Why in the news?

  • The Union government launched the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) initiative along with a Training Module and the MYGS Portal in New Delhi. 

Model Youth Gram Sabha Initiative

  • Aim: To strengthen Janbhagidari (people’s participation) and foster grassroots democracy through youth engagement. It simulates Gram Sabha sessions to give students practical experience in deliberative decision-making and local governance.
  • Jointly Implemented by
    •  Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR)
    • Ministry of Education (MoE)
    • Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA)
  • Objectives
    • Promote participatory local governance among the youth.
    • Inculcate democratic values, civic responsibility, and leadership qualities.
    • Align with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals of experiential learning and citizenship education.
    • Encourage youth commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development, resonating with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
  • Scope and Coverage
    • To be implemented in over 1,000 schools across India.
    • Includes:
      • Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs)
      • Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs)
      • State Government Schools
  • Significance
    • Acts as a training ground for democratic participation at the grassroots level.
    • Builds awareness about Gram Sabha functions, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and local development planning.
    • Encourages youth-led community problem-solving and fosters inclusive governance.
    • Strengthens the link between education and citizenship, promoting Atmanirbhar and participatory villages.