Date: January 13, 2025
Venue: Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao Junior College, Pune
Agenda: Bill on “One Nation, One Election”
Objective:
The mock parliament activity conducted by the Political Science department aimed at simulating the processes of a parliamentary session, focusing on the discussion and passage of the bill titled “One Nation, One Election.” The event provided students with an opportunity to understand the procedural workings of the Indian Parliament while practicing roles such as Members of Parliament, Speaker, and others in a legislative setting.
Key Highlights of the Event:
- Commencement with National Anthem: The event began with the playing of the National Anthem, setting a respectful and formal tone for the proceedings. This was followed by a short introductory address by Aniket Dahiwal, explaining the significance of the mock parliament and the agenda under discussion.
- Tabling of the Bill: The bill titled “One Nation, One Election” was formally introduced in the session. This involved a member of parliament presenting the bill for debate, explaining its key provisions, and justifying its need in the context of Indian democracy.
- Role of the Speaker: The Speaker, an important figure in parliamentary sessions, was responsible for maintaining order throughout the event. They ensured the smooth flow of discussions, provided time for each speaker to express their views, and addressed any issues of decorum. The Speaker’s role was carried out with precision, reflecting the authority and impartiality expected of the position in real parliamentary proceedings.
- Expulsion of a Member of Parliament: One of the highlights of the mock parliament was the expulsion of a member of parliament for misconduct. This simulated the disciplinary action that can be taken against members who violate parliamentary norms. The act was carried out by the Speaker, demonstrating the enforcement of parliamentary rules.
- Voting on the Bill: After the bill was debated and discussed, a vote was conducted to determine its passage. The voting process was done by a show of hands, allowing all members to express their stance on the bill. This exercise gave students a firsthand experience of how laws are enacted through voting in Parliament.
- Creation of the Guest Gallery: As part of the mock session, a guest gallery was established, where a group of teachers along with Principal Ms. Shobha Channal could watch the proceedings. This element of the activity mirrored the seating arrangement in real parliamentary sessions, giving students a sense of the official atmosphere of legislative discussions.
- Inclusion of Divyang Students: The mock parliament was made inclusive by involving three Divyang (differently-abled) students, who played active roles in the session. This initiative ensured that students from all backgrounds were able to participate and contribute meaningfully to the activity, promoting inclusivity and equal participation.
Roles Played by Students:
- Members of Parliament (MPs): Students took on the roles of MPs, presenting arguments for and against the bill. They researched their positions, drafted speeches, and actively participated in the debate.
- Speaker: One student was selected to act as the Speaker, performing duties such as calling members to speak, maintaining order, and facilitating the voting process.
- Expelled Member: A student portrayed the role of a member who was expelled for unruly behavior, giving the mock parliament a realistic touch.
Conclusion:
The Mock Parliament activity was a highly enriching and educational experience for all participants. It offered students a practical understanding of the legislative process and the functioning of Parliament, while also emphasizing the importance of discipline, debate, and decision-making in governance. The involvement of Divyang students further demonstrated the inclusive nature of the activity, fostering a sense of equality and cooperation among all participants.
The event successfully met its objective of familiarizing students with parliamentary procedures and contributed to their overall understanding of political science concepts. It also promoted teamwork, communication, and public speaking skills among the students.
