Parliamentary democracy has taken root in the country: Chang

C.M Chang, minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Parliamentary Affairs asserted that parliamentary democracy has taken root in the country to further develop democratic ethos among the younger generations.

He said this while addressing at the inaugural function of Youth Parliament competition held at ATI, Wednesday under the theme, “Democracy: A Challenge for Young Minds”. He recalled that the scheme was started in 1966-67 and it was called “mock parliament competition scheme”, however, with the “Eight All India Whips” Conference held in Bhopal in November 1972 it was recommended to substitute mock parliament as Youth Parliament. Consequently he said the scheme was now known as the Youth Parliament Competition Scheme and this scheme has now been adopted by a number of states and union territories, including Nagaland.

Chang said Youth Parliament was a platform for the youths to share their ideologies and opinions through debates, thus helping them to take part in policy making and also highlights the need for new thinking that will take the country forward.

“It is a platform where the youth can step forward and question the policy makers if they are not satisfied with the status quo, thereby creating an agenda for change”, the minister added. Chang said it was necessary that at the school and college level, a suitable programme was devised to train students for their role as citizens of a democratic country and said education should make students competent enough to consider public issues and form their opinion judiciously.

Asserting that youth was a season of hope and aspiration, it was time where one could be moulded and trained in a way to serve the country better and this can be through inter-group relations; across the table discussion; in family affairs; in local and national affairs. Kevizeno from Kohima district emerged as winner of the state level parliamentary quiz and youth parliament competition.

Helena Patton from Wokha district secured second position and Hyulo Tsala Kohima district and Milika V. Jakha Zunheboto district occupied the third place. In group category Kiphire district emerged as group winner while Tuensang and Kohima districts secured second and third place respectively. More than 350 participants from 11 districts took part in the event. Commissioner and secretary, department of Parliamentary Affairs Motsuthung Lotha said there was a need for the young people to have better life chances and the critical task at hand was to continuously inspire hope to the people of Nagaland as it was the youth that carried great potential to achieve the goals.

He expressed his concern that if the young people of today are not focused, not educated and not organised then the future will be doomed. Lotha said when young Nagas were facing serious challenges of the world today, the department of parliamentary affairs continues to play a pivotal role, creating platforms like YP to promote the youth to speak up and impact agenda for change. He said such platform inspires the youth to express their views in an organised manner and facilitate grooming of future leaders.

Earlier, associate professor, KCK Dr. Eunice Alinger chaired the programme while coordinator and assistant professor KCK Evothung Ezung proposed vote of thanks.