Budget Quest 2026: MY Bharat Chhattisgarh Hosts Mock Parliament on Women’s Reservation Bill

Raipur, April 2026 : Under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, MY Bharat Chhattisgarh organised a national-level “Mock Parliament” on the Women’s Reservation Bill as part of the “Budget Quest 2026” initiative.

The event brought together 40 young representatives who participated in a structured parliamentary simulation, engaging in meaningful discussions on the role of women in national development. The programme aimed to encourage youth participation in governance and policy discourse while highlighting the importance of gender equality in decision-making.

Dr. Varnika Sharma, Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, attended the event as the chief guest. In her address, she emphasised that sectors led by women often witness growth at twice the pace. She underlined the critical importance of women’s participation in governance and administrative processes, stating that inclusive leadership is essential for holistic development.

Ranjan Kumar, Regional Director of the Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Research and Training Institute, welcomed the participants and extended his best wishes for the success of the Mock Parliament exercise.

Arpit Tiwari, State Director of MY Bharat Chhattisgarh, presented an overview of “Budget Quest 2026.” He highlighted how youth-led initiatives are increasingly influencing policy-making and governance at the national level, reflecting a growing trend of participatory democracy.

During the Mock Parliament session, one of the young participants assumed the role of the Minister for Women and Child Development and formally introduced the Women’s Reservation Bill in the House. This was followed by an extensive debate, where participants discussed various aspects of the bill, proposed amendments, and deliberated on implementation mechanisms.

After a detailed parliamentary discussion, the bill was passed with a majority vote in the simulated House, marking a significant and encouraging moment in the event. The exercise provided participants with a hands-on understanding of India’s legislative procedures and strengthened their awareness of the need for greater representation of women in elected positions.

All 40 participants actively engaged in the proceedings, contributing to debates and policy discussions. The experience offered them valuable insights into democratic processes while fostering leadership, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.

The programme concluded with a valedictory ceremony where certificates were distributed to all participants. Many of them shared their experiences, describing the initiative as both educational and inspiring. They noted that the Mock Parliament not only enhanced their understanding of governance but also reinforced the importance of women’s empowerment and youth leadership in shaping the nation’s future.