Model Youth Gram Sabha Initiative Launched

The Government of India has launched the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) Initiative to promote grassroots democracy and civic learning among school students. The initiative is a joint effort of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Ministry of Education (Department of School Education & Literacy), and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It was officially launched on 30 October 2025 in New Delhi.

Objective

• To educate and engage youth in the functioning of Gram Sabhas — the cornerstone of India’s Panchayati Raj system.

• To instil democratic values, leadership qualities, and decision-making skills in students.

• To connect classroom learning with real-world governance and participatory democracy.

Key Features

• Simulation of Gram Sabha:
  Students conduct a mock Gram Sabha meeting, taking roles such as Sarpanch, Ward Members, Secretary, and Villagers.

• Target Group:
  Initially rolled out in 1,000+ schools, including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).

• Implementation Partners:
  Supported by NCERT and State Education Departments for training and material development.

• Digital Resources:
  A dedicated online training module and portal created for teachers and students to organize and record their mock Gram Sabhas.

• Hands-on Civic Learning:
  Students identify and discuss local developmental issues, such as sanitation, education, or waste management, and propose actionable solutions.

Significance

• Promotes youth participation in governance and awareness of local democratic processes.

• Strengthens citizenship education, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

• Encourages critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Helps create a pipeline of responsible and informed future citizens committed to participatory democracy.

• Empowers students from rural and tribal backgrounds to understand and engage in developmental decision-making.

Associated Ministries

• Ministry of Panchayati Raj – Lead implementing agency.

• Ministry of Education – Academic integration and teacher training.

• Ministry of Tribal Affairs – Inclusion of EMRS and tribal students.

Expected Outcomes

• Greater awareness of Panchayati Raj institutions among students.

• Enhanced leadership and civic responsibility in youth.

• Integration of governance themes into school curricula through experiential learning.

Fact Box

The Model Youth Gram Sabha Initiative bridges classroom learning and real governance, empowering students to experience democracy firsthand and preparing them to become active, informed, and responsible citizens of tomorrow.