Children ask govt to spend 9% of GDP on health, education

New Delhi, Jan 27 (UNI) A children's initiative ''9-Is-Mine''will be launched on the Martyr's Day, January 30, to remind the government to fulfil its promise made in the National Common Minimum Programme to commit 9 per cent of the GDP to public expenditure on Health and Education.

About 10,000 children, who are part of the 9-Is-Mine campaign, will come together for this event, which will also include a 'Children's Rally Against Poverty' and a procession modeled on the Republic Day Parade which would highlight the Poverty and Exclusion that is experienced by the less visible India.

Cultural Performances by children from across India, and guest artistes, Solidarity messages by child activists, social leaders and media personalities would also mark the campaign. The key representatives of the government would be given the declaration and would be requested to respond to it.

This effort is supported by 'Wada Na Todo Abhiyan' (Keep the Promise Campaign) which is a national coalition of over 900 development and grassroots organisations working to ensure the fulfilment of the Millennium Declaration, the National development Goals and the National Common Minimum Programme.

Wada Na Todo Abhiyan is reaching schools, communities and voluntary groups across 15 states of India to build this initiative into a movement. Representatives of these groups will gather together for a momentous finale of our advocacy for Education and Health on January 30 and submit the '9-Is-Mine' Declaration signed by more than 500,000 children and their supporters to the Government, a month before the announcement of the Union Budget.

The efforts of the children and young people was aimed to ensure that the government meets its promise and secures the future of their generation.

UNI