Why in news?
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Department of School Education have jointly launched a Model Youth Gram Sabha initiative. The programme will simulate Gram Sabha proceedings in over 1,000 schools to teach children about grassroots democracy, civic duties and local development planning.
Background
Under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992), India established a three‑tier Panchayati Raj system to decentralise power. Article 243A created the Gram Sabha — a village assembly comprising all adult voters in a panchayat area. Gram Sabhas meet at least twice a year to discuss local issues, approve budgets, select beneficiaries and hold elected representatives accountable. Participation of women, youth and marginalised groups remains a challenge, so several states encourage mock sessions and training to build confidence.
The model initiative
- Simulation in schools: School children will enact the roles of panchayat members, sarpanch (village head), government officials and citizens. They will discuss topics such as sanitation, water supply, nutrition and education.
- Training modules: Teachers will be trained using an online portal with lesson plans, videos and case studies. Students will learn about the rights and duties of Gram Sabha members.
- Link with NEP 2020: The National Education Policy emphasises experiential learning and civic education. The programme aligns with this by providing hands‑on experience in deliberation, consensus building and public speaking.
- Building inclusivity: The model encourages participation of girls, tribal students and children with disabilities. Discussions will highlight the importance of gender equality and social justice.
Why it matters
By exposing students to the functioning of the Gram Sabha, the initiative aims to nurture informed and responsible citizens. It helps demystify local governance and empowers young people to participate in decision‑making. Over time, this may lead to more vibrant and inclusive Gram Sabhas in villages, improving delivery of schemes and accountability.
Sources: PIB release on Model Youth Gram Sabha · Participedia entry on Gram Sabha