Model Youth Gram Sabha Initiative
01.11.2025
- Model Youth Gram Sabha Initiative
Context
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Tribal Affairs, launched the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) Initiative in New Delhi to foster democratic leadership and participative governance among young students across India.
About the News
Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) is a nationwide, school-based initiative inspired by Model UN simulations, designed to expose students to grassroots democracy by replicating the functioning of Gram Sabhas in classrooms. The program connects education with governance, nurturing students’ civic awareness and leadership potential.
Organization:
- Jointly launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- Supported by Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), and State Government Schools.
Objectives:
- Offer hands-on experience in participatory decision-making through mock Gram Sabha sessions.
- Develop democratic leadership, teamwork, civic responsibility, and awareness of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through experiential and activity-based learning.
- Align with the goals of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, fostering community-oriented, responsible citizens.
Key Features:
- Will be implemented across over 1,000 schools nationwide, targeting mainly students of Classes 9–12.
- Integration of training modules, the MYGS digital portal, certificates, and regional/national competitions.
- Learning by doing: students take on roles of sarpanch, ward members, village officials, and collaboratively prepare village budgets and development plans.
- Expansion to Model Ward Sabhas in urban schools is planned.
Significance:
- Bridges education and governance, encouraging students to be active participants in democracy and grassroots decision-making.
- Strengthens grassroots awareness and transforms students into informed, responsible future leaders, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in making young people active stakeholders in strengthening India’s democracy and fostering a participatory approach to development.