Vote for child rights in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Elections

Dear Mumbaikar,

Thank you for your commitment to CRY in the year gone by. Your support along with our partner NGOs and grassroots communities enabled us to permanently change the lives of more than 220,000 children across 18 states in India. In 2007, we once again appeal to each of you residing in this city of Mumbai for your continued partnership to bring about radical and irreversible change in the lives of children.

The situation of children in Mumbai is grim:

• 57% of children under 6 years of age live in slums
• There are only 898 girls for every 1000 boys in age group 0-6, less than the national average of 927 girls
• There are only 164 general dispensaries across Mumbai (one for every 50,000 population)
• There is a 6% drop in BMC aided schools since 1995 when population has seen a rise 
• There are only 54 BMC run secondary schools catering to 0.6 lakh children - a fraction compared to the requirement.

To restore to children their basic rights to - survival, participation, development and protection, CRY with its 28 years of working with and for children has formulated a charter of demands - 'Child Rights First'. This charter seeks to resolve the root causes of that constraints the rights of children, providing long lasting solutions such as a greater number of quality government schools, playgrounds, public health services and work for parents, thus preventing them to send their children to work.

We understand the inability of children in demanding their rights from the government. We also realize that you have the power to bring about change with one vote.  In the 2007 BMC elections, we urge you to join hands with us, to ask our representatives to make 'Child Rights First' their election agenda and motto.

We ask you to speak up in the name of these voiceless and vulnerable children, and to bring a permanent change in their lives with the help of your vote.

We believe that by restoring to children their rights, we can restore to them their childhood. If you believe in it, share it with a candidate of your choice. SMS 'CRY Vote' to 8558 or email to webinfo@crymail.org, so that we can send these demands to the newly elected council. To learn more, contact Farida at 23096845.

Act on what you believe is Right.

Best regards,

Irwin Fernandes
Director - West
Child Rights and You  

You can print this charter, sign it and demand the following non-negotiables from incoming representatives in Mumbai's municipality. To make a permanent change in the lives of children in Mumbai:

Child Rights First Charter

• I believe, it is every child's right to be in school providing quality education, close to her/his home. Hence, I demand that the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) open adequate number of schools in Mumbai to provide for it's 34 lakh children.
• I believe that no child should be malnourished. Adequate nutrition, food and access to quality health services are a must for all. Hence, I demand that the State open new, fully-equipped and efficiently run public health clinics, hospitals and Public Distribution Systems (PDS) or ration shops.
• I believe that no child should perform any kind of work to earn a living. Hence, I demand complete prohibition of child labour in all places and adequate support by the government to ensure their rehabilitation.
• I believe that play and recreation is the birthright of every child. Hence, I demand more open public spaces and playgrounds for the children of Mumbai.
• I believe no child should have to live on the streets, in unhygienic conditions without access to water and electricity. Hence, I demand the state in its infrastructure plan incorporate low cost housing options for children and their parents.
• I believe when parents are empowered with rights, they can ensure for their children, the basics of existences. I demand that the State initiates an urban Employment Generation Scheme for the jobless adults in Mumbai.