New Delhi: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) concluded its three-day Youth Parliament, emphasising the development and integration of Northeastern region.
Held at the NDMC Convention Centre from March 9 to 11 in collaboration with Students’ Experience in Interstate Living (SEIL), the event brought together 170 representatives from 95 student organisations across seven northeastern states.
The event featured high-profile attendees, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, RSS Joint General Secretary Mukund CR, and ABVP leaders Ashish Chauhan and Virendra Solanki.
During his address, Amit Shah highlighted the government’s focus on the region, noting a 70% reduction in insurgency over the past decade and the surrender of over 10,500 militants.
He announced a significant 153% increase in budgetary allocations for the Northeast in 2024-25 compared to 2014-15 and unveiled plans for a flood control initiative involving the construction of 300 lakes.
The Youth Parliament provided a platform for students to discuss critical regional issues, including education, health, connectivity, tourism, border security, and entrepreneurship.
Key demands centered on infrastructure development, enhanced digital connectivity, and de-addiction programs.
The event’s first day featured a Tribal Students’ Parliament, where discussions focused on preserving tribal languages and heritage, alongside issues like education, health, and employment.
Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey praised the role of tribal communities in preserving Indian culture, describing them as “flag-bearers of Indian heritage.”
On the second day, the Girls’ Parliament hosted Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who engaged with students to gather input for the state budget.
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“It was inspiring to see women students from across India participate,” Gupta said.
ABVP National General Secretary Virendra Solanki highlighted the organization’s commitment to the Northeast, citing efforts to address issues like illegal infiltration in Assam and promote cultural unity through initiatives such as the Shaheed Jyoti Yatra.
Solanki emphasised that the Youth Parliament aimed not just at discussions but at ensuring student involvement in policy-making.
The event concluded with a call for stronger integration of northeastern students into the national mainstream, positioning ABVP as a unifying bridge for student organisations nationwide.