Youth's role crucial in strengthening democracy and building a developed India: Smriti

Patna, November 1: Chief Minister Smriti Choudhary said that the roots of democracy are linked to Bihar's historic land and the role of the youth is of decisive importance in its consolidation, national development, and the promotion of the country's civilizational and cultural identity. The youth are not only the future of the country but also the guardians of democratic values and the true architects of a developed India. It is necessary that the youth utilize their energy, capability, and intellectual strength for the construction of the country, the protection of constitutional values, and the consolidation of the democratic system.

The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the two-day 'Patliputra Rashtriya Youth Parliament 2.0' held on Sunday at the Gyan Niketan School campus on Ranganath Path, Gola Road. She officially inaugurated the program by lighting a lamp. On this occasion, members of the organizing committee were honored with mementos. The Chief Minister also paid tribute to the late IPS officer Acharya Keshar Kanaal by laying a wreath at his statue.

In her address, the Chief Minister said that the country was liberated from slavery as a result of the unparalleled sacrifices and long struggle of the freedom fighters in 1947. On the occasion of completing 80 years of independence, we should pledge to further strengthen democratic traditions and constitutional values. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is continuously working with the resolve to make India a developed country by 2047, while former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also rendered distinguished services in setting Bihar on the path of prosperity and development.

Referring to the 1974 movement, she said that the youth participated in that movement with enthusiasm and marked their prominent presence in the political and social history of the country. Today is the era of Generation Z and Generation Alpha. The youth must come forward to understand the demands of changing circumstances, strengthen the democratic system, and fulfill their responsibilities in national development. Programs like the Patliputra Rashtriya Youth Parliament are an effective platform for creating democratic awareness, constitutional understanding, and a sense of national responsibility in the new generation.

Public trust is the true foundation of democratic power

Explaining the basic spirit of the democratic system, the Chief Minister said that in democracy, the people are the true rulers. Respecting the sentiments, dignity, and expectations of the people is the primary responsibility of every elected government. The fact that the people have given us the opportunity to serve and work does not mean that we should consider ourselves the owners of power. It is also necessary to periodically review decisions made and laws enacted in the public interest, and one must have the courage to change or revoke them as required by the circumstances.

She said that the government comes into existence through the votes of the people, and the focus of all its activities should be the welfare of the people. Only that leadership is successful which formulates policies and takes decisions while understanding the aspirations and expectations of the people, especially the youth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the country for the third consecutive term, while former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also served as the Chief Minister of Bihar five times. These leaders have prioritized developmental work in accordance with public expectations. The Chief Minister said that only those who work for the people with sincerity, dedication, and a sense of responsibility earn the trust and support of the people. There is no place for an arrogant mindset in democracy, because the voice of the people is of utmost importance here.

Grain for 80 crore people, pucca houses for 5.5 crore families

While mentioning welfare schemes of central and state governments, the Chief Minister said that during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 12-year tenure, 55.5 crore people in the country were provided with ready-made houses, while 80 crore people are receiving free grains. Significant progress has also been made in the provision of clean drinking water, electricity, and other basic facilities.

He said that in Bihar, 125 units of free electricity are being provided to all consumers without distinction between rich and poor. The state government spends about 23 thousand crore rupees annually for this facility, while the electricity subsidy per household costs between 8,000 and 10,000 rupees per year. The Chief Minister appealed to prosperous, eligible, and income-tax paying individuals to voluntarily forgo the 125-unit free electricity facility and contribute to the state's development.

Financial assistance up to 400,000 rupees for higher education

Calling educational development the foundation of the state's bright future, the Chief Minister said that a Student Credit Card Scheme has been implemented to provide better opportunities for higher education to students in Bihar. Under this scheme, students enrolled in medical, engineering, and other higher education courses receive financial assistance up to 400,000 rupees. He said that the state is encouraging the establishment of higher educational institutions and universities so that young people in Bihar can have as many opportunities as possible to receive quality education within their own province. The establishment of open universities is also being promoted.

The Chief Minister stated that 700 model schools named "Sarsoti Vidya Niketan" have been established in 534 blocks of the state, where approximately 350,000 students are receiving education. Students of these schools have also been provided with the "Vidyarti Saathi" app. Through this app, if a student faces difficulty in any subject, guidance from a teacher can be available within a minute even at 1 a.m. This effective use of technology has paved the way for solving students' educational problems. He said that knowledge and education are the basic resources for development and that through them the new generation can turn their dreams into reality.

Aligning with the aspirations of the youth, democratic policies

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directly interacted with youth on the topic of promoting and reforming education through a Facebook Live session, in which 33 crore youth participated. He emphasized that democracy is not just a name for the electoral process or the transfer of power but a system that represents the voice, feelings, and expectations of the people. Understanding the wishes of the public and youth and making laws, policies, and development projects accordingly is the real demand of democracy.

The Chief Minister congratulated and thanked Sain Kunal, founder of Patli Pater Rashtriya Youth Parliament, and MP Shambhavi Choudhry for organizing this important program. He suggested that such programs should be held every year so that democratic consciousness, national construction spirit, and sense of social responsibility among youth continue to grow and efforts to connect the new generation with the mainstream of the country become more effective.

The program was also addressed by Education Minister Mithilesh Tejari, MP Shambhavi Choudhry, and Sain Kunal, founder of Patli Pater Rashtriya Youth Parliament. On this occasion, Food and Consumer Protection Minister Ashok Choudhry, MLA Vishal Prashant, regional officer of CBSE Patna Jangam Snel Kumar, principal of Gyan Niketan School Sheelinder Mohan Jha, along with a large number of students, female students, and youth were present.