In the tribal village of Bhilaipada, located in the Nandurbar district, the Bhil community maintains a lifestyle deeply rooted in seasonal farming and daily labour. Governed by the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), this community faces challenges exacerbated by their remote location and migratory way of life.
During a recent meeting of the Village Child Protection Committee (VCPC), a significant issue came to light: parents were struggling to access government schemes for their children. As discussions unfolded, it became evident that many families could not apply for these essential benefits due to a critical missing document—a birth certificate.
In Bhilaipada, where seasonal migration is common, many children are born outside the village, often in Gujarat, where families travel for work during the sugarcane harvesting season. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware of the importance of birth registration. Consequently, they return home without taking the necessary steps to obtain a birth certificate. Even those who attempt to register their children’s births at the gram panchayat often encounter delays caused by inefficiencies or corruption in the system, further complicating their efforts.
For the community, the gram panchayat office in Pimpri seemed impossibly distant, and the bureaucratic processes overwhelming. “Why bother when no one explains how this helps?” was the common sentiment. The true cost of this inaction became evident over time: children unable to attend school, families unable to access Anganwadi benefits, families and children at risk of being excluded from government welfare schemes.
The VCPC meeting became a turning point. As parents opened up about the lack of birth certificates, the facilitator and the committee members realized the scale of the issue. This was more than a few isolated cases; it was a systemic problem. Determined to address it, they decided to investigate further.
The first step was to gather accurate data. The facilitator, alongside the Anganwadi worker, schoolteacher, and a School Management Committee member, conducted house-to-house visits to identify children without birth certificates. This collaborative effort built trust within the community. Initially, they identified 20 cases, but as awareness spread, the number quickly grew to 50.
To address the growing concern, the VCPC organized a community meeting at the village school. Parents were informed about the significance of birth registration and how it could unlock access to education, healthcare, and government welfare schemes for their children. For many, it was a moment of realization—they finally understood the importance of this document.
The VCPC then tackled the complex administrative process. With the support of the field team, they secured a meeting with the Tehsildar, who clarified the necessary steps. The gram sevak had to record each child’s birth before the process could proceed. However, challenges arose: the gram sevak was burdened with election duties, and frequent staff transfers repeatedly stalled progress.
Despite these hurdles, the VCPC has remained steadfast in its efforts. They have not only mobilized the community but have also started exploring legal aid to streamline the process and reduce dependence on slow-moving administrative channels.
Through its dedication, the VCPC has transformed the issue of birth registration into a shared community goal. Families now understand the value of birth certificates and their role in securing a brighter future for their children. While the journey is far from over, the village is making strides toward ensuring that every child’s birth is registered, granting them access to education, health, and opportunities for a better life.
