"You Are the Leader Tomorrow": Student Panchayats in 110 Schools, MP

In Madhya Pradesh, under the central government’s “Model Youth Gram Sabha” scheme, **student panchayats** are being formed in **110 schools**. Students from grades 9 to 12 will run as Sarpanch, Secretary, and Gram Sabha members through a secret ballot election, giving them hands‑on experience in Panchayati Raj processes.

This initiative is starting with **55 Jawahar Navodaya** and **55 Eklavya Model Residential Schools**, where students can file nominations and elections will be held over a month with secret ballot voting. The goal is to increase youth participation in Gram Sabhas and to help students develop skills like argumentation, debate, and problem solving.

No Student Union Elections for 7 Years

In Madhya Pradesh, student union elections have not been held for the past seven years, which deprived students of direct participation in democratic processes. This new initiative aims to prepare future leaders within schools and give them real exposure to democratic procedures.

Formation of Student Panchayats in 110 Schools

Under this scheme, 110 schools will have structured student panchayats to help students gain real democratic experience and understand grassroots administration mechanisms.

A Novel Experiment Nationwide

This is the first such experiment in the country where students will act as Sarpanch, Secretary, and Gram Sabha members in order to practically learn Panchayati Raj functioning rather than simply studying it theoretically. Through these roles, they will experience the full workings of a Gram Panchayat and develop administrative insight at the grassroots level.

Starting with Navodaya and Eklavya Schools

The pilot is beginning in **55 Navodaya Vidyalayas** and **55 Eklavya Model Residential Schools** in Madhya Pradesh. These institutions have been selected to initiate student panchayats, giving students an opportunity to actively participate in democratic processes and prepare for the future.