Delhi Children’s Manifesto: A Vision for a Child-Friendly Delhi

As Delhi heads to the polls on February 5 to elect its representatives to the Delhi Legislative Assembly, a powerful initiative called the Delhi Children’s Manifesto 2025 has emerged. Spearheaded by the Delhi-based NGO PRATYeK, this manifesto is a call to action from the city's young residents, advocating for a safer, healthier, and more inclusive Delhi. The manifesto was created because the team at PRATYeK felt that although children under 18 cannot vote, they make up 30% of Delhi’s population. Hence, their concerns deserve to be heard by political parties.

Founded in 2013 by Steve Rocha, PRATYeK has dedicated the past 11 years to advocating for the rights and welfare of children across India. The manifesto, spanning four pages, highlights the issues that matter most to the children of Delhi and serves as a platform to ensure their voices are heard in urban governance.

Why a Children’s Manifesto?

Election manifestos typically center around infrastructure, the economy, and governance, often sidelining children's needs. PRATYeK recognized this gap and mobilized 200 children from 17 NGOs and 10 schools to shape a vision for a child-friendly Delhi. Through a two-day consultation involving experts in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and child protection, these young voices outlined their aspirations and concerns. Their core message is clear: a Delhi fit for children is a Delhi fit for all.

Children from the following NGOs shared their thoughts and aspirations on what they would like to see included in the manifesto: Kamalam Charitable Trust (KCT), Janpahal, Deepti Ashram, Deepshika, Prabhatara Institute of Social Service, CEVA, Disha Kendra Outreach, World Vision India, Yellow Streets, Jamghat, Thanal, Pahal, ASOJ, Delhi Thaiba Heritage, Navjyoti India Foundation, and Jan Vikas Kendra.

Prioritizing the ‘Last Child’

The Delhi Children’s Manifesto 2025 emphasizes the struggles of the most vulnerable children—those facing poverty, child labor, homelessness, and a lack of essential resources. Inspired by the UN’s “Leave No One Behind” principle, it urges policymakers to gauge Delhi’s progress not by its wealthiest citizens but by how well it uplifts its most disadvantaged children.

Key Demands of the Manifesto

The manifesto presents a comprehensive list of child-centric policies, urging political parties to integrate them into their agendas. The key demands include:

1. Education & Schools

• Upgrade classrooms, libraries, and washrooms to ensure a conducive learning environment.
• Introduce life skills, mental health awareness, and digital literacy in curricula.
• End rote learning by training teachers in application-based teaching methods.
• Support remedial classes to help struggling students catch up academically.

2. Health & Nutrition

• Expand Mohalla clinics to include pediatric services and essential medicines.
• Provide mental health counsellors in schools to address psychological well-being.
• Ensure nutritious mid-day meals, including eggs and fortified grains, to combat malnutrition.

3. Safety & Protection

• Appoint child protection officers in schools to safeguard students from abuse.
• Increase police patrolling, install streetlights, and enhance CCTV surveillance for safety.
• Conduct self-defence and cyber safety workshops to equip children with protective skills.
• Strengthen anti-trafficking and child protection laws for better enforcement.

4. Environment & Infrastructure

• Keep schools open during poor air quality days with air purifiers and masks.
• Clean the Yamuna River and curb industrial pollution for a healthier city.
• Expand cycling tracks and pedestrian pathways to promote sustainable mobility.
• Build and maintain safe playgrounds and sports facilities for recreational activities.

5. Housing & Basic Needs

• Provide shelters for homeless children, ensuring food, education, and healthcare.
• Improve access to clean drinking water and public toilets in underserved areas.
• Support marginalized children with affordable internet access and digital devices for learning.

A Call to Action

The Delhi Children’s Manifesto is not merely a wish list; it is a blueprint for meaningful change. PRATYeK and the children behind this initiative are urging political leaders to listen, engage, and act on these recommendations. As election results are announced on February 8, 2025, the true test will be whether Delhi’s leaders recognize that investing in children is synonymous with investing in the city’s future.

Delhi’s children have spoken. The question remains: will the politicians listen?

By Steve Antao