Answer

Introduction

Launched in 2025, the Model Youth Gram Sabha familiarises students with local self-governance through simulated Gram Sabha sessions. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, fostering leadership, participation, and accountability among youth.

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How the Initiative Strengthens Grassroots Democracy

• Democratising Awareness at the Local Level: Early exposure to Panchayati Raj builds student awareness and long-term commitment to local governance.
• Building Future Local Leaders: Participation develops leadership, negotiation, and consensus-building skills essential for future panchayat representatives.
  Eg: Students role-playing as Sarpanch or ward members experience governance challenges firsthand.
• Bridging the Urban–Rural Governance Gap: By involving both rural and semi-urban schools, the initiative cultivates equal respect for grassroots institutions alongside national ones.
  Eg: Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Eklavya schools across 28 States are part of Phase 1 rollout.
• Embedding Accountability and Transparency Values: Exposure to local budgets builds fiscal responsibility and participatory governance awareness.
  Eg: Students reviewing “mock” budgets reflect democratic accountability practices.
• Institutionalising Participatory Democracy: Including Gram Sabha activities in lessons builds early democratic habits, with Phase 2 expanding to all State-run schools nationwide.

How the Initiative Strengthens Civic Participation in India

• Transforming Students into Active Citizens: By practising deliberation, voting, and collective decision-making, youth develop a sense of civic ownership and responsibility.
• Making Democracy Aspirational: The initiative redefines civic participation as an honourable pursuit, inspiring youth to aspire for leadership roles in governance.
  Eg: Recognition through prizes and certificates motivates participation in governance-related activities.
• Promoting Inclusion and Gender Sensitivity: Simulations encourage participation from all sections, especially girls and marginalised groups, nurturing inclusive democratic values.
• Cultivating Informed and Responsible Citizenship: Exposure to grassroots deliberation helps youth distinguish between populism and genuine governance needs.
  Eg: Students analysing local health or education issues learn evidence-based decision-making.
• Strengthening the Democratic Ethos: When civic participation begins early, it creates citizens who see governance as a shared duty, not just a government function.
  Eg: “Model Gram Sabha” alumni are more likely to participate in actual Gram Sabhas and elections in adulthood.

Conclusion

The Model Youth Gram Sabha turns classrooms into hubs of participatory democracy, fostering civic pride and responsibility from an early age. It nurtures informed and empathetic citizens, strengthening grassroots governance. This investment in democratic culture ensures future leaders rise from India’s villages, not just its power centres.

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