Youth Parliament Sessions Expanded Nationwide to Boost Democratic Participation

The Government of India announced a significant expansion of Youth Parliament sessions across the country, aimed at enhancing democratic awareness and participation among young citizens aged 18 25 years. The initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in collaboration with educational institutions, will establish Youth Parliament programs in over 500 colleges and universities nationwide. The expanded program seeks to provide practical experience in parliamentary procedures, debate, and democratic decision making processes to students from diverse academic backgrounds. Participants will engage in mock parliamentary sessions, discussing contemporary national and international issues while following actual Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha procedures and protocols. The program includes training modules on constitutional principles, legislative processes, public policy formation, and the role of elected representatives in democratic governance. Distinguished parliamentarians, constitutional experts, and academic scholars will serve as mentors and resource persons for various sessions. Special emphasis is being placed on including participants from rural areas, marginalized communities, and regions with limited access to civic education opportunities. The initiative also incorporates digital platforms to enable virtual participation and wider reach, allowing students from remote areas to connect with their peers across the country. Regional and national level competitions will be organized to recognize outstanding participants and their innovative policy proposals. The program aims to develop future political leaders, informed citizens, and advocates for democratic values among India's youth population. Evaluation mechanisms will assess participants' understanding of democratic processes and their capacity to contribute meaningfully to public discourse. The expansion represents a significant investment in civic education and democratic capacity building for the nation's future.