In a groundbreaking initiative, students across India are stepping into the shoes of village leaders, assuming the role of "Sarpanch" in model Gram Sabhas. This innovative approach aims to demonstrate how the youth can actively participate in and shape the future of rural India.
The Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) is inspired by Model UN simulations and designed to bring the spirit of grassroots democracy into schools. Through these mock Gram Sabhas, students from Classes 9 to 12 role-play various governance positions, engaging in discussions about village issues, preparing budgets, and formulating development plans. This experiential learning allows them to grasp the essence of the Panchayati Raj system.
The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and the Aspirational Bharat Collaborative, seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical civic education and practical governance. For many students, civics lessons primarily focus on the Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, or international forums, with limited exposure to the Panchayati Raj system. The MYGS aims to correct this by making civic engagement an experiential process, nurturing a generation that views governance not as an abstract concept but as a lived responsibility.
The MYGS focuses on developing essential civic and leadership skills, such as public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork, and consensus-building. It also nurtures values of inclusion, accountability, and transparency, engaging youth in deliberating real community issues and building informed, responsible, and proactive citizens who contribute meaningfully to democratic and developmental processes.
The initiative is being rolled out in phases, starting with Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs). These schools already possess strong academic and extracurricular systems, providing a solid foundation for the initiative. Each participating school receives ₹20,000 to facilitate the mock Gram Sabhas, covering arrangements, materials, and event management.
The Gram Sabha, as enshrined in Article 243A of the Constitution, represents every registered voter in a village, empowering them to deliberate on budgets, plans, and governance priorities. The MYGS aims to revitalize this cornerstone of India's Panchayati Raj system by encouraging youth participation and fostering a sense of ownership in local governance.
One prime example of youth leadership transforming rural landscapes is Tania Parveen, the Sarpanch of Siswa Purvi Panchayat in Bihar. Parveen, an engineering graduate, left her government job to lead her village, transforming it from a backward area into a model gram panchayat. Her focus on health, employment, education, and women's empowerment has led to significant improvements in the village.
The Model Youth Gram Sabha embodies the next phase of India's democratic evolution, shifting from representation to active participation. By institutionalizing MYGS across states and union territories, the government is embedding participatory governance within the Panchayati Raj structure. This empowers youth to experience real governance processes like village budgeting and development planning and ensures that democracy remains vibrant, inclusive, and self-sustaining.
The success of initiatives like MYGS hinges on reconnecting youth with local democracy, making it engaging, relatable, and aspirational. By simulating real Gram Sabha sessions and enabling students to role-play as village leaders, India is nurturing a generation of informed, responsible, and proactive citizens who are ready to shape the future of rural India.
