Monday, July 17, 2017

MOCK PARLIAMENT DRILL

vlcsnap-2017-07-17-17h13m04s162It was an activity that tested the caliber of the students of VPM’s Vidya Mandir. Their know-how of the issues faced by the country and the expertise with which students debated on key issues was worth watching. Unlike the parliamentary sessions we often witness, this one was conducted with decorum keeping in mind the prestige of our great nation.

Objectives -
1. To enable the student to understand the manner in which the Parliament functions.
2. To enhance awareness of the development schemes undertaken by the govt.
3. To enable students to analyze the merits and demerits of certain key issues.
4. To develop in students the ability to express themselves and debate confidently.

Action Plan -
Teachers identified two significant issues that may be passed as a bill by the Govt.
a) Centralization of the Education System in India
b) Completion of the Golden Quadrilateral

The Rotary Club of Dahisar had mooted the idea of conducting a simulation of a Mock Parliament session in our school. Rotarian Shri. Dilip Nabar presided over the function. This was held in Bhai Surve hall on 14th February at 10.00 am. Students were arranged as per the seating arrangement seen in the Parliament House.
The two bills discussed were ‘Decentralization of Education’ and ‘The Need for the Golden Quadrilateral’.

14th of February saw the students all geared up for the big day. The session opened with the Speaker throwing the house open for the Question hour. Several student parliamentarians of the Opposition party raised relevant questions which were answered by the Ruling party. Current problems were highlighted and their probable solutions put forth. Thereafter the two bills were debated upon. The session concluded with the bills being sent to the upper house for further discussion.

The days of preparation prior to the actual Mock Parliament saw children at their energetic best. This was a new, exciting activity that enhanced their awareness of current issues, taught them to sift and select appropriate data and gave them a platform to express themselves confidently.
Kudos to our young parliamentarians!
The screencasts for the entire event can be viewed here and here on the school website.

Compiled by: Jyoti Honkote















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