Makkala Grama Sabhas to resume in rural Karnataka on Children’s Day
The assemblies will allow children to discuss programme delivery with local officials and authorities across the state.
Children’s Village Assemblies, known as Makkala Grama Sabhas (MGSs), will be reactivated in rural local bodies across Karnataka on Children’s Day, according to The Hindu. These assemblies allow children to identify flaws in programmes intended for their benefit by discussing issues with gram panchayat officials, school leaders, police, health workers, and the School Development and Monitoring Committee president.
The current cycle of meetings is scheduled to take place between November 14 and January 24. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Makkala Grama Sabhas being formally mandated by the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, as well as 20 years since the state passed the order to conduct them.
Data from the digital governance platform ‘Panchatantra’ shows that the percentage of MGS meetings conducted by gram panchayats rose from 54 per cent in 2024-2025 to 74.6 per cent the following year. Districts including Shivamogga, Ballari, Bengaluru South, and Chickballapur recorded the highest number of meetings, while Mysuru, Bengaluru, and Hassan recorded the lowest.
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Eshwar B. Khandre directed all gram panchayats on November 4, 2026, to hold these meetings to raise awareness regarding child rights, nutrition, hygiene, health, education, and environmental protection.
Children’s rights advocate Kavita Ratna said that for the assemblies to meet their objectives, the government must uphold children's best interests, ensure safe participation for underserved sections, and provide local governments with the necessary mandate, funds, and functionaries.