Why in news?
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been promoting the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) programme in schools across India. The initiative simulates Gram Sabha meetings, giving students practical exposure to grassroots democracy and fostering leadership skills. A national competition for MYGS is planned for December 2025, which has generated interest among educators and students.
Background
Gram Sabhas are village assemblies where residents deliberate on local issues and development priorities. Youth participation in these bodies is generally low. To cultivate civic consciousness, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, along with the Department of School Education and Literacy and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, developed the MYGS programme. It targets students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Residential Schools, though other schools may adopt it.
Programme design
- Simulated meetings: Students role‑play as sarpanch (village head), ward members, committee heads, and functionaries such as health workers. They circulate agendas, discuss budgets, debate proposals and vote on resolutions.
- Training and modules: Teachers receive a National Level Master Trainer guide, facilitation modules and evaluation frameworks built on the MLJP principles—Meaning, Learning, Joy and Pride. These resources ensure that sessions are structured and engaging.
- Timeline: Pilot sessions were held in selected schools in early 2025. Regional competitions in October–November 2025 will select teams for the national event in December 2025. Schools receive ₹20,000 to conduct mock sabhas and top performers receive cash awards for school development.
Objectives and benefits
- Educate about Panchayati Raj: Students learn about the three‑tier structure of village, block and district councils created by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
- Encourage participation: By experiencing deliberation and consensus‑building, students become more likely to attend real Gram Sabha meetings and engage with local governance.
- Develop leadership: The programme builds communication, critical thinking and teamwork skills, nurturing future leaders committed to transparency and inclusivity.
- Align with NEP 2020: MYGS supports the National Education Policy’s vision of instilling constitutional values, social responsibility and pride in being Indian.
Outlook
By turning classrooms into microcosms of democracy, the Model Youth Gram Sabha initiative seeks to bridge the gap between India’s large youth population and its local governance structures. Encouraging informed participation today can strengthen the Panchayati Raj system for generations to come.
Source: Press Information Bureau
