Punjab Govt to launch mock Vidhan Sabha sessions in schools to raise political awareness among students

In a move to nurture civic awareness among youth, the state government is set to introduce mock Vidhan Sabha sessions in government schools. The initiative, aimed at fostering political understanding and democratic values in students, was announced by Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan during a state-level online meeting with district education officers, held at the NIC Video Conference Hall in Faridkot.

Under this initiative, one student from each Vidhan Sabha constituency will be selected to participate in a simulated Assembly session that mirrors the functioning of the state legislature. In this mock Vidhan Sabha, students will assume various key roles, including the CM, ministers, MLAs, the leader of the opposition, and members of the treasury bench. Through these roles, they will engage in structured debates, discussions, and legislative procedures to gain a hands-on understanding of how governance works, how laws are framed, and how the state’s budget is managed, said Sandhwan.

He emphasised that the programme aims to develop political consciousness among students and help them understand the responsibilities of public representatives. “When children gain awareness of how politics and governance function, they grow into responsible citizens who can make informed choices in a democracy,” he said.

He further highlighted that this step is part of a broader effort by the government to transform government schools into models of quality education that can compete with private institutions. The reforms include upgrading school infrastructure, converting existing schools into smart schools, filling vacant teaching posts, and ensuring access to high-quality education for every child.

To strengthen teaching standards, directives have been issued to organise training camps to familiarise teachers with the latest educational technology and teaching methods. The Speaker noted that around 2,400-2,500 government school students have already visited the Punjab Vidhan Sabha to witness legislative proceedings first-hand.

Officials attending the meeting were instructed to ensure the effective implementation of these initiatives at the grassroots level, so that every student in Punjab can not only receive a strong academic foundation but also develop a keen understanding of democratic values and political participation.