‘Model Youth Gram Sabha’ (MYGS) Initiative

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Polity & Governance

Why in news?

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) on 30th October 2025 in New Delhi.

MYGS – It is first of its kind initiative to promote participatory local governance by engaging students in simulated Gram Sabha sessions.
Launched by – Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with Ministry of Education and Tribal Affairs.
Implementation – In a phased manner, across more than 1,000 schools nationwide,
- Including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), and
- State Government Schools (Maharashtra & Karnataka volunteered to participate).
Aligned with – National Education Policy 2020 and the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Features –

Student-led exercise – It is a school-based programme where students will stage mock Gram Sabha sessions, much like the popular Model United Nations or youth parliaments.
Participants – The students in grades 9 to 12 will act as sarpanch, ward members, and villagers, debating issues and passing resolutions on matters that affect community life.
Other initiatives – A dedicated Training Module and the MYGS Portal to facilitate effective implementation of the initiative.
Scope – If successful, the programme could be scaled up nationwide, making the Gram Sabha as familiar to students like the Parliament Sessions on television.

India has about 2.68 lakh Gram Panchayats or Gram Sabhas, while the total number of villages is much higher at around 6.65 lakh.

Significance – It would act as a potent incubator for future leadership, imparting essential skills and a strong ethical foundation that goes beyond textbooks.

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