National Youth Parliament Program 2.0 Opens to All Citizens Across India, Encouraging Widespread Participation.
New Delhi:
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, has launched the enhanced National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) web portal, dubbed NYPS 2.0. Unlike its previous version, which was limited to students from recognized educational institutions, this upgraded platform now offers an open invitation for citizens across the country to participate, regardless of their economic background, gender, caste, creed, religion, or region.
A Broadening of Participation
The NYPS 2.0 aims to make the Youth Parliament Program more inclusive by allowing three main avenues for participation:
1. Institution Participation: Educational institutions across India are encouraged to organize Youth Parliament sittings as per the guidelines on the new portal. Students from classes VI to XII can participate under the “Kishore Sabha” sub-category, while undergraduate and postgraduate students can join the “Tarun Sabha” sub-category.
2. Group Participation: Groups of citizens can also participate by organizing Youth Parliament sittings according to the portal’s guidelines.
3. Individual Participation: Citizens interested in participating individually can do so by taking a quiz focused on the theme ‘Bharatiya Democracy in Action’.
Efforts to Boost Engagement
The Ministry has actively promoted the upgraded NYPS 2.0 through various channels. Key stakeholders, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and universities, have been encouraged to engage with the program. These efforts include Prize Distribution Functions and Orientation Courses associated with national-level Youth Parliament Competitions. The Ministry has also reached out to Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, as well as Legislative Assemblies and Councils, urging them to amplify participation in the program via the NYPS web portal.
Objective: Strengthening Democracy and Encouraging Civic Awareness
The overarching goal of the National Youth Parliament Program is to foster a deeper understanding of democratic values and government functioning. Through active participation, the program seeks to instill discipline, tolerance for diverse viewpoints, and knowledge of parliamentary practices among India’s youth and citizens. This initiative aligns with the broader aim of promoting Constitutional values and encouraging democratic living across the nation.
Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Information and Broadcasting, highlighted these developments in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on March 10, 2025.
