Light of Change in Lives of Sanitation Workers: A New Resolve in Kalbelia Settlement of Leelawas, Jhadol

(RKAG team visits Leelawas village, community pledges to adopt family planning, government announces opening of Maa-Badi center, deprived families to be linked with welfare schemes)

Udaipur | The Kalbelia settlement in Leelawas village of Jhadol sub-division, which has long contributed to society by collecting waste and ensuring cleanliness, has today emerged as a symbol of new thinking and positive transformation. Traditionally engaged in waste collection and recycling for environmental protection, the community has faced challenges such as food scarcity, malnutrition, illiteracy, and difficulties in treating visually impaired children due to large family sizes. In one instance, a woman gave birth to 17 children, while most families have more than five children—reflecting the depth of the crisis.

In response, the Rajasthan Child Advisory Group (RKAG), a body of experts working for child rights protection in the state, reached the village along with local representatives and officials.

Community Dialogue on Family Planning

RKAG President and social worker Chandragupt Singh Chauhan led a community discussion, stressing that smaller families ensure better health, education, nutrition, and livelihood opportunities. Both men and women were counseled that family planning is not just a responsibility but a guarantee of a brighter future for the coming generations.

Call for Education and Nutrition Facilities

Child rights expert and former member of the Rajasthan State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Dr. Shailendra Pandya, expressed concern that over 100 children from more than 60 families in the settlement were not enrolled in Anganwadi or schools. He urged the administration to ensure immediate enrollment and highlighted the urgent need to establish a Maa-Badi or Anganwadi center in the settlement. Dr. Pandya also sensitized the community about the impact of large families, malnutrition, and poor health.

A Collective Pledge for Change

The initiative bore fruit as the Kalbelia community collectively pledged to limit their families to two children, vowing to build a healthier, educated, and empowered future. This step, while beginning in one settlement, is expected to inspire the entire region, spreading the message that along with cleanliness, education and family planning are vital pillars of a brighter life.

Support and Government Action

The RKAG team not only engaged in counseling but also distributed ration supplies and conducted health check-ups. Five children with visual impairment were identified and will be brought to Maharana Bhupal Hospital, Udaipur, for treatment.

During the visit, the expert group also briefed Rajasthan’s Minister of Tribal Development, Babulal Kharadi, over the phone about the seriousness of the issue. In response, the minister immediately announced the opening of a Maa-Badi center and assured every possible support, while appreciating RKAG’s efforts in remote tribal areas.

Active Participation

The event saw participation from RKAG officials and social workers Pradeep Rawani, Ashok Malviya, Sakharaam Meghwal, Amit Rao, counselor Ranveer Singh Ranawat, Sanjay Mehta, Bansilal Vadera (Jhadol Sarpanch), Dharamchand Kharwad (Leelawas Sarpanch), along with local representatives and officials.