Govt implementing schemes to educate youth on democratic values

New Delhi, Mar 4 (UNI) The government is making efforts to inculcate democratic values and disseminate knowledge on the working of parliamentary institutions among the student community by implementing schemes to hold school competitions at various levels, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers and Parliamentary Affairs B K Handique said that while no specific requests to conduct children's parliament have been received, the government was implementing four schemes to hold National Youth Parliament Competition at Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, recognised educational institutions in National Capital Territory and universities and colleges.

''In addition, financial assistance up to a maximum of Rs 2 lakh per annum is being extended to states and Union Territories to conduct similar competitions in their educational institutions,'' he said in a written reply.

The Minister said that though no separate fund has been earmarked for Youth Parliament Scheme in the latest Union Budget, Rs 30 lakh have been provided under the 'other charges' head for the fiscal 2007-08 to meet the expenditure on the scheme.

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