to have been great and very en- MENT): Karunyasparsham project is a dig- couraging. Venganoor LSG body in 2017 also italized data collection of differently abled

KILA | IRTC Page | 93 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG children in Panchayat with the expertise of Engi- The sustainable development and man- neering Students Of Govt. Engineering College agement of CFLG programmes are ensured by Sreekrishnapuram. The Data collected consist of utilizing local resources like counsellors, foot- the details of Differently abled students, the ser- ball coach, artists etc and CFLG stakeholders, vices that they are availing from the panchayat CFLG institutions etc. Most of the programmes and further support required for them is been are conducting in association with the voluntary, recorded and then there is separate website ex- continues and comprehensive effort of other clusively for differently abled students to update stakeholders. their details in frequent intervals. PORUR GRAMA PANCHAYAT Swastha (CHILD PROTECTION): The pancha- They had already equipped with cflg pro- yat developed a tool (questionnaire) for Crime grammes like Balasabha but the focused and co- mapping named “swastha” to check the crime ordinated activities of cflg enabled after kila cflg against children and to address these problems training. in panchayat level. ‘Thaliridam’: is a child friendly initiative devel- Snehabucket (CHILD DEVELOPMENT): Sne- oped by Porur panchayat to reduce the gap be- habucket project was done in association with tween children and environment. Through this palliative care initiative of the panchayat by par- project, panchayat instructed to all aided and ticipating child community in palliative care unaided schools to provide a sapling for every services of the panchayat. Through this project, child. It was an initiative that started as per the material collection drive for the old and elderly special interest of Panchayat and Welfare stand- persons is been done on November 14 as part of ing committee. The sustainability is ensured by children’s day celebrations. the collective effort of LSG and Principals of The digital data collection ensured the schools. actual data of differently abled children in the panchayat and timely availability of services to Cycle rally; certain programmes were conduct- them, according to Welfare standing committee ed under Kaumara club like Cycle rally, anti drug chairperson’s opinion. abuse campaign, publishing magazine, leader- “We were able to tap the local resources ship training, campaign against plastic use etc. for the schemes. For example, KARUNYASPAR- SHAM we used the expertise of engineering stu- Leadership Camp; Provided leadership training dents of Sreekrishnapuram. to 200 children at KILA. This camp was well re- We not only collected the data of differ- ceived by the children. ently abled children but digitalised it and thus were able to create a separate website for them”. Leadership training increased the pro- The promoting factor behind the smooth active nature among children which is reflected functioning of CFLG activities is that the col- on the effective working of Balasabha lective effort of all stakeholders that triggered Created a specific strategy for Child through the CFLG training by KILA. Education gramasabha increased child participation. Child standing committee chairperson of Sreekrishna- gramasabha conducted on the basis of koumara puram Gramapanchayat marks this as; club members based on each Anganwadi. “Sreekrishnapuram- we were able to ini- tiate such programmes because of the consensus among the ruling and the opposition parties” The challenge that faced by the initiative were the limitation of LSG to intervene in ed- ucational affairs and cooperate the activities of schools, because most of the schools are under private management.

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Summary ganur, ramapuram, and porur panchayats have As part of the study, we could identify undertaken programmes for creating awareness 14 promising cases all over the state. There were on child rights among different stake holds. initiatives from LSGI’s in different dimensions counselling support for children in flood affect- of CFLG. They are initiatives for; making public ed families, mapping and restoring the dropout institutions child friendly, developing date base students, ‘Nilav’ guideline, and water literacy and registry of children, interventions for im- programmes are the main programmes done by proving the health and nutrition status of chil- LSGI’s in this direction. The mala panchayat has dren, activities for providing physical education done defense classes and free-swimming train- and arts performance training to the children, ing programmes for ensuring the self-protection effective running of children’s forums, bring- of children. ing environmental conservation consciousness Sustainability of a project is determined among children, initiatives for addressing the by an entire range of factors including its con- issue of differently-abled children, conducting textual relevance over time, availability of suf- public education programmes for child right, ficient funds, good coordination and support and initiatives for ensuring self protection of between concerned departments or bodies, will children. power of political leadership, transparent execu- Edavaka, unnikulam, mattathur , ku- tion, public co-operation, holistic participation marakom, and sreekrishnapuram panchayats of beneficiaries in all stages of project, and time- have done remarkable initiatives for making the ly need-based modifications. Sustainability in public institution’s child-friendly. These inter- turn influences the possibilities of scaling up the ventions were done mostly in PHC and Angan- projects or interventions over time to enhance wadi. Edavaka and vadakarapathy panchayats the coverage of beneficiaries and benefits them- have done interventions for evolving better child selves. When we look at our chosen interventions database. The intervention of the edavaka pan- for sustainable models in which we can find the chayat for developing a single registry is worth converged positive performance of at least some mentioning in this context. Kattakad, porur, and of the above-mentioned factors, disappointingly venganur panchayats have done interventions we do not have much to pick out. Hence several for improving the physical capability of children. of the interventions under analysis here are of Kumarakom, venganur, and ramapur- short-run nature and some of them have col- am panchayat have taken a remarkable lead in lapsed in between before they could even meet ensuring better functioning of children’s forum their short run objectives. Even the few long such as children’s grama sabha, child balasabha, run projects, which are being continued by LSG and child panchayats. Edavaka, kolazhy, unni- bodies and gets scaled up over the years, seem kulam and porur panchayat have undertaken to be mostly running on a few specific factors significant initiatives to develop environmental like availability of funds, will power or particular conservation consciousness among children and interests of the ruling front etc. and when these to creating interest among children on agricul- energy sources runs out of fuel, a broad based tural activities. Krishipadam, thaliridam, and social space and support to continue and up- haritha vidhyalayam are the programmes initi- grade these projects will be absent, mainly due ated by the LSGIs in this direction. to the lack of thrust on the holistic participation The sreekrishnapuram panchayat has of children. taken initiatives for providing special care to There are other sides to these ‘observed differentially abled children and to evolve their facts’ as well. While one criticises the LSG bod- digitalized database in the panchayat. The ies for lack of focused efforts, bureaucratic inef- karunyasprasham is a remarkable programme ficiencies and their conventional and political- initiated by sreekrishnapuaram panchayat. Mat- ly inclined ideological stands in not bothering tathur, kumarakom, pallipad, rajakumari, ven- about the sustainability, scalability, and some-

KILA | IRTC Page | 95 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG times even the actual impacts of the projects, arenas of a child’s life into the ambit of its inter- it has to be acknowledged that factors like in- est, there are unlimited creative possibilities for ter, and intra departmental co-operation issues the panchayats to initiate unique projects par- and legislative restrictions do affect the timely allel addressing the needs of multiple domains project approval and availability of the required ,come up with better performance indicators, funds, even when the panchayat is totally ready set new standards of performance and design to start a new project or continue and upgrade more contextually relevant own frameworks for an existing one. Along with this, even in instanc- programme implementation in the long run, es where a government machinery puts enough once they are done with the basic requirements efforts to bring the participation of children and to nurture a child friendly panchayat. This is a public into project execution and evaluation long rebellious road ahead to empower the cur- etc., lack of interest and social sense of the pub- rent and future generations of children to live lic and parent community may be lethargic on their childhood and adolescent in a social envi- their side to contribute to such activities and let ronment that effectively meets their emotional, the children participate. This can pull back and psychological and physical developmental rights discourage the authorities from further democ- and needs and grow up into better responsi- ratising the process and seeking different possi- ble human beings with concerns beyond own bilities to ensure the sustainability of the project. achievements and self-interests. The study team has witnessed the difficulty be- We, as the study team, are once again ing faced by authorities in raising the attendance taking this chance to appreciate and thank all count of children from the bottom level at vari- the efforts taken by KILA and the trained pan- ous panchayat and ward level gatherings during chayats to kick start this journey. However to the study. go forward, we cannot do without the follow- So, while discussing remedies to over- ing improvements: further ideological changes come the mentioned hurdles, struggles and chal- and awareness creation among the stakeholder lenges and design sustainable, impactful model groups, continuous evaluation and monitoring interventions a reality in each and every pancha- of programme implementation, frequent impact yat, the effort come from all sides. CFLG is a so- assessment and feedback collection exercises, in- cial transformatory programme with enormous spiring incentives for better performing pancha- opportunities to plant the seeds of many cru- yats, legislative reformations, strong multi-stake cial structural and systemic changes and hence holder collaboration and coordination ,explo- with great scope to contribute into the building ration of the alternative and more democratic of a democratic society that is more humane, ways of resource mobilisation and utilisation sustainable, equitable and ethically bonded. As and holistic all round participation of children. this programme brings all interconnected major

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CHAPTER - IX

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The objective of the present study was General Findings and observations about the to understand the impact of the Child Friendly CFLG programme Local Governance (CFLG) training programme • It is appreciable that the UNICEF-KILA initiated by Child Resource Centre (CRC) of initiative of Child friendly local governance KILA with the support of UNICEF from 2015- could disseminate the concept of CFLG to 16 to 2017-18. The study has followed an ap- 146 LSGIs as a progressive policy initiative. proach of assessing the overall effectiveness of The one-year long training provide at KILA the programme by evaluating its demonstrated for these 146 local bodies has successful- experiences in a sample of local bodies selected ly transferred the idea of the four CFLG from across the state. The assessment was done domains i.e., survival, development, pro- in 30 Grama panchayats and 2 municipalities in tection, and participation, into these local the state, which received the training. In order government institutions. The transfer of to get an objective comparative picture of child knowledge achieved is commendable in friendly initiatives, 3 panchayaths and one mu- terms of content delivery. nicipality were selected as control cases for the • As a massive state level training programme assessment. Outcomes of the training were se- with the participation of multi-stakeholders lected as the objective criteria to provide an evi- such as representatives, elected members, dence base to the deliverables of the programme. local body officials, school heads, ICDS of- This chapter is an attempt to provide a ficials, and other officials under the LSGIs, picture of the overall impact of the programme the CFLG training could reach out to the by discussing the major findings of the study. authorities of local governments and it has The findings are divided into two sections. The helped in sensitisation regarding the CFLG first section discusses the general findings re- programme among them. garding the overall design and strategy of the • Most of the LSGIs trained have absorbed programme. The other section provides reflec- the concept of Children’s Gramasabha as tions regarding the experience of CFLG imple- an important forum of children. Almost all mentation programmes under its different do- trained local bodies have conducted Chil- mains such as survival, development, protection dren’s Gramasabha at least once. Such a and participation. The study has developed the forum provides a platform for children to assessment framework and tools based on the exercise their franchise as a partner in the official programme framework proposed by planning process. UNICEF and KILA. • Apart from the routine training, the men- toring system established with follow-ups and enhancement programmes, through the involvement of mentors, is appreciable as an equipping strategy. KILA | IRTC Page | 97 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG As a result of the extensive training and various a context, a programme like CFLG could have hand holding strategies, some exemplary initia- been utilized to develop and apply an advanced tives related to child friendly local governance framework suited to the specific context of the have emerged in the LSGIs. state. Kerala is also facing issues such as suicide Issues implied in the framework among children, high prevalence of depression, of the programme increasing substance abuse, trend alcoholism, UNICEF is an international platform. lack of physical exercise and stress from nuclear This means they follow an international frame- families. (Ortiz et al., n.d.) Notwithstanding the work and indicators for developing programmes. intensity of these issues an internationally sup- While it is appreciable to have international ported programme like CFLG could not develop standards in issues related to rights of persons an adaptive framework suited to address the spe- including children, there are pitfalls in ground cific issues in Kerala’s context. level implementation too. It is understandable that while approaching India, a universal frame- Issues in Recognising Children as Citizens work for developing countries would be acting The International convention on child as the guiding mechanism for programme devel- right highlights the citizenships of children opment and implementation. Since the develop- whereas such a rights-based approach was miss- ment experience of Kerala and status of children ing in the overall training programme related to are quite different from the common Indian CFLG. The CFLG training and follow-up actions scenario, the framework of the programme has could not deliver the citizenship right of chil- to be designed and operationalised within the dren as one among their basis right to the LSGIs specific Kerala context. Such a customized ad- through training. Hence the representatives of aptation of the common Indian framework to LSGIs in CFLG programme implemented local the Kerala situation was found largely missing body could not perceive children as citizens. This in the programme. Ideally, the programme had problem has reflected in the basics approach of to be re-designed and operationalised in the the programme has made impediments in re- Kerala context. Even though the broad frame- alising the real target of the programmes. Even work comprising of survival, development, pro- if they have implemented CFLG the responds tection, and participation is suitable to Kerala of elected representative in interviews. Under- context, micro indicators within the framework scores that they still believe they can make pro- need to be more contextualized in nature. For gramme even without children’s participation. instance, the sex ratio in Kerala has been show- Creation of clear understanding about child ing a trend of relative equality even though there rights among the different stakeholders reacted is a slight decline in the tendency shown in the to the programme was missing in the all exer- case of 0-6 age group. Sex selective abortion is cise. It is also pertinent to note that children did being addressed by the state through strong le- not get participation in any stage of project plan- gal measures. While the existence of the practice ning and implementation programme. cannot be ruled out completely, it is not a severe issue in the state. However, the CFLG frame- Absence of evidence-based planning work considers it as a key element, even in Ker- Systematic identification of problems ala. Likewise, the first-generation issues such as and evolving solutions for them require a scien- availing nutritious food for surviving, ensuring tifically managed database. Children’s compre- basic education facilities, providing minimum hensive development plans in most of the LSGIs health facilities etc. were largely achieved by the were not prepared with support of data. Hence state. However the second generation issues such the comprehensive data on children is not avail- as quality of education, quality of health services able in the LSGIs. Limited data collected from and the quality of nutritional supply through the annual routine surveys conducted by ICDS the Anganwadis are the issues capturing atten- officers is the only available data set on children. tion in the public discourses of the state. In such The standardized format for data collection has

KILA | IRTC Page | 98 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG not been followed or updated in most of LSGIs. ers related to CFLG in all local bodies could not More importantly, such data sets were not used internalize the spirit. Data from LSGIs show that for planning programmes for children. most of the LSGIs were either following routine programmes or organizing one-time events like Absence of a permanent institutional mecha- Balasabha in the place of comprehensive pro- nism for children in LSGIs grammes for children. Only a few of them could KILA has promoted institutional mech- formulate creative plans for children. The ap- anism for the participation of children in gov- proach of many LSGIs towards CFLG could be ernance. Balasabhas, Bala Panchayath, and termed as adhocism in the planning and imple- children’s Gramasabha are instances of such mentation of programs. Majority of them could mechanism. The study indicated that theses not utilize the provision of mandatory 5% fund institutional mechanism could not work as a allocation for children effectively. permanent democratic forum of children in the Panchayats and municipalities. These were Absence of involvement of parents limited to one-time events for gathering chil- and teachers dren. The real functions envisaged to be real- There were no specific programmes un- ised through the forum such as identification of der CFLG for orienting parents and teachers children’s issues, gathering children’s suggestions towards the concept of child rights. CFLG pro- for evolving child friendly plans, and nurturing gramme had focused only on organizing activ- democratic culture among children were not ities for children. An attemp to transform the turned into ground level practices. perspectives of parents and teachers towards KILA has envisaged CFLG as a perma- children was absent in the framework. Parents nent institutional system where children are the play a pivotal role in the wholesome develop- key stakeholders. But after one or two meet- ment of a child. Parents’ life choices, behavior, ings these programmes could not be sustained and attitude towards children affect the behavior and the programmes were limited to one-time of the child. The living environment experienced events. The LSGIs could not design such institu- by each generation with the changing global, re- tions in a way that they could sustain for a longer gional, socio-political situations are also crucial period and could contribute to further planning in this process. Family, with its undemocrat- and action. ic and hierarchical structure is also responsi- ble in denying child rights in this environment Dearth of initiatives for comprehensive child which may cause psycho-emotional issues for development plan the children. Hence continuous programmes for LSGIs had already been instructed to educating parents and teachers are immensely earmark a mandatory 5% allocation in every relevant for the success of a child friendly local year for children and the aged. They have been governance system. Data from LSGIs shows that allocating funding for supplementary nutrition they could not undertake such serious initiatives programme as a statutory requirement and the to sensitize parents and other adults on child 5% of mandatory allocation is proposed out of rights. the allocation for supplementary nutrition as the part of recent guidelines. This has provided suffi- Inadequacy of innovative projects cient resources for local governments to develop The LSGs in Kerala have followed certain and implement plans for children. As a part of routine projects with elements of recognising CFLG they were suggested to prepare a compre- and ensuring child rights, right from the incep- hensive child development plan and implement tion of people’s plan campaign and particular- it under the development plan of LSGIs. KILA ly after the 11th plan. Even after the exposure in cooperation with UNICEF, prepared guide- gained through the CFLG training, most LSGIs lines for LSGIs for developing comprehensive are still following the same pattern of projects. child development plans based on four major There is a general decrease in initiatives for in- domains of child rights. However the stakehold- novative child friendly projects by the LSGs even

KILA | IRTC Page | 99 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG though some initiatives were generated in some FINDINGS OF THE STUDY IN LSGIs. DIFFERENT CFLG DOMAINS However, it is noteworthy that there The following section attempts to pro- have been some cases of innovative projects vide the major findings under the four domains across the state like the Nirbhaya programme at of child-friendly local governance, such as sur- Matthuthur, Saphalamee Balyam at Kottayam, vival, development, protection and participation Kanmani and GOAL programme at Sreekrish- napuram, Thaliridam programme at Porur Child Survival Gramapanchayath, and child protection centre The sub domains suggested under the at Mattathur (Thrissur) etc. These are examples title of child survival by the CFLG programme for innovative programmes taken up by Grama are; interventions to reduce sex-selective abor- panchayaths, imbibing the spirit of CFLG train- tion, ensuring safe drinking water, better sani- ing. The fact that the number of such initiatives tation and hygiene, arresting neonatal and in- are far less compared to the number of LSGs fant mortality rate, immunization, distribution which received training in CFLG deserves atten- of vitamin A supplements and ensuring quality tion. Kottakkal municipality could also take up a service to pregnant and lactating women. The few innnovative initiatives such as the Pratheek- activities conducted by LSGIs under the do- sha education programme. main of Child Survival are nutritional status, screening of pregnant women, lactating mothers Role of Mentors and children through PHCs, Anganwadi class- Some LSGs are advised and supported by es, Gramasabha classes on nutrition, visiting of KILA through a mentoring system. Supporting ASHA workers, tribal medical camps, and class- local bodies for better governance for children is es on hygiene, follow-up of immunisation and the purpose of this assistance. At least one men- distribution of vitamin supplements. In most of tor for a cluster of panchayats could be provid- the panchayats, the allocation and expenditure ed by KILA for enhancing the efficiency of child for activities under the domain of child survival friendly initiatives of LSGIs. This system can be are lying between zero to ten percent. The study extended to all LSGIs of the state in due course indicates that majority of the Panchayats could of time. earmark below 10% of the total funds allocated for children for the domain of child survival. Need of special strategy for children from Along with the poor allocation, the study indi- marginalised groups cates that LSGIs could utilise only less than 10% Some Panchayaths, with a sizeable pres- of the allocated money for implementing proj- ence of tribal population such as Pudur, Mul- ects under the domain of child survival. It is also lankolly, Thirunelly and Adimaly were included noted that there is no considerable difference in the CFLG programme. Many studies have between rural and urban LSGIs in this regard. indicated that tribal children are still lagging Most of the initiatives taken by LSGIs under this behind in basic educational achievement when domain are either low-budget or lying under the compared with the non-tribal population. Drop routine activities of departments such as health out and in consistency in schooling are two ma- and social justice. This may be one reason for jor issues highlighted by many studies. Studies low allocation and expenditure by the LSGIs un- of educational performance SC students also der child survival. indicate they too exhibit the tendency of mar- • The activities conducted by LSGIs under ginalisation from the mainstream. Status of SC the domain of Child Survival are nutrition- and ST children highlight the need of a special al status, screening of pregnant women, lac- strategy in addressing the survival issues in their tating mother and children through PHC, life. However, CFLG could not evolve a specific Anganwadi classes, Gramasabha classes on and locally contextualised strategies to address nutrition, visiting of ASHA workers, trib- the issues of children form marginalised com- al medical camps, and classes on hygiene, munities such as SC and ST. follow-up of immunisation and distribu-

KILA | IRTC Page | 100 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG tion of vitamin supplements. In most of the LSGIs in Kerala. However, this could not be panchayats, the allocation and expenditure included in the mandatory 5% allocation for child survival are lying between zero to for children. This legal provision is provid- ten per cent. Most of the initiatives taken by ing space for allocating separate money for LSGIS under this domain are either costless the needs of children. However, the pan- or lying under the routine activities of de- chayats are not taking appropriate initia- partments such as health and social justice. tives for allocating funds for child survival This may be one reason for low allocation except for the allocation for supplementary and expenditure by the LSGIs. nutrition. This also indicates that address- • Regarding the efforts to identify and eradi- ing the issue of malnutrition and mapping cate sex-selective abortion, no LSGIs under the status of nutrition among children was the study had taken any specific initiative not seriously taken up by the LSGIs under by themselves to address the issue. The CFLG except for the routine activities hap- initiatives mainly come from the health pening through Anganwadis. department and other concerned depart- • Even though Kerala has shown better per- ments. The introduction of the CFLG pro- formance in comparison with the national gramme was not an influencing factor in average in vaccination, the state has to im- deciding the number or frequency of the prove the achievement to reach 100% vac- initiatives to address the issue of sex-selec- cination. ASHA workers, Kudumbashree tive abortion. In general, the low number groups, and Anganwadi workers who are of reported sex-selective abortion cases in affiliated to panchayaths are taking a key their localities might have worked as a fac- role in making the vaccination campaigns tor in reducing the concern and interest on successful. the side of trained LSGIs to come forward • The CFLG training could bring out only a with new initiatives or to strengthen the ex- slight improvement in the case of initiatives isting mechanisms to address the issue. already taken by the health department • As part of the RBSK programme under the and ICDS system. Even though the over- health department, nurses visit schools, all trend of performance of vaccination is PHCs, and Anganwadis in their assigned positive in panchayaths and municipalities, locations periodically and conduct screen- there have been some setbacks visible in a ing sessions to identify the health issues few locations of the state. The campaigns among children and refer them to high- against vaccination by religious groups, er-level public health care institutions. The some naturopathic groups and anti-science child-friendly movement has influenced movements have created a mood of suspi- the CFLG trained panchayaths to improve cion against vaccination. This has increased activities such as initiatives by ICDS, An- the responsibility of LSGIs in such regions. ganwadi classes, Health department class- It is noted that some of the LSGIs have tak- es, Gramasabha classes, own Initiatives en special initiatives for improving the rate by LSGIs and screenings through schools. of vaccination where the anti-vaccination There is a significant difference found in the campaigns were active. For instance, the periods before and after the CFLG. How- Pulamanthole panchayat has done a special ever, the CFLG initiatives could not bring campaign in this regard. However, the find- much of a change in urban locations when ings of the study indicate that such initia- compared with their rural counterparts in tives were not widely taken up by all LSGIs. terms of interventions as the part of RBSK, whereas the own initiatives by LSGIs seem Child Development to be not significant. • Development is the single largest domain • A considerable amount of fund is allocat- under which LSGIs have allocated and uti- ed for supplementary nutrition to address lised a large amount of funds under CFLG. malnutrition among children every year by There has been a significant improvement

KILA | IRTC Page | 101 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG in the allocation of panchayaths for devel- versal needs of differentially abled children opment in the post-CFLG training period. were met, while they could not address There is no such trend visible in the case of the secondary needs such as lifts and cra- urban LSGIs. As against the trend of increas- dle. Provision for wheelchairs, which is a ing allocation the expenditure of the rural very important need for differentially abled local government shows a higher level of children with moving disabilities was ne- mismatch. This perceived lethargy of pan- glected. This is an indication that the CFLG chayaths in spending the allocated money programme has to focus more on cultivat- particularly in child development may be a ing sensitivity towards the issues of differ- reflection of their insensitivity towards the ently-abled children. The findings indicate issues of children. Absence of proper social that CFLG training could sensitise the local audit mechanism from the participatory body authorities to extend the relevance forums for children may be another per- of special facilities for differentially-abled tinent reason for this trend. Data on child children. However, there is a need to be ex- participation in CFLG trained panchayats tended this sensitivity to the next level of which are discussed in chapter 6 (see chap- intervention. ter 6) indicate that participatory forums • The educational assistance initiatives for ST are either inactive or restricted to one-time children by the LSGIs are very low. The lack events. This has a larger implication in the of study facilities in tribal households and utilization of funds for child development. poor orientation on career are the major is- • The study also indicates that the majority of sues faced by tribal students. The FGDs of LSGIs could not prepare disaggregated and children in the tribal areas indicated that comprehensive database on children which Panchayats are mostly interested to take up would have acted as a baseline to preparing easy and simple initiatives rather than ad- developing programme for children. dressing the basic issues of tribal children • An initiative for constructing permanent such as malnutrition, absence of study facil- buildings for Anganwadi without land is in ities at home, and poor career orientation. a stagnant stage across the state. The high The data shows that there has been a slight value and unavailability of land are identi- improvement in the routine activities tak- fied as the major reason for this. About 60% en up by the panchayats for tribal children of panchayats under study have already between pre and post-CFLG periods. How- completed constructing own building for ever, they could not initiate any innovative Anganwadi. However, the other panchayats programme after CFLG training to address could not take any initiative for construct- the issues of tribal children. This indicates ing permanent building during CFLG that CFLG still requires adopting a special years. In municipalities, there is no signif- strategy to address the issues of children in icant difference in constructing Anganwadi tribal regions apart from the universal strat- building in pre and post CFLG years. There egy of planning and implementation. Such has been no change during 2016-17 and a specific strategy for vulnerable groups is 2017-18. currently missing in the CFLG programme. • The study indicates that LSGIs have taken • The initiatives by local bodies targetted at commendable initiatives for creating a bar- SC children indicate that the CFLG train- rier-free environment in the institutions ing could only increase the momentum of coming under their jurisdiction. This was some traditional projects which had been visible particularly in constructing toilets taken up by the LSGIs. This includes ac- and ramps in schools and fixing of chairs tivities such as the distribution of laptops in Panchayats and establishing feeding cor- and study tables. CFLG training could not ners and arranging drinking water. usher in any innovative initiatives in the list • Primary needs such as barrier-free toilets, of activities. This underscores the need for ramps, drinking water, primary and uni- and relevance of special effort within CFLG

KILA | IRTC Page | 102 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG to make it more inclusive and beneficial to has been no change during 2016-17 and the marginalized communities. 2017-18. • LSGs are responsible to provide ba- • The study indicates that LSGIs have taken by-friendly or child-friendly environment commendable initiatives for creating a bar- for children of the age group of 3-5 years. rier-free environment in the institutions The infrastructure development, provi- coming under their jurisdiction. This was sioning of learning aids, utensils, toys to visible particularly in constructing toilets the Anganwadis, and making the Angan- and ramps in schools and fixing of chairs wadi environment conducive to joyful in Panchayats and establishing feeding cor- learning are the activities they could have ners and arranging drinking water. taken up under the domain. Majority of • Primary needs such as barrier-free toilets, the panchayats have been undertaking the ramps, drinking water, primary and uni- task of maintenance and renovation of the versal needs of differentially abled children Anganwadis even before the CFLG initia- were met, while they could not address tive. There was no significant change even the secondary needs such as lifts and cra- after CFLG training in this regard. While dle. Provision for wheelchairs, which is a examining the activities initiated in pan- very important need for differentially abled chayats in the pre-primary sector, it was children with moving disabilities was ne- seen that the majority of the panchayats glected. This is an indication that CFLG have followed only the traditional activities programme has to focus more on cultivat- that were followed by them even before the ing sensitivity towards the issues of differ- CFLG training. It can be said that the CFLG ently-abled children. The findings indicate training could not bring any significant that CFLG training could sensitise the local change in this direction. At the same time, body authorities to extend the relevance some of the new initiatives which were pro- of special facilities for differentially-abled posed as the part of CFLG, such as the con- children. However, there is a need to be ex- struction of child-friendly toilets, making tended this sensitivity to the next level of Anganwadi building premises learning aids intervention. through paintings and the establishment of • The educational assistance initiatives for ST children’s park were not taken up seriously children by the LSGIs are very low. The lack by the majority of local bodies. CFLG had of study facilities in tribal households and introduced some innovative ideas in the poor orientation on career are the major is- pre-primary sector, but the majority of the sues faced by tribal students. The FGDs of CFLG panchayats failed in realizing them children in the tribal areas indicated that in practice. Interventions for making pre- Panchayats are mostly interested to take up schools attractive centres of joyful learning easy and simple initiatives rather than ad- were missing even in CFLG framework. dressing the basic issues of tribal children • An initiative for constructing permanent such as malnutrition, absence of study facil- buildings for anganwadis without land is in ities at home, and poor career orientation. a stagnant stage across the state. The high The data shows that there has been a slight value and unavailability of land are identi- improvement in the routine activities tak- fied as the major reason for this. About 60% en up by the panchayats for tribal children of panchayats under study have already between pre and post-CFLG periods. How- completed constructing own building for ever, they could not initiate any innovative anganwadis. However, the other pancha- programme after CFLG training to address yats could not take any initiative for con- the issues of tribal children. This indicates structing permanent building during CFLG that CFLG still requires adopting a special years. In municipalities, there is no signifi- strategy to address the issues of children in cant difference in constructing anganwadi tribal regions apart from the universal strat- building in pre and post CFLG years. There egy of planning and implementation. Such

KILA | IRTC Page | 103 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG a specific strategy for vulnerable groups is mains of CFLG, school-based programmes currently missing in the CFLG programme. have attained better status in establishing • The initiatives by local bodies targetted at child-friendliness by introducing innova- SC children indicate that the CFLG train- tive projects for the comprehensive develop- ing could only increase the momentum of ment of children. There is a gradual positive some traditional projects which had been change in the rate of initiatives by introduc- taken up by the LSGIs. This includes ac- ing community development programmes tivities such as the distribution of laptops for children during the CFLG years. There and study tables. CFLG training could not is an accelerating change in projects such usher in any innovative initiatives in the list as building smart classrooms, provision for of activities. This underscores the need for newspaper and magazines etc. While the and relevance of special effort within CFLG basic facilities such as drainage construc- to make it more inclusive and beneficial to tion, she toilets etc. we’re not included in the marginalized communities. the LSGIs. She toilets were not included in • LSGs are responsible to provide ba- almost any LSGI. Also, most of the school by-friendly or child-friendly environment officials believe that there is no need to sep- for children of the age group of 3-5 years. arate she toilets. The CFLG trained pancha- The infrastructure development, provi- yats had made some new initiatives after sioning of learning aids, utensils, toys to CFLG. Creation of bio-diversity parks in the Anganwadis, and making the Angan- schools, construction of disabled-friendly wadi environment conducive to joyful toilets and establishment of child-friendly learning are the activities they could have furniture are pertinent among them. Con- taken up under the domain. Majority of struction of the she-toilets, renovation of the panchayats have been undertaking the playgrounds, career guidance programmes, task of maintenance and renovation of the construction of new buildings and Haritha Anganwadis even before the CFLG initia- Vidyalayam programmes are the elements tive. There was no significant change even neglected by the majority of the pancha- after CFLG training in this regard. While yats. examining the activities initiated in pan- • Performance of LSGIs in the creation of chayats in the pre-primary sector, it was public spaces indicates that only a minori- seen that the majority of the panchayats ty of LSGIs could do any such initiatives. have followed only the traditional activities Availability of play spaces in the nearby that were followed by them even before the locations is basic to ensuring children’s CFLG training. It can be said that the CFLG right to engage in recreational activities. training could not bring any significant Playgrounds are also spaces of socialisation change in this direction. At the same time, for children. Hence the creation of public some of the new initiatives which were pro- places and playgrounds for children should posed as the part of CFLG, such as the con- have been included in the preferential list struction of child-friendly toilets, making of CFLG initiatives. However, the findings Anganwadi building premises learning aids of the study point towards an absence of through paintings and the establishment of such initiatives by LSGIs. High land value children’s park were not taken up seriously along with the unavailability of land has by the majority of local bodies. CFLG had also restricted the scope of interventions in introduced some innovative ideas in the this regard. However, LSGIs would have to pre-primary sector, but the majority of the develop community initiatives to identify CFLG panchayats failed in realizing them common land available under their juris- in practice. Interventions for making pre- diction and to identify the potential do- schools attractive centres of joyful learning nors who are willing to provide land for the were missing even in CFLG framework. creation of public spaces. However, such • When compared to other working do- initiatives were missing in the majority of

KILA | IRTC Page | 104 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG the panchayats. Some studies have indi- allocation between the percentage intervals cated that health issues are widely visible of 0-30 only. Only one panchayat could do a among children in Kerala because of the comparatively good performance in utiliza- absence of sufficient physical exercise. This tion of funds. CFLG training did not make also corroborates the need for the creation a significant impact on the allocation and of more public spaces under the leadership expenditure of local bodies in the domain of LSGIs. As discussed above, this substan- of child protection. There might be differ- tiates the dearth of initiatives by LSGIs in ent reasons for this trend. One pertinent addressing the real needs of children. reason may be the nature of activities lying • The initiatives such as the creation of spe- under this domain. It seems that many of cial corners for children in libraries and the the activities included under this domain initiation of new libraries or strengthen- incur only marginal costs. Along with this, ing of existing children’s libraries were also local bodies were not able to identify inno- missing in the initiatives of LSGIs. This has vative actions in this domain. a large implication in planning the future • Activities for facilitating the child protec- training of CFLG. Creation of public spaces tion committees have had an increasing for children needs to be located in the man- trend from 2015 to 2018. Among these, datory intervention as the part of CFLG Jagratha Samithi, Vigilance committee, and programme. This element would have to be installation of the complaint box at ward emphasised more In future CFLG training. level are the elements which have shown a • LSGIs have given low preference for pro- promising trend. There is a static trend in viding recreation facility to children. Chil- the case of child protection centres. The dren’s right to play and engage in recre- overall picture of child protection indicates ational activities are still not attaining space that only one-half of the panchayats could in the minds of planners in LSGIs. take positive initiatives in the domain of • LSGI’s could not bring any significant child protection. change in organising recreation activities • Apart from the traditional methods of sen- such as swimming coaching, Anganwadi sitisation on child rights, innovative com- Balamela, distribution of sports kit, sports munication and public education tools coaching and the Arts fest for children. were not used for creating sensitisation Besides, a majority of them could not or- among stakeholders. Continuous parent ganise any special programme for different- and teacher education programmes on ly-abled children. child rights are necessary, and they have to adopt innovative strategies for sensiti- • It is on a positive note that some pancha- zation. This kind of initiative is missing in yaths could initiate tour and trips for Bal- the CFLG programme in general. There is asabha participants after CFLG training. a need for a coordination mechanism be- These findings underscore the relevance of tween different agencies working on child special training which emphasizes on the right sensitization within LSGIs. need of providing a recreational activity to • The number of cases of child abuse and the the children. number of actions taken by the LSGIs are also not satisfactory. The percentage of cas- PROTECTION es in which a panchayat has taken action • There was no significant increase in the was 40 in 2015-16, 36 in 2016-17, and 40 in number of panchayats who have allocated 2017-18. This indicates that the panchayats more funds for child protection activities could not take any action in 60 percentages after the initiation of the CFLG programme. of reported cases. The limitations of LSGIs The pattern of funds utilisation under the in terms of mandatory powers may be one domain of child protection indicates that factor restricting their interventions. Ab- most of the panchayats (96 %) could spend sence of institutional mechanism for prop-

KILA | IRTC Page | 105 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG er monitoring of cases at LSG level may be PARTICIPATION another factor which leads to this limited • The majority (more than 95%) of the pan- intervention. chayats could allocate funds between 0-10 • The number of cases reported and action percentage for the domain of participation taken of Children in Conflict with Law is in the pre-CFLG year and the first year of found low. The present juvenile justice sys- CFLG. tem is not providing any space for inter- • CFLG could make a small change in the ventions by local bodies in cases related to allocation and expenditure of panchayats children in conflict with the law. There is no in the domain of participation. Notwith- local level institution functioning relating standing to this the utilisation percentage to the implementation of this law. as remained as poor irrespective of a slight • Most of the panchayats have failed in pro- improvement after CFLG. There could be viding psychosocial support to the chil- several factors which might have influ- dren in needy situations. In the case of ap- enced this pattern. The CFLG LSGIs even pointment of counsellors through ICDS, may not have imbibed the relevance of the number was six in the pre-CFLG year, building children’s participatory forum in which has increased to eight in the first year their jurisdiction. of CFLG and enhanced to nine only in the • Majority of the panchayats and municipali- last year. The performance of both pancha- ties were conducting Balasabhas and creat- yats and municipalities, in the case of ini- ing a space for children to participate in the tiating legal service centres for children at democratic process. LSGI’s, is poor. Even two-third of the LSGIs • The Initial enthusiasm of panchayat in or- could not take any initiatives for provid- ganizing child Gramasabha has shown ing psychosocial support to the children. a declining tendency in the second year. Children from marginalised groups such as Anyway, CFLG could establish the rele- fishermen, tribal and scheduled caste com- vance of Child gramasabhas as a participa- munities are also facing specific issues re- tory institution of Children in local govern- lated to their socioeconomic backgrounds. ments. Child Gramasabha was conducted These issues are remaining unaddressed. as onetime events rather than an institution The FGDs and interactions with the chil- which needs to sustain for protecting the dren emphasise the need for an institution- interest of children. CFLG could contribute al mechanism for providing psychological to improving the documentation process of support to the needy. Such a facility is not child Gramasabhas. available for them except counselling ser- • LSGIs were not taking the comments vices provided in some schools. CFLG pro- raised by the children in Gramasabha as gramme can plan some proactive steps for issues which need to be addressed. Along making a coordination system of school with with this the authority of the Local counsellors and other child counsellors at Government could not perceive children’s LSGI level. This could also act as a mech- as citizens who also have rights like other anism for parental counselling in LSGIs. It citizens. Initiatives for discussing children’s is also noteworthy that the present coun- demands in working groups of LSGIs and selling system including school counsel- general Gramasabhas were poor. However, ling system requires to be remoulded in the situation of CFLG LSGIs is slightly bet- the context of child rights. Hence orient- ter than control LSGIs. ing all school counsellors in the context of • In practice, the majority of CFLG LSGIs child rights could be a centralised initiative could not uphold the citizenship rights which can be undertaken as a part of CFLG of children to raise their voice in a public initiative by CRC of KILA. forum and to ensure that their issues are getting addressed by the LSGIs. The study

KILA | IRTC Page | 106 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG indicates that majority of the LSGIs have different dimensions of child rights, the approached children’s forum as a space for responses have shown a satisfactory status. ritualistic gathering of children, in place of At the same time half of the trainees believe considering them as a democratic forum of that adults can make better plans for chil- children. The feedback from the children’s dren even without them being heard. This FGDs point out the fact that the children again ratifies the fact that still a good num- who attended child Gramasabhas earlier ber of functionaries of CFLG could not rec- had a feeling that their demands were ne- ognize the basic citizenship rights of chil- glected by the LSGIs. This also prompted dren. them to withdraw from such participatory 2. Initiatives after getting CFLG Training forums. • The overall trend of initiatives taken by trainees after training in realizing the ac- ATTITUDE AND KNOWLEDGE OF TRAIN- tivities proposed in the training shows that EES REGARDING CFLG the majority of them could not take initia- 1. Status of knowledge and attitude of train- tives in realizing the proposed activities of ees regarding CFLG the training. Organizing balasabha was the • The knowledge level of trainees regard- only exception in this aspect. ing the basic pre-requisite of CFLG, such • This also highlights the fact that the ma- as the creation of child data profile at LS- jority of the training participants could not GI’s, vision document for children, and convert the training ideas into deliverables comprehensive local development plan for in the field. children have been analyzed in the study. 3. Contribution of KILA training in im- The data indicates that the majority of the proving the participant’s basic conceptual trainees have a basic understanding of the knowledge about CFLG comprehensive local development plan for • The data on the contribution of KILA children (92.5%) training in improving the basic concepts of • Their understanding of the vision docu- CFLG among participants indicates a pos- ment for children is also considerably bet- itive trend. The KILA training contributed ter (60%) while their knowledge about the to improving their basic conceptual under- data profile of the children seems to be poor standing in various aspects of CFLG except (45%). At the same time, it is noteworthy in the case of accepting citizenship of chil- that the majority of the LSGI’s could not dren. However, it is noteworthy that the bring out initiatives to leverage the fact that KILA training could not improve the con- the trainees had succeeded to an extent in cept level (43%) of the trainees in accept- imbibing a basic understanding about the ing children as citizens. This indicates that deliverables of the CFLG programme. there is a high scope of improving KILA’s • Poor knowledge level of trainees regarding training context by including activities for the child data profile could have acted as a changing the concepts of trainees regarding barrier in creating a basic child profile in all the citizenship of children. LSGI’s. • With regard to the knowledge of trainees in SUCCESS STORIES: PROMISING the four major domains of CFLG such as PRACTICES OF CFLG survival, development, protection, and par- • As part of the study, we could identify 14 ticipation, the data indicates that more than promising cases of exemplary execution half of the participants of the training do of CFLG practices all over the state. There not have a basic understanding of the four were initiatives from LSGI’s on different domains of CFLG except for the domain of dimensions of CFLG. These included pro- participation. grammes for; making public institutions • Regarding the attitude of trainees on the child friendly, developing database and

KILA | IRTC Page | 107 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG registry of children, interventions for im- la. The elements such as nuclearization of proving the health and nutrition status of families, isolation of children from public children, activities for providing physical space, increasing stress over children, lack education and arts performance training of physical activities and health issues relat- to children, effective running of children’s ed to that, and the emotional issues faced forums, bringing environmental conser- by children also need to be brought into the vation consciousness among children, mainstream agenda of CFLG. The CFLG addressing the issues of differently-abled programme framework would have to be children, conducting public education pro- reformulated in a way that it can address grammes for child rights, and initiatives for the second-generation issues such as en- ensuring protection of children. suring quality education and quality health • About the Sustainability of a project is de- services. termined by an entire range of factors in- • Though in general, poverty in Kerala has cluding its contextual relevance over time, reduced significantly but studies indicate availability of sufficient funds, good coordi- that poverty does exist, concentrated in nation and support between concerned de- some areas. Marginalised communities, partments or bodies, will power of political Tribes, Scheduled Caste, fishermen, and leadership, transparent execution, public differently-abled groups are largely facing co-operation, holistic participation of ben- the issues of survival and poverty. Hence eficiaries in all stages of project, and timely CFLG programme would have to develop need-based modifications. Sustainability in specific strategies for addressing the spe- turn influences the possibilities of scaling cial needs of children from marginalised up the projects or interventions over time categories rather than following a universal to enhance the coverage of beneficiaries strategy across the state. and benefits themselves. When we look at • CFLG programme would have to give our chosen interventions for sustainable more emphasis on developing special pro- models in which we can find the converged grammes and plans for differently abled positive performance of at least some of the children. It can give focus in the second above-mentioned factors, disappointingly round of CFLG programme to support LS- we do not have much to pick out. Hence GIs to develop workable models which can several of the interventions under analy- be replicated elsewhere for the comprehen- sis here are of short-run nature and some sive development of differently-abled chil- of them have collapsed in between before dren. they could even meet their short run ob- • The study indicates an absence of a coor- jectives. Even the few long run projects, dination mechanism at panchayat level for which are being continued by LSG bodies convergence for all kinds of child friendly and gets scaled up over the years, seem to initiatives taken up in the jurisdiction of be mostly running on a few specific factors LSGIs by different agencies. Hence a pan- like availability of funds, will power or par- chayat level/municipal level institutional ticular interests of the ruling front etc. and mechanism with representation of chil- when these energy sources runs out of fuel, dren’s forum at lower level can be built as a broad based social space and support to a participatory forum for decision making. continue and upgrade this projects will be Along with this, an institutional mecha- absent mainly due to the lack of thrust on nism with the participation of all stake- the holistic participation of children. holders related to children can be organ- ised at panchayat level and the entire child Suggestions and Recommendations friendly initiatives can be coordinated • There requires a basic change in the frame- through this system. work adopted by CFLG programme by • A resource school can be identified in each considering the specific context of Kera- LSGI which can act as a coordination cen- KILA | IRTC Page | 108 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG tre of all educational research, training, the perspective of child rights. The agencies and other education service systems within that are associated with cases on children in the LSGI. This centre can also function as conflict with law would have to handover a legal service cum counselling centre for the details of such cases to the respective children. LSGI’s. This would enable them to pursue • The study indicates the need of a statu- such cases in the perspective of child right. tory provision for conducting children’s • A child rights charter could be drafted in Gramasabha and Panchayats. It is also every LSGI and could produce action taken worth mentioning that there is a need report periodically based on this charter. of provision to ensure that the demands • There is a relevance of special training for raised by the children in Gramasabhas and CFLG panchayats to include programmes Bala Panchayat would be considered by the for providing recreational activities to the working groups for planning and imple- children. mentation. A social audit mechanism of • Systematic public education programme is the children to ensure that their demands needed to sensitize all stakeholders related are addressed by LSGIs can be introduced to LSGIs on child rights. This could be in as a part of CFLG programme. the mode of a continuous education pro- • Special initiatives under CFLG programme gramme. would be required for orientation of par- • There require more initiatives to develop ents and teachers towards the concept and child friendly programmes to address the implications of child rights. issues of children from deprived categories • It is necessary to collect disaggregated data such as SC, ST, fishermen and different- of all children in the panchayath. This data ly-abled children. It also needs to be devel- bank should have all the details on children oped the programmes which include the such as education, health, nutrition etc. issues of migrant children as well. This could be the first step of any extended • Rather than following a universal ap- programme of CFLG. It can also be a online proach, training modules can be developed data base. Part of this can be done through by providing more space for encouraging school based survey in LSGIs and the re- models created by local bodies. There can maining can be done through Anganwadis. be a frequent experience sharing mecha- Disaggregated child data could be prepared nism between the local bodies for sharing and revised periodically. A comprehensive innovative ideas and experiences. child development plan could be evolved • While considering the varying socio-eco- out of the data prepared by LSGIs. nomic and cultural contexts of different • There is a need for special allotment to the panchayats, there are limitations in using LSGIs in promoting their initiatives for the same measurement scales for all the LS- creating new public spaces and in renovat- GIs. Hence context specific evaluation and ing existing spaces. assessment tools require further develop- • Along with infrastructure development, ment in order to evaluate the programme quality of pre-school system also needs to in different locations. be improved. A special emphasis on the • A decentralised process of training should CFLG programme needs to be provided in be followed for LSGIs across the state. Civil this aspect. society groups functioning in the pancha- • Counselling facility needs to be available yaths can a play a significant role in the in panchayat and all the school counsellors planning and implementation of the CFLG could be connected with the system. projects. They can share ideas, provide ex- • There is need of an LSGI level institution to pertise and human resource, and can direct gather information on children in conflict the LSGIs about various funding possibili- with law and to deal with these cases with ties.

KILA | IRTC Page | 109 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG CONCLUSION The training provided by KILA to local proving the health and nutrition status of chil- self government institutions in Kerala towards dren, activities for providing physical education establishment of a Child-Friendly Local Gov- and arts performance training to the children, ernance (CFLG) system has provided mixed re- effective running of children’s forums, bring- sults. While the training was largely successful ing environmental conservation consciousness in imparting most of the underlying concepts among children, initiatives for addressing the of child-friendly local governance to the train- issue of differently-abled children, conducting ees, the last-mile impact in terms of successful- public education programs for child right, and ly implemented programmes leave much to be initiatives for ensuring self protection of chil- desired, especially with regard to the acceptance dren. of citizenship rights of children as partners in The study indicates that continuous policy formulation, and formulating indepen- hand holding and support from an institution dent projects under child survival. The results like KILA has contributed in shaping these ex- of the study indicate that the CFLG programme emplary practices. The mentoring system of largely succeeded in mainstreaming the con- KILA has provided support to many pancha- cept of child gramasabha and child panchayat. yats in elevating their performance in CFLG. However, these initiatives were not translated These underscore the fact such a hand-holding into the strengthening of democratic decision can be expanded to all the other panchayats se- making processes by the children. These forums lected under CFLG. Local governance in Kerala were considered and utilized as only venues for is ultimately a political process, with different organising children rather than launching pads stakeholders embedded in the decision-making for raising the LSGIs into child friendly institu- process of local governance. Hence, bringing tions by considering the real needs of children. attitudinal changes among all the stakeholders This shortcoming is particularly glaring, such as political parties, elected representatives, given the legacy of Kerala as a globally acclaimed parents, teachers, officials, and all other actors model in democratic decentralization. The way interacting with children is important to trans- forward for CFLG lies in customizing its glob- form an LSG into a status of child friendly lo- al framework to suit the needs and context of cal governance. This highlights the relevance of children in Kerala, and focusing on the gaps that continuous interaction with different groups to have been identified both in the ideation and ac- bring about a paradigm shift in their conceptu- tion fronts of child-friendliness. Once these la- alization and approaches towards child rights cunae are addressed, there lies the potential to and child friendly local governance. The strategy transcend the currently identified domains of of future course of action of CFLG programme child-friendliness and adopt and practice nov- needs to be designed by addressing these lacu- el concepts like flourishing in the place of mere nae. survival, and liberty instead of protection. Such However to go forward, we cannot do an evidence-based action programme holds the without the following improvements: further potential to catapult Kerala to yet another round ideological changes and awareness creation of global recognition as a model in child-friend- among the stakeholder groups, continuous ly local governance. evaluation and monitoring of programme im- CFLG could generate some promising plementation, frequent impact assessment and practices all over the states in different dimen- feedback collection exercises, inspiring incen- sions of Child Friendly Local Governance. As tives for better performing panchayats, legis- part of the study, we could identify fourteen lative reformations, strong multi-stake holder promising cases all over the state. There were collaboration and coordination ,exploration of initiatives from LSGI’s in different dimensions the alternative and more democratic ways of re- of CFLG. They are initiatives for; making public source mobilisation and utilisation and holistic institutions child friendly, developing date base all round participation of children. and registry of children, interventions for im-

KILA | IRTC Page | 110 IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

APPENDIX-I

PANCHAYATS SELECTED FOR THE STUDY DISTRICT PANCHAYATH Venganoor Thiruvananthapuram Kaattakada Neendakara Kollam Mainagappally Mallapally Pathanamthitta Kozhanjeri Alapuzha Aroor Neendoor Kottayam Kurichi Kanjikuzhi Idukki Adimally Alangad Ernakulam Mulathuruthi Kolazhy Kadukutti Thrissur Mattathur Nenmanikkara Thykkattusheri Thiruvegapura Palakkad Pudur Vallikkunnu Malappuram Pulamanthol Kottoor Kozhikode Chengottukavu Thirunelli Wayanad Mullankolly Chapparapadavu Kannur Alakkode Cheruvathur Kasaragod Kinanur Karithalam

CONTROL PANCHAYAT DISTRICT Kottungal Pathanamthitta Valiyaparamba Kasaragod Konnathadi Idukki

MUNICIPALITY WHICH GOT CFLG CONTROL MUNICIPALITIES TRAINING WITHOUT CFLG TRAINING Kottackal Perinthalmanna Neyyatinkara

KILA | IRTC Page | 111

KILA പര഻ശ഼ലകർ

Mentor ( ) 

പരിശീലനങ്ങളളോടു  പഞ്ചോയത്തിꅍററ ഉള്ള മളനോഭോവം/പിന്തുണ

2

. തഺഴഴ പറയഽന്ന ꥍപതഺവനകള഻ൽ ബഺധകമഺയതഽ ( ) ഴെയ്യുക

o o o o

o o o o

o o o o

CHILD SURVIVAL) o o o o

3

CHILD DEVELOPMENT) o o o o

CHILD PROTECTION) o o o o

CHILD PARTICIPATION) o o o o

CHILD PARTICIPATION) o o o

4

o o o

o o o

CHILD PARTICIPATION) o o o

o o o

o o o

5

o o o

o o

o കഽട്ട഻കളുഴെ അവകഺശം o മനസ഻ലഺക്കഺൻ

സമാഹത്ത഻ഴല കഽട്ട഻കളുഴെ o പങ്കഽ മനസ഻ലഺക്കഺൻ

o കഽട്ട഻കളുഴെ പങ്കഺള഻ത്ത o വവദ഻കൾ വ഻കസ഻ക്കഺൻ o

6

o കഽട്ട഻കളുഴെ പൗരതവം o അംഗ഼കര഻ക്കഺൻ

o o ഇത഻ൽ ഉൾഴെെഺത്തതഽ

7

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF KILA TRAINING PROGRAMME FORCFLG

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