Delhi CM Rekha highlights role of youth in nation-building at Youth Parliament

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday highlighted the vital role of young people in shaping the nation’s future during her interaction with students at the Youth Parliament organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). At the event, Gupta also invited suggestions from students for the upcoming Delhi budget, which is set to be presented later this month.

Gupta, who was the chief guest on the second day of the three-day event at the NDMC Convention Centre, praised the leadership demonstrated by young women at the Girl’s Parliament session. “It was heartening to be present among the women students from Delhi University and ABVP. Students from all over the country participated in the Youth Parliament and I also asked for their suggestions for our upcoming budget,” she said.

On social media platform X, the CM wrote, “Attended the Girl’s Parliament organised by @ABVPVoice at NDMC Convention Centre, where I had the opportunity to hear the dreams, ideas and resolutions of the new generation. Seeing young women actively participating and leading discussions was a moment of pride. Their energy, confidence and determination are the pillars of our nation’s bright future.”

The Student Parliament, saw 300 female student representatives participate. They were selected based on a survey of over 38,000 students. The discussions focused on issues such as education, security, health, self-reliance and leadership development. The event also featured dignitaries such as National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, National Book Trust Chairman Prof Milind Marathe and Supreme Court advocate Monika Arora.

Students put forward several key demands, including expanding hostel facilities for female students in higher education, introducing scholarships for rural students and incorporating the contributions of women warriors, scientists, athletes and leaders into academic curricula. They also called for grants for female researchers, the installation of sanitary napkin vending machines, the establishment of pink toilets, monitoring of the Nirbhaya Fund and self-defence training programs in educational institutions.

CM Rekha Gupta praised ABVP for fostering leadership among students. “The Vidyarthi Parishad is not just a student organisation; it is a school for leadership. This platform has guided me from holding a lamp to lighting it. ABVP has played a key role in nurturing leadership among female students and in the future hundreds of Rekha Guptas will emerge from this organisation,” she said.

ABVP’s National General Secretary, Dr Virendra Singh Solanki, announced at the end of the Student Parliament, a formal demand letter would be submitted to the government. “This Parliament is not just a platform for discussion but a historic initiative to address grassroots problems faced by female students and ensure their participation in policymaking,” he said. He added on March 11, ABVP would host the Northeast Student Parliament, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah would engage with student representatives on education, culture and regional development.