Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Oct 10: “What is the purpose of education if graduates cannot find jobs?”, “When will rural colleges get basic infrastructure?”, “Who is responsible for scholarship delays?” and “What measures will be taken to prevent people from dumping garbage in prohibited places?” These direct questions concerning everyday public issues echoed through the Bantwal taluk panchayat meeting hall on Friday, as students took part in a special session of the ‘Youth Parliament’ modelled on the proceedings of the legislature.
Students from various colleges across Bantwal taluk assumed the roles of elected representatives, ministers, opposition members and the Speaker, discussing local problems in the style of a legislative assembly.
The highlight of the programme was the manner in which the students raised questions. Going beyond merely asking questions, they discussed the social causes behind problems, the government's responsibilities and possible solutions. They posed supplementary questions, challenged responses from the government and argued from the opposition's perspective, recreating the atmosphere of a real legislative session.
Education and the future of youth
Education and the future of young people emerged as the most prominent subjects of discussion. Students expressed concern over unemployment despite completing degree courses and sought details of the government's measures to address the problem. Chief minister Punit Kumar replied that steps were being taken to make students employment-ready through various schemes, including skill development programmes at the school and college levels.
The condition of government colleges in rural areas also came under scrutiny. Students highlighted the lack of basic infrastructure, clerical staff and toilets, pointing out that these deficiencies were affecting the quality of education. They questioned why government colleges in backward areas continued to function without adequate facilities.
Students also expressed dissatisfaction over delays in recruiting guest lecturers, stating that the situation had reached a stage where students were teaching other students. They questioned why appointments had not been made even after the recruitment examinations were conducted.
Internet connectivity problems, which prevented students from making effective use of digital learning facilities, were also raised. Chief Minister Punit Kumar assured the House that government schools were being converted into smart schools in phases and that steps were being taken to provide digital learning materials.
Scholarship delays and social justice
Students questioned the disparity between strict penalties for delayed fee payments and the lack of accountability when scholarships were delayed.
They drew attention to the difficulties faced by students from economically weaker and backward communities because scholarships were either not sanctioned or disbursed late. The discussion also covered social and economic justice.
Question paper leaks and student suicides
The issue of examination question paper leaks triggered a serious debate. Students raised concerns about the mental stress and anxiety caused by such incidents and questioned who should be held responsible when students resort to tragic measures such as suicide.
The government assured the House that an investigation would be conducted to identify those involved in question paper leaks.
Shortage of doctors and healthcare facilities
In view of the rise in dengue cases, students questioned the preparedness of the healthcare system. They highlighted the shortage of doctors at the Vamadapadavu hospital and urged the government to ensure adequate medical services for people in rural areas.
A moment that added a distinctive touch to the proceedings occurred when opposition members sat quietly after hearing the response from Health minister Ramlath.
Rural students demand better bus services
Transport problems faced by rural students and the public formed another major part of the discussion. Students sought additional buses for rural areas and pointed out that in several places, bus stops and the locations where buses actually halted were different. The lack of proper bus shelters in B C Road was also highlighted.
Students urged the authorities to provide bus shelters wherever they were lacking. Transport Minister Stuti assured the House that additional buses would be provided to rural areas and that locations without adequate bus shelters would be identified for early remedial action.
Roads, water and waste management
Waterlogging on city roads during rainfall was among the civic issues discussed. The session also addressed the removal of street vendors during road-widening works. The government responded that necessary assistance was being provided to ensure that their livelihoods were not adversely affected.
Waste disposal was another concern. Students observed that responsibility for proper waste management rested not only with the government but also with villagers. However, they expressed concern over garbage being dumped at prohibited locations and demanded strict action against such practices.
Attracting young people to agriculture
Students questioned what measures the government was taking to attract young people to agriculture, noting that many were moving away from the sector.
The discussion stressed the need to ensure that government schemes effectively reached young people and made agriculture not merely a means of livelihood but also a viable employment opportunity.
Opposition to the Netravati river diversion project
Students expressed opposition to the Netravati river diversion project and argued that altering the river's natural course was inappropriate. Presenting the government's position on behalf of Irrigation minister Hariraj, it was stated that the project would enable water to be used in ways that benefited farmers in areas along the river's course.
Students raise their voice against drugs
Drug abuse was another major subject of discussion. Students demanded stricter measures to prevent the spread of drugs on school and college campuses.
They emphasised that both legal action and awareness programmes were necessary to keep young people away from substance abuse. Law and Parliamentary Affairs minister Hulugamma assured the House that the necessary legal measures would be taken to eliminate the drug menace.
Women's safety and public transport
The need for safe transport for women travelling in rural areas was brought to the Speaker's attention through several examples. The discussion covered the safety of girls and women, security in public places and measures to enhance women's confidence.
Anganwadi workers' concerns
Students demanded that anganwadi workers, who serve at the grassroots level of society, be given due respect and recognition. They called for a reduction in their workload or an increase in their salaries.
A student playing the role of Social Welfare minister Akshay responded to various issues concerning the department's responsibilities.
Constitutional ideals and equality
The Youth Parliament went beyond local problems to discuss the Constitution and its ideals. Questions were raised about the measures taken by the government to realise constitutional principles.
Chief minister Punit Kumar maintained that education was a key instrument for eliminating exploitation and discrimination. He said supporting schemes were being formulated to reduce social exploitation and discrimination.
Opposition questions government over blame on previous regime
The proceedings also witnessed sharp exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition. While ruling party members attributed several problems to the tenure of the previous government, opposition members challenged this argument and questioned the practice of blaming the previous regime for every issue.
Opposition leader Navya and members Ashalatha, Megha, Sajira, Sri Harshitha and Mahesh participated in the discussions.
Speaker Bhuvanesh conducts proceedings effectively
Speaker Bhuvanesh's handling of the session was particularly noteworthy. He maintained legislative discipline, followed the question-and-answer format, allowed supplementary questions and ensured a balance between the ruling party and the opposition.
As students presented one issue after another, he ensured that discussions remained relevant, gave the concerned ministers an opportunity to respond and guided members whenever necessary.
Of the three bills introduced by the ruling party, only the Netravati Riverbank Safe and Sustainable Urbanisation Bill was passed by a majority in the House.
The Youth Parliament thus became more than just an event. It offered a reflection of Bantwal's problems through the eyes of its students.
Students from six colleges participate
Students from six colleges in Bantwal taluk participated in the programme. They included students from the government first-grade colleges at Vamadapadavu, Kamaje and Siddakatte, Sri Rama First Grade College at Kalladka, Sri Venkataramana Swamy First Grade College at Bantwal, and the Government Pre-University College at B Mood.
Students assumed different roles and presented issues affecting their surroundings through discussions modelled on legislative proceedings.
The programme began with Speaker Bhuvanesh lighting a lamp before the portrait of Dr B R Ambedkar.
Deputy tahsildar Naveen Kumar Benjanapadavu, Advocates' Association secretary Narendranath Bhandary, Social Welfare Department assistant director Vinaya Kumari, taluk panchayat office superintendent Prakash, advocate Abdul and education coordinator Pratima were present. Dr Harinakshi and Rohini, lecturers from various colleges, served as judges. Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik Ulipady also attended and observed the proceedings.
Students took on various responsibilities, including Punit Kumar as chief minister, Priyadarshini as deputy chief minister, Vidyashree as home minister, Stuti as transport minister, Akshay as social welfare minister, Akshatha as ruling party whip, Rashmitha as rural development and panchayat raj minister, Hulugamma as law and parliamentary affairs minister, Ramlath as health minister, Goresab as education minister, Hariraj as irrigation minister, Sandeep as deputy speaker, Manish as agriculture minister and Yashaswini as women and child welfare minister.
Overall, the Youth Parliament conveyed a powerful message: the students who questioned the problems facing their hometown today while sitting in the roles of legislators could be the very people entrusted with finding solutions to those problems tomorrow.