The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is organizing a National Award Ceremony to felicitate the winners of the Model Youth Gram Sabha initiative. This step reflects the government’s commitment to promoting youth participation in grassroots governance.
About Model Youth Gram Sabha
The Model Youth Gram Sabha is a simulated platform for school students where they participate in mock sessions of a Gram Sabha. It is inspired by the concept of Model United Nations, which is widely used in schools as an educational simulation of global governance.
This initiative aims to provide practical exposure to democratic functioning at the village level.
Purpose of the Initiative
The primary objective of the Model Youth Gram Sabha is to strengthen Janbhagidari (people’s participation) and promote participatory local governance.
It also aims to:
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Develop civic awareness among students
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Encourage active involvement in democratic processes
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Build understanding of Panchayati Raj Institutions
Implementation
The programme is being implemented across more than 1,000 schools in India, including:
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Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas
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Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs)
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Various State Government schools
This wide coverage ensures inclusive participation of students from diverse backgrounds.
Key Features
Students from Classes 9 to 12 actively participate in the programme by assuming different roles such as:
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Sarpanch
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Ward members
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Village-level officials (e.g., Village Secretary, Anganwadi Worker)
They conduct mock Gram Sabha meetings, where they:
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Discuss local governance issues
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Prepare village budgets
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Design development plans
This hands-on approach helps students understand the real functioning of local self-government.
Financial Support
To support the effective conduct of the programme, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj provides financial assistance of ₹20,000 per school.
This funding helps schools organize structured and meaningful simulation sessions.