Mock Union Budget Session–2011

 

 

REFLECTIONS

 

Until it happened, the words ‘budget session’ made everyone participating groan and make complaints. Evening games had to be bunked; Threats of detention had to be given out to actually make people comply. Yet, despite all of this a majority of the people enjoyed the session. Why?

First of all, it was successful. After presenting a good session, we thought of all the hard work, effort, and ideas we put in to make the event happen. Secondly, the budget session was a learning experience for all of us. We learned about the budget, all of the major changes our government is planning to introduce, the procedures, how to behave in a formal parliamentary session – well, how not to behave as well! Learning this about our governments made us well aware and when you know about what is going on around you, you become a well informed citizen.

Thirdly, it taught us how to look at both sides of a coin. We were organized into parties and there were those in the opposition and those in the ruling party. The opposition party was asked to look for loopholes and problem areas of the budget and the ruling party, an appropriate rebuttal for these questions. All the students were organized into various portfolios and we helped each other irrespective of party and position to find answers and questions.

Finally, for the simple reason that it was fun! Yes, we enjoyed ‘mocking’ the parliament! It was like a huge group activity in which we both learned about our peers and about society. On the final day, when we hit our tables in support of our fellow MP’s positions or when other MP’s supported our statements, we had fun. Everyone participated whole heartedly and energetically. Even the audience of parents and teachers enjoyed the antics. We received positive feedback from parents and teachers. The parents enjoyed the extensive analysis of the topics and confidence instilled in their children.

Apoorva. N

On August 30^th 2011, Students of IB XI and XII presented a Mock Budget Session. The session was well-planned and coordinated, and everyone pitched in their ideas and thoughts on the same. We started preparing for the session almost 2 months in advance.

During the first session, we were assigned different political parties and we were asked to research their position in the parliament: whether they were a part of the ruling party, opposition or the fronts. We were also asked to find their policies and views on the five different sectors of the Indian economy: Agriculture, Industry, Public Services, Public Finance, and Defence. Using this research, we were asked to write a paper on the position of our party on the same.

After a few more session, we were split into five different groups, each headed by the finance minister of a specific portfolio. To make the process more comprehensive we were divided according to the two discussions that were to take place: The General Discussion, and the Demand for Grants. Although the Union Budget consists of many more discussions, we decided that doing all of them would be very time-consuming, so we opted to present only the discussions above. The difference between the GD and the DFG was then explained to us in detail, so we could prepare our questions appropriately.

We were then asked to submit a research paper, which depicted our party’s/coalition’s views on the portfolio that we had been assigned to. Here, the opposition members were asked to frame questions to ask the ruling party and the ruling party was asked to find information on the broad topic that the opposition’s questions were based on.

This process was well-coordinated, and the committee’s decided to pair up students from opposing sides to debate on the topic, so that everyone could have a chance to speak.

Following this excruciatingly long preparation process was the actual session itself. It was a huge success, and almost everyone participated whole-heartedly. From the feedback that we received, it was apparent that our parents enjoyed the session as well. To quote Mr. Anil Mandava, “It was very well-organized and both members and ministers participated in a very lively session!” As he said, it truly was a team effort and this was easily seen from how smoothly the session ran. All disruptions from the opposition were perfectly coordinated and provided entertainment to the audience and held their attention. The ruling party maintained decorum fabulously throughout the whole process, and were truly an inspiring group. This was a huge learning experience for all of us and I would like to thank everyone that made this endeavour possible.

Rohini .K