Institutional Distinctiveness
Fostering Democratic Values: A Reflection on the Joint Efforts of IQAC, Department of Law, and Department of Public Administration at Govt. J.Y Chhattisgarh College through the Youth Parliament Initiative
Introduction:
Students from all over the State with diverse backgrounds come to study at the Institution. Including Law, Social Science, Commerce, PGDCA, and DBM this is one of the institutions of the state where all the disciplines are taught. The institution is committed to making its students responsible citizens with knowledge of the Indian system of governance and parliamentary democracy andthe burning public issues. In pursuit of nurturing democratic values and civic engagement among students, Govt J.Y Chhattisgarh College embarked on a transformative journey through the organisation of the Youth Parliament/Yuva Sansad initiative. The live functioning of Parliament has not only provided a platform for students to voice their opinions but also instilled a deeper understanding of parliamentary procedures and democratic principles. This was a leap towards celebrating diversity and emphasising the importance of inclusivity.Spanning over several years, this initiative stands as a testament to the institutional commitment to providing holistic education and democratic ideals.
Establishment of the Youth Parliament Initiative:
The inception of the Youth Parliament initiative was rooted in the collective vision of IQAC, the Department of Law, and the Department of Public Administration. Recognising the importance of experiential learning and active citizenship, these Departments came together to create a platform where students could engage in parliamentary debates, simulate legislative processes, and develop critical thinking and communication skills. With the support of the college administration, faculty members, and student volunteers, the Youth Parliament initiative was launched in 2014 to foster a culture of democratic participation and responsible governance among the student body.
Objectives and Structure:
The overarching objectives of the Youth Parliament initiative were multifaceted. Firstly, it aimed to provide students with practical exposure to parliamentary procedures and legislative frameworks. Secondly, it sought to promote democratic values such as tolerance, respect for diverse opinions, and consensus-building. Thirdly, it aimed to make students discuss public issues and form their opinions. Fourthly, it sought to enhance students' research, analytical, and public speaking abilities. To achieve these objectives, the initiative was structured around a series of preparatory workshops, parliamentary sessions, and post-session evaluations.
Preparatory Phase:
The preparatory phase of the Youth Parliament initiative involved organising workshops and rigorous training sessions to familiarise students with parliamentary rules, procedures, and etiquette. Faculty members from the Departments of Law and Public Administration played a crucial role in delivering lectures on topics such as the structure of the parliament, the role of various stakeholders, and the art of persuasive communication.The process of ‘Lawmaking’ and ‘Budget making’ procedures was also briefed. Additionally, mock parliamentary debates and model sessions were conducted to provide students with hands-on experience and build their confidence.
Parliamentary Sessions:
The highlight of the Youth Parliament initiative was the parliamentary sessions where students assumed the roles of parliamentarians, ministers, and opposition members.The Parliamentary procedures and practices were followed corresponding to the practices and procedures followed in the Lok Sabha. The layout of the Parliament resembled the Chamber of Lok Sabha.Like the practice obtained in Lok Sabha, the session started with the arrivalof the Speaker only after the confirmation of the desired quorum in the House. Generally, the following items were included in the List of Business of Youth Parliament:
• Oath
• Obituary Reference
• Questions
• Adjournment Motion
• Zero Hour
• Questions involving a Breach of Privilege
• Papers to be laid on the Table
• Calling Attention Notice
• Legislative Business
• Private Members Bill and Resolution
• Short Duration Discussion
• Motion of No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers.
Guided by a set agenda and parliamentary protocols, students deliberated on a wide range of socio-political issues, proposed legislation, and engaged in constructive debates. These sessions not only showcased students' talents in understandingIndian governance and policy-making but also encouraged them to critically analyse complex issues from multiple perspectives.
Key Themes and Discussions:
Over the years, the Youth Parliament initiative explored a wide array of themes and topics of contemporary relevance. From education reform and environmental sustainability to social justice and youth empowerment, students deliberated on issues that resonated with national and global concerns. The diversity of topics ensured that participants were exposed to a broad spectrum of policy challenges and were encouraged to propose innovative solutions grounded in evidence-based research and ethical considerations.
Impact and Outcomes:
The impact of the Youth Parliament initiative extended beyond the confines of academic learning. Participants reported significant improvements in their communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and leadership qualities. Moreover, the initiative facilitated meaningful interactions between students from diverse academic backgrounds, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. Through their active engagement in parliamentary debates, students developed a deeper appreciation for democratic principles and the importance of civic engagement in shaping a just and equitable society.This activity is student-centric, to assure public participation in the administration. This persuades the students to understand the common man’s point of view and express it in an articulated manner.
Challenges and Future Directions:
Despite its successes, the Youth Parliament initiative faced certain challenges, including logistical constraints, scheduling conflicts, and the need for continuous capacity-building efforts. However, these challenges were mitigated through proactive planning, stakeholder engagement, and feedback-driven improvements. Looking ahead, the organisers envision expanding the scope and reach of the initiative by incorporating innovative formats such as virtual parliamentary sessions, thematic committees, and intercollegiate competitions. Furthermore, efforts will be made to institutionalise the Youth Parliament initiative as a regular feature of the institutional academic calendar, ensuring its sustainability and long-term impact.
Conclusion:
The Youth Parliament initiative, jointly organised by IQAC, the Department of Law, and the Department of Public Administration at Govt. J.Y Chhattisgarh College, has emerged as a beacon of democratic engagement and participatory governance. Through its inclusive and participatory approach, the initiative has empowered students to become informed and responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to the socio-political discourse. As the college continues its journey towards excellence in education and civic leadership, the Youth Parliament initiative will remain a cornerstone of its commitment to nurturing democratic values and fostering active citizenship among the youth.