Model parliament should be created in schools and colleges: Karnataka Chief Minister

Stating that there is a need to encourage new leadership, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday said that model parliaments should be created in schools and colleges to develop “Youth Parliament.”

Speaking here at the International Day of Democracy function here, the Chief Minister said that the “Youth Parliament” should have the spirit of the Anubhava Mantapa of social reformer Basavanna. “This is how the concept of Anubhava Mantapa, which is credited with being the first Parliament, will be introduced,” he said. He added that India is a model to world’s democracy through the Anubhava Mantapa.

The Chief Minister said that leadership should grow and the youth should understand the democratic set-up. “That is why we have made the decision on holding elections in every college. We do not know who has the spark. Everyone should get opportunity in leadership. A real leader is one who creates leadership,” he said.

Stating that leaders face obstacles at every step, the Chief Minister recalled how he had faced obstacles in his leadership ambition in school and college.

Mr. Shivakumar said that legal bank has been opened after Rahul Gandhi said that legal teams are required in every taluks to provide guidance. “Situation of about a crore people losing voting rights has arisen. No one should lose voting rights. Arrangements are being made to provide permanent residency certificate and income certificate to ensure 47 lakh people get into voters list.”

He said, “Democracy is not only about election; but a real democracy provides dignity, respect and livelihood rights. If people fear the government, it becomes dictatorship. When the government respects people it is democracy.”

The International Day of Democracy was celebrated at various places across Karnataka.