Sun Nov 02 19:18:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by its rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

The article highlights the importance of Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) as the foundation of Indian democracy, empowered by the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992. Despite their potential, participation in Gram Sabhas remains low, largely due to the lack of focus on Panchayati Raj institutions in the educational curriculum. To address this, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with other ministries and the Aspirational Bharat Collaborative, launched the Model Youth Gram Sabha in 2025. This initiative simulates real Gram Sabha processes in schools, aiming to cultivate local governance knowledge and make democratic participation more engaging for students. The program is being rolled out in phases, starting with over 1,000 schools across India and includes teacher training and incentives for participation. The goal is to foster active citizen participation, nurture civic pride and local leadership, and make democracy a lived culture for the youth of India.

News Article:

Model Youth Gram Sabha Program Aims to Revitalize Grassroots Democracy in India

NEW DELHI, November 3, 2025 – In an effort to strengthen grassroots democracy and foster civic engagement among youth, the Indian government has launched the “Model Youth Gram Sabha” program. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the Ministries of Education, Tribal Welfare, and the Aspirational Bharat Collaborative, aims to introduce students to the workings and significance of Gram Sabhas, the constitutional cornerstones of village-level governance.

Gram Sabhas, established by the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992, empower every registered voter in a village to participate in decisions regarding budgets, development plans, and governance priorities. However, despite their crucial role, participation rates remain low, largely due to a lack of awareness and education about Panchayati Raj institutions.

The Model Youth Gram Sabha program seeks to bridge this gap by simulating real Gram Sabha processes in schools. Students will take on roles such as Sarpanch, ward members, health workers, and engineers, engaging in discussions about village budgets and development plans. The program includes teacher training and incentives to encourage active participation.

“We want to transform the Gram Sabha from a distant administrative concept into a living democratic experience for our youth,” stated a spokesperson for the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. “By embedding Gram Sabha simulations into the school curriculum, we can empower rural youth, women, and farmers to lead at the grassroots level, shaping development and democracy.”

Phase 1 of the program is being rolled out in over 1,000 schools across 28 States and eight Union Territories, including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and select Zilla Parishad schools. Pilot programs at schools in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have already demonstrated the program’s potential to engage students and foster a deeper understanding of local governance.

“Active citizen participation is not just a right but a responsibility,” the spokesperson added. “We believe that the Model Youth Gram Sabha program will nurture civic pride and local leadership, empowering the next generation to build a truly participatory and self-reliant India.”

The initiative is expected to expand to all State-run schools in Phase 2, further solidifying its impact on civic education and grassroots democracy across the nation.

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