NATIONAL YOUTH

PARLIAMENT
COMPETITION
SCHEME

FOR

UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES

MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
2016
 SCHEME OF
NATIONAL YOUTH PARLIAMENT COMPETITION
FOR
UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES

1. Objectives of the Youth Parliament Scheme

With a view to strengthening the roots of democracy, inculcate healthy habits of

discipline, tolerance of the views of others and to enable the student community to
understand the working of our Parliamentary institutions, the Ministry of Parliamentary
Affairs has introduced the Scheme of National Youth Parliament Competition for
Universities/Colleges throughout the country. These competitions are conducted on
an annual basis in each academic year.

2. Eligibility for entry in the Competition

All the Universities/Colleges recognized by UGC/Government of

India/State Government who sponsor their nominees for attending the Orientation
Course conducted by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs prior to the start of the
Competition would be eligible for participation. The Ministry of Parliamentary
Affairs may add any additional institution for participation in the competition.

3. Format and period of the Competition

The Competition would normally be held in two stages depending on the

number of participating institutions – the first stage at the group level where the
institutions will be divided into various groups and secondly at the National Level
between the winners of the various groups.

The calendar of events for every year is as under :-

(i) Orientation Course by January/February

(ii) Group Level i.e. 1st Level Evaluation by September
(iii) National Level Evaluation by December
(iv) Prize Distribution Function by March

The schedule of the Group and National Level Competitions will be finalized by
the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and the entire competition will be conducted
within the same academic year. Each participating institution will prepare a single
team of 50-55 students who will participate as a team representing the institution.
(For the purpose of organizing the Group Level Competition the Ministry of
Parliamentary Affairs may nominate a co-ordinator from amongst the participating
institutions to conduct and co-ordinate the competition in respect of that group and
submit a report thereon to the Ministry. The participants interested to be the
Group Coordinator can express his/her willingness in the proforma at
Annexure ‘C’ before Orientation Course. He would be reimbursed cheapest
airfare for evaluating the performance of educational institutions in his/her
Group.

The Coordinator of the Youth Parliament activity will also mentioned three
probable dates for organizing Group and National Level Competition in the
ANNEXURE ‘D’ & ‘E’ respectively.
 -2-

4. Duration of the Youth Parliament sitting

The duration of the sitting of the „Youth Parliament‟ should not exceed 55
minutes. Out of this, nearly 20 minutes may be devoted to Questions and the
remaining time be utilized for discussion on Bills, Motions, Resolutions etc. as
indicated in the literature on the subject which would be made available during the
Orientation Course conducted by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs prior to the
commencement of each Competition.

5. Subjects for discussion in the ‘Youth Parliament session’

The matters raised in the „Youth Parliament session‟ may relate to subject of
welfare activities, defence, social reforms, economic development, communal
harmony, public health, education, internal security, use of modern technology
etc. Special emphasis may lay on issues relating to human rights, health and
education. A list of suggested topics on which items may be presented is at
Annexure-A.

No direct or indirect remarks may be made in the speeches which may cast
aspersion on political parties or leaders/persons etc. and controversial topics based on
actual events of recent occurrence should be avoided. It would be desirable to take up
issues, based on hypothetical events for expounding upon the basic principles
proposed to be debated. A list of „Do‟s and Dont‟s‟ elucidating the various points to be
kept in mind during the conduct of the „Youth Parliament Session‟ is given at
Annexure-B.

6. Language

The participants may speak in English/Hindi.

7. Venue

Each institution shall ordinarily hold their „Youth Parliament Session‟ in its own
premises with the help of available facilities. Needless expenditure should be avoided.

8. Evaluation of the Competition at the National Level

At the National Level Competition the performances of each team would be

evaluated by a panel of judges consisting of:

(i) Member of Parliament/Ex-Member of Parliament;

(ii) An Officer of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; and
(iii) An academician of repute from a non-participating institution preferably
in consultation with Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs/Group Coordinator.

Based on this evaluation a merit list will be drawn to select the „National
Winner‟. Individual performances will also be evaluated and prizes awarded to the
selected team members on the basis of their meritorious performance.
 -3-

The institutions participating at the National level would be selected on the

basis of group-level competitions among the various institutions.

[The group-level competitions would be evaluated by a team consisting of:-

i) An Member of Parliament/Ex- Member of Parliament;

ii) A Group coordinator to be appointed by Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs from

among the institutions not participating in that group for evaluating the
performance of the short sittings of Youth Parliament of all institutions in that
Group. The Group Co-ordinator appointed by the Ministry of Parliamentary
Affairs should ensure that the Member of Parliament/Ex-Member of Parliament
arranged by the institution has the knowledge of both Hindi & English
language.

iii) An academician of repute from a non-participating educational institution to be

decided preferably in consultation with Group Coordinator.]

9. Shields, Trophies, Prizes etc.

At the National Level the following would be awarded:

(a) Running Shield

A running shield will be awarded to the institution declared as first at the

National level competition. If a particular institution wins the shield for three
consecutive years, the shield will be retained permanently by that institution.

(b) Trophies

i) The institution declared as first in the National level competition will be

awarded another trophy.

ii) One trophy each will be awarded to the other institutions participating in the
National level by virtue of their having secured first position in their
respective groups in the first stage (group-level) of the competition.

[The trophies at (i) and (ii) above will be retained by the respective
institutions].

(c) Prizes and Certificates

i) Prizes and Certificates will be awarded to the students selected by the

evaluating panel for their meritorious performances at the National level
competition.

ii) Certificates will be awarded to the coordinator of the team.

(In addition, each student who is member of the team of the institution which
has stood first at the National level will be awarded a certificate and a prize).
 -4-

Prizes and certificates will be awarded to students of each of the

participating institutions selected by the evaluating panel for their meritorious
performance. At the Group Level a maximum of six students would be selected
by the evaluating panel for the prizes and certificates. At the National Level a
maximum of eight students would be selected by the evaluating panel for the
prizes and certificates.

(d) At the Group Level of the competition, besides a certificate to the co-
ordinator, a maximum of 6 (Six) students from among the members of the team
of each participating educational institution may be selected for award of
individual prizes and certificates by this Ministry as under :-

i) First prize - One

ii) Second prize - One
iii) Third prize - One
iv) Special prize - Three

10. Prize Distribution Function

The Prize Distribution Function will be organized by the Ministry of

Parliamentary Affairs at a suitable date and venue after the competition is completed.
At the function, the running shield, trophies to the institutions and prizes and
certificates to the students at the National level will be awarded. The institution which
stands first at the National level will be required to give a repeat performance of their
„Youth Parliament Session‟ before a selected audience at the Prize Distribution
Function. The duration of this „Youth Parliament Session‟ should not exceed 55
minutes.

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs will fix a date and venue for the function
as mentioned in Para 3 of the scheme under the sub-heading calendar of
events. The prizes shall be distributed by a high dignitary. Invitations to VIPs and
others for attending this function will be issued by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
which shall bear the entire expenditure on this function, such as:-

Expenditure on :-

(a) Rent of the Hall/Shamiana;

(b) Lighting and seating arrangements;

(c) Printing of Invitation cards;

(d) Postage and stationery;

(e) Refreshments; and

(f) Other contingencies

 -5-

The Prize Distribution Function would be attended by the Prize Winning students
and the respective teacher-in-charge of the institutions which participated at the
National level. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs will reimburse TA to the students
restricted to 3AC railway fare. Escort teachers accompanying the students would be
reimbursed TA restricted to the rail fare to his/her entitled class. The TA
reimbursement for both the escorts and the students would be restricted from their
usual place of residence to Delhi and back.

This Ministry will make necessary arrangements of boarding and lodging for all
the participating winning students, teachers and escorts of Universities/Colleges at the
time of Prize Distribution Function at Delhi.

11. Financial Assistance

i) The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs would reimburse expenses incurred by

each Institution for organizing the Youth Parliament Session up to Rs. 25,000/-
(Rupees twenty five thousand) for the first stage (Group-Level) competitions.
Those institutions which qualify and participate in the second stage (National
Level) of the competitions would be reimbursed an additional amount up to Rs.
25,000/- (Rupees twenty five thousand). The reimbursement of
expenditure in either case will be made on receipt of statements of
expenditure and the relevant vouchers. The DA @ Rs. 2000/- & Rs.
1200/- is admissible to Member of Parliament & Ex-Member of
Parliament respectively to be borne by University/college itself at Group
Level Competition where as the DA to Member of Parliament or Ex-
Member of Parliament at National Level would be paid by this Ministry.

ii) The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs would also reimburse actual TA/DA as
per their entitlement or cheapest air fare in the economy class (shortest route)
whichever is lower for expenses incurred in connection with journeys undertaken
by the coordinators/ Group coordinators duly countersigned by Registrar of
University/Educational Institutions. The air fare as mentioned above is
admissible for attending Orientation Course from Institution to venue & back and
also for completing group level competition in scheduled time as evaluation team
member. The Coordinators/ Group coordinators may submit their claims in the
standard formats of TA/DA claim prescribed in their individual institutions and
forward the same duly countersigned by Vice-Chancellor/Registrar/
Principal/Director of College/Institution sponsored by the University to the
Ministry for reimbursement.
 -6-
ANNEXURE-A

CERTAIN SUGGESTED SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION IN ‘YOUTH PARLIAMENT

COMPETITION’ FOR UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES IN ADDITION TO THOSE
MENTIONED IN THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE ADOPTED SCHEME BASED
ON THE SUGGESTIONS RECEIVED AND THE SUBJECTS DEBATED IN VARIOUS
YOUTH PARLIAMENT SESSIONS AND DURING ORIENTATION COURSES.

1. Should Parliament have unfettered powers of legislation.

2. Implementation of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme-
how the allocations should be made/execution of works be monitored.
3. Human Rights with focus on right of life enshrined in Articles 21 and 22 of the
Constitution.
4. Reservation for women in legislative bodies and in services.
5. Need to prescribe some minimum education and experience in public service for
legislators.
6. National integration with focus on growth of ethnicity.
7. Matters regarding population control and policy with focus on legislation to provide
incentives/disincentives.
8. Electoral Reforms with focus on corruption.
9. Right of legislators to decide their own perks. How else to decide?
10. Ways to provide a competent and stable Government in the event of a hung
Parliament.
11. Privileges and Code of Conduct for the legislators.
12. Ways to check corruption and inefficiency in Public Sector.
13. Caretaker Government – Status and Functioning
14. Presidential Form of Government.
15. Proportional representation/list system.
16. People‟s rights to good governance.
17. Representation of Sports-persons, Beauty Queens and Cine-stars in legislative
bodies.
 -7-

ANNEXURE-B

DO’S AND DON’T FOR THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE YOUTH PARLIAMENT

COMPETITIONS

1. The institutions and students participating in the Youth Parliament Competitions

should bear in mind that this scheme is a unique one. It is aimed to make these
Youth Parliaments as the nurseries of future parliamentarians. If rightly
implemented and its organizers and imbued with a sense of duty and dedication, it is
likely to pay rich dividends in the shape of all round improvement in our national
character and outlook. This aspect should always be kept in view while the
institutions volunteer themselves for participation in these competitions.

2. It should not be forgotten that democracy offers political methods by which every
citizen has the opportunity of participating through discussion and debates in an
attempt to reach a voluntary agreement as to what should be done for the good of
the community as a whole. It precludes the method of arriving at a decision on
social policy in the streets as these are the ways of monocracy and not of
democracy. Thus the scheme of Youth Parliament would help to start a movement
amongst students to channelize their energy into healthy and constructive activities
so that they may become useful citizens of tomorrow.

3. The subject to be selected for discussions in these Youth Parliaments should be as

far as possible non-controversial. They should largely deal with the problems
confronting the educational institutions and their day to day problems. The subject
should relate to welfare activities, define of the country, social justice and social
reforms, economic development, communal harmony, discipline, health of the
students, Human Rights etc.

4. Two most important parts of the list of business of a „Youth Parliament‟ are the
„Questions‟ and the „Debate‟ or „Discussion‟. During Question Hour, the judges are
likely to be impressed by quality of questions asked and the quality of replies given
by the Ministers. During the Debate or Discussions, they particularly look for the
standard of Debate and the quality of expression.
 -8-

5. The participants should scrupulously avoid mention of the existing political parties
and political personalities in the country. They should give imaginary or fictitious
names to their parties and personalities. They should not give any impression that
they have any leanings or bias for or against any political party or philosophy.

6. It would be in the interest of the participating institutions if they were to have their
own “Permanent Youth Parliaments” which should serve as the “debating societies”
for promoting debating talents in their students. Thus, at the time of selecting the
names of participants they can draw upon the talent from these “Parliaments”.

7. The participants should show utmost respect to the Chair. They should abide by the
decisions of the Chair and should have faith in his impartiality and judgement.

8. Every member while coming to the House for its sitting should bow to the Chair and
similarly while leaving the Chamber bow to the Chair.

9. The members should not say or do anything on the floor of the House that is not
warranted by rules of procedures or by the ruling or precedence or by the accepted
and established customs and conventions of the House.

10. There should be no discussion on sensitive policy matters affecting the relations of
our country with foreign friendly Governments or which will prove embarrassing for
the country and its present day Government.

11. A member should never cross the floor while the House is sitting i.e. he should
never pass between the Chair and any member who is speaking. Violation of this
rule is regarded as a breach of Parliamentary etiquette.

12. Members should not sit with their backs to the Chair. When a member wants to
speak he should raise hands to attract the attention of the Chair. No member should
speak unless he or she has „Caught‟ the eye of the Speaker and has been permitted
by the Chair by name or by a sign, to speak.

13. Every member should resume his seat as the Speaker rises to speak or calls out
“order-order” and also when any other member is in possession of the floor. Two or
more members should not keep standing at the same time.
 -9-

14. No member should rise or leave the House when the Speaker is addressing the
House. “The Speaker is always to be heard in silence”.

15. No member should read out a written speech. However, a member may feel free to
consult his notes whenever he losses track of his prepared speech or text.

16. Personal references by way of imputations or questions against the bonafides of any
member should not be resorted to. A member must not address individual members
of the House. He should always address the Chair and make all remarks to other
members through the Chair.

17. Members should not distribute within the precincts of the House or inside the
legislature questionnaires or pamphlets not connected with the business of the
House.

18. The member during participation in the discussion can use either English or Hindi.
However, if a member wants to speak in any other language, he is supposed to do
so with the permission of the Speaker, but before speaking he is supposed to furnish
in advance a copy of the translation of his speech.

19. In short all participants in these Youth Parliaments should so conduct themselves as
to inspire respect for Parliament and Parliamentary Institutions.
 -10-
ANNEXURE-C

WILLINGNESS CERTIFICATE

I ____________________________________________________________ do

hereby express my willingness to be the Group Coordinator, if appointed by Ministry of

Parliamentary Affairs on terms & conditions mentioned in the Scheme.

Dated : Signature _______________

Name ____________________
Institution _____________________
 -11-
ANNEXURE-D

Date (s) of Group Level Evaluation by September

The following dates are probable dates of 1st Level Evaluation of the competition in

respect of the Group of which I have been appointed as the Coordinator :-

1. ____________________

2. ____________________

3. ____________________

Dated : Signature _______________

Name ____________________
Institution _____________________
 -12-
ANNEXURE-E

Date (s) of National Level Evaluation by December

The following dates are probable dates of 2nd level evaluation of the competition in

case this institution emerges as Group Level Winner. The dates are subject to

convenience of Group Level Coordinator :-

1. ____________________

2. ____________________

3. ____________________

Dated : Signature _______________

Name ____________________
Institution _____________________

*********