Ninety students from 30 schools in Kesarganj district spent Friday as lawmakers, debating a mock bill that would require every new building in the district to harvest rainwater.
The district youth parliament, now in its fourth year, follows real procedure: a speaker, a question hour, a treasury bench and an opposition, and a formal vote at the end. This year's bill passed 51 to 39 after two amendments.
"The opposition made us rewrite the penalty clause," said Aditi Mishra, 16, who played the minister moving the bill. "They said small homes should get help, not fines. They were right."
How the day ran
- A 45-minute question hour on drinking water, flooding and groundwater.
- A three-hour debate on the bill, with time limits for each speaker.
- Two amendments: grants for small homes, and a two-year grace period.
- A final division vote counted by student tellers.
Teachers who mentor the teams say the event teaches research and listening as much as speaking. Students spent three weeks interviewing farmers, plumbers and municipal engineers before the session.
The best speakers will represent the district at a state-level youth parliament in December. The organisers have also sent the students' amended bill to the district water committee "as a citizens' suggestion".
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