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Students from government schools across Punjab showcase debating skills in mock assembly session

CHANDIGARH: In a unique initiative to mark Constitution Day and inspire young minds, the Punjab Government organised a mock Punjab Assembly session for government school students at Anandpur Sahib, where 117 participants performed their roles so realistically that the proceedings resembled an actual Vidhan Sabha sitting. The mock session was held at the makeshift Punjab Vidhan Sabha building set up at Anandpur Sahib to hold a Special Vidhan Sabha Session commemorating the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. In the session, Harkamaldeep Singh, a student of School of Eminence, Ghanouri Kalan, representing Dhuri MLA and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, took potshots at the opposition throughout the proceedings with fact-based replies. Harpreet Singh, a student of Government Adarsh Senior Secondary School, Kotdhandal, representing Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, raised several Punjab-related issues and repeatedly clashed verbally with the Chief Ministers representative. Jagmandar Singh, a student of H.S.N. School of Eminence, Jaito, representing Kotkapura MLA and Punjab assembly speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, conducted the proceedings of the House efficiently and resolved arguments between the ruling party and the opposition with seriousness, adjourning the House twice during the session. Daljit Singh, a student of School of Eminence, Kiratpur Sahib, representing Anandpur Sahib MLA and Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, highlighted the revolutionary changes brought about by the Punjab government in the education sector. The role played by Gursevak Singh, a student of PM Government Senior Secondary School, Harike Pattan, representing Patti MLA and Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, was highly praised. Throughout the proceedings, Gursevak Singh responded spontaneously and enthusiastically to every question raised by the opposition, displaying the poise of a seasoned legislator. During the Question Hour of the special mock session, 10 questions were asked and effectively answered by the students role-playing as the Minister of Water Resources, Minister of Public Works, Minister of Forests, Chief Minister, Minister of Social Security, Women & Child Development, Minister of Transport, Minister of Education, Minister of Health, Minister of Local Government, and Minister of Finance. The student MLAs also presented two bills: the 'Punjab Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill 2024' and 'The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025'. Additionally, student Jaspreet Singh, role-playing as MLA Vijay Singla, presented a Call Attention Notice regarding the sewerage system in Mansa city; student Husanpreet Singh, role-playing as MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa, raised an issue concerning the conservation of water resources and land; and student Gurbhej Singh, role-playing as MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh, brought forward a matter regarding the development of a new variety of maize seeds by Punjab Agriculture University. All these notices were passed unanimously by the house. Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh, addressing the gathering, stated that the Constitution of India not only grants the right to live a better life but also makes citizens aware of their duties. He expressed hope that the session would spark an interest in politics among students. Punjab assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhawan described the day as historic, highlighting that the session trained the future generation in how government works. He emphasised that politics touches every aspect of life, determines the value of everything, and profoundly influences our existence. Congratulating the students, teachers, and parents, the Speaker appealed for greater participation in politics. He assigned students the task of writing an article on the topic of 'Vote Theft' and announced cash prizes of Rs 51,000, Rs 21,000, and Rs 11,000 for the first, second, and third positions, respectively. He encouraged students from any school in Punjab to visit the special assembly set up at Anandpur Sahib until November 29.