The Village Child Protection Committee (VCPC) in Rambhadeipur had been actively discussing visible concerns such as substance use, alcoholism, and mobile addiction. However, members struggled to identify other underlying issues affecting children’s safety and well-being.
In June 2024, a community mapping exercise was conducted during a Children’s group (CG) meeting, where children identified several locations in the village where they felt unsafe. They pointed out:
- Areas where alcohol and substance abuse were prevalent, leading to fights and inappropriate language, sometimes directed at passing children.
- Poorly lit spaces, which became dark after sunset, where girls faced sexual comments and harassment.
Through discussions, CG members reflected that functional streetlights could help mitigate some of these risks. While the lack of proper street lighting had always been a concern for the village, it had never been raised formally as a priority issue.
The CG members discussed the matter with the VCPC, which then approached the Panchayat Executive Officer and Financial Operator to escalate the issue. The officials acknowledged the concern and encouraged them to present the issue in the August Gram Sabha. During a joint meeting, while preparing for their Gram Sabha presentation, the CG and VCPC from Rambhadeipur decided to prioritize streetlight installation as a key issue. Notably, this concern was not unique to Rambhadeipur—CGs and CPCs from neighbouring villages, Naranpur and Kulamundilo, also raised similar concerns, as all three villages fell under the same Panchayat.
During the August Gram Sabha, the VCPC and CG members presented their concerns. The Sarpanch responded positively and asked for specific locations where streetlights were most needed. Around this time, the Panchayat had received funds for installing solar streetlights, and with encouragement from the VCPCs, the Sarpanch allocated ₹50,000 in October 2024 for installation.
By January 2025, significant progress was made across the three villages:
- Rambhadeipur: 3 bulbs replaced, 9 new bulbs installed with lamp posts.
- Naranpur: 3 bulbs replaced, 8 new bulbs installed with lamp posts.
- Kulamundilo: 7 bulbs replaced, 4 new bulbs installed with lamp posts.
- Total: 13 bulb replacements and 21 new bulbs installed with lamp posts.
Throughout the installation process, the VCPCs actively monitored the work to ensure that the streetlights were placed in the most critical locations, maximizing their impact on child safety.
The installation of streetlights across Rambhadeipur, Naranpur, and Kulamundilo has ensured that previously dark and dingy stretches are now more safely accessible. Children and women, in particular, have expressed feeling more secure knowing they can now see and be seen in these areas. The effort also demonstrated the power of community-driven advocacy, where children’s concerns—identified through participatory exercises—were transformed into concrete action through collaborative engagement with the Panchayat.
By working together, CGs, VCPCs, and Panchayat officials successfully addressed a long-standing issue, ensuring safer spaces for children and the broader community. This initiative also set a precedent for future child protection efforts, proving that community-led solutions can drive meaningful change when supported by local governance.
