Model Youth Grama Sabha in Mangaluru Fosters Civic Engagement Among Students
A Model Youth Grama Sabha (MYGS) was successfully conducted at the Government High School in Badaga Yekkar, Mangaluru, on Wednesday. This initiative was organized under the guidance of the state government's Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, in collaboration with the State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (SIRDPR) from Mysuru.
The programme was designed to provide students with a hands-on understanding of the structure and purpose of grama sabha meetings. By learning the processes in a school setting and engaging in a simulated session, participants gained practical insights into local governance mechanisms.
Objectives and Benefits of the Youth Grama Sabha
The primary aim of the MYGS was to cultivate decision-making abilities, leadership qualities, communication skills, and the confidence to raise questions in public forums among the youth. According to Sudeep Amin, the School Development Committee President, this initiative seeks to create awareness about the importance of village meetings, introduce students to the functioning of local self-governing institutions, and strengthen democratic values from an early age.
During the session, students enacted various key roles typically seen in village-level governance. These included positions such as president, vice-president, panchayat members, panchayat development officer, social justice committee president, secretary, school development committee president, anganwadi worker, community health officer, and headmasters of primary and secondary schools.
Simulated Meeting Procedures and Discussions
The simulated grama sabha followed standard meeting procedures, demonstrating how issues are raised, discussed, and addressed in real-life scenarios. Several rural development topics were brought to the forefront during the discussions.
- An Anganwadi worker proposed the establishment of a kitchen garden near the anganwadi to enhance children's nutrition. The panchayat development officer suggested forming this garden collectively through the child development committee, with saplings to be purchased within panchayat limits.
- A farmer representative sought clarity on seed availability for legume sowing ahead of the monsoon season. The agriculture officer assured that seeds would be distributed to farmer contact centers across the taluk by the following week.
- A widow raised concerns about a pending pension issue. The village administration officer advised her to submit the necessary documents to the office for prompt action.
In addition to these specific cases, students actively spoke on broader issues impacting rural communities. Topics included drinking water accessibility, road infrastructure, cleanliness initiatives, education quality, healthcare services, environmental protection measures, and youth empowerment strategies.
This Model Youth Grama Sabha not only provided an educational platform but also inspired young minds to actively participate in grassroots democracy, paving the way for more informed and engaged future citizens.
