The Nehru Yuva Kendra, Nuapada, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Volunteers India organised the District Youth Parliament 2020 for Nuapada from October 29 to 31 under the leadership of UNV-district youth coordinator, NYK Asis Kumar Thakur to provide platform to the youths of the district and promote youths' participation in politics at all levels, from the grassroots to the national stage.
Youths from diverse background and experience from all blocks of Nuapada District actively took part in the parliamentary session on various local and national issues.
Owing to ongoing Covid 19 global pandemic, the DYP was organised virtually over Zoom. Youths were trained for the first two days on various parliamentary procedures and on the final day, the DYP was organised.
"The District Youth Parliament is a platform for young people to discuss, debate and devise solution to the identified problems concerning them, their surrounding and society at large," said State director, NYKS Odisha Bimal Patrick Shah while delivering his inaugural address as chief guest of the occasion.
While addressing the participants, special invited guest, Associate professor and former HOD of School of Governance and Public Policy, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development Dr K Gireesan highlighted the features of youth policy, perspective of youth development and different platforms for youth engagement. From UNV India National team Debjani Samantaray and Ankit Jaiswal addressed the young legislators to boost their morals.
Young parliamentarians from both the ruling and opposition party discussed at length on five major themes i.e National Education Policy, End violence against women in all forms - "Mahila Swabhimaan", Improving the employment landscape "Saksham Yuva l', Transforming Indian agriculture - "Atmanirbhar Krishi" and Promoting health, welness and fitness- "Swasth Yuva" following all parliamentary procedure.Soumya Prakash Joshi played the role of the Speaker of Lok Sabha, Nafisa Bano and Chandrika Deep played the role of Leader of the House and Leader of Opposition respectively.
Dr Tarun Pradhan, lecturer of chemistry, Khariar Autonomous College, Khariar, Santosh Kumar Mund, lecturer of Geography, Boden Degree College, Boden and Prabodh Hota, lecturer, DIET, Nuapada were distinguished jury members of youth parliament.
Based on the performance, Gitarani Duria and Ramesh Nag were selected to represent Nuapada district in the National Youth Parliament 2020.