Launched as a transformative initiative to deepen youth participation in policymaking, MY Bharat Budget Quest 2026 was conceptualised as a national platform to connect young citizens with governance processes and the Union Budget. The initiative draws inspiration from the consultative spirit of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026, where youth voices contributed meaningfully to national priorities, with several ideas finding reflection in the Union Budget 2026. Building on this foundation, Budget Quest has emerged as a structured mechanism to channel youth aspirations into policy discourse

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As a part of this nationwide initiative, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), organised the Nari Shakti Youth Parliament on 12 April 2026, which culminated across 17 zones nationwide, marking a significant milestone in the Budget Quest journey. Anchored in the theme “Nari Shakti: Viksit Bharat Ki Awaaz, Strengthening Inclusive Democracy”, the initiative brought together over 7,000 young women in an unprecedented exercise of democratic engagement and policy dialogue.

Spanning the country, the Youth Parliament was conducted simultaneously across Mumbai, Amaravati, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Raipur, Bhubaneswar, Hisar, Delhi, Chandigarh, Shillong, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Ranchi, Lucknow, Patna, and Srinagar, reflecting the scale, diversity, and inclusiveness of the programme. Participants from varied academic, social, and regional backgrounds engaged in structured parliamentary-style discussions, demonstrating informed perspectives and a deep commitment to Janbhagidari.

In alignment with the objectives of Budget Quest 2026, panel discussions across all zones were organised on key thematic pillars such as human capital development, agriculture and rural economy, future economy, women-led development, and sustainable growth, enabling participants to engage meaningfully with national priorities.

A key outcome of these deliberations was the adoption of a formal resolution across all 17 zones, collectively endorsing the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing expansion of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, with 33% reservation for women. The resolution also emphasised the timely implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 from the 2029 General Elections, while advocating for delinking implementation from delimitation constraints to ensure effective and immediate realisation of women’s political representation.

The proceedings across all zones reflected a strong spirit of nation-building, commencing with ‘Malarpan’ to Swami Vivekananda, symbolising inspiration from his vision of youth-led transformation, and resonating with the collective rendition of “Vande Mataram”, reinforcing unity and national pride.

The events were graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Hon’ble Governors, Chief Ministers, and public representatives across states, who highlighted the transformative role of Nari Shakti as leaders and decision-makers in India’s development journey.

 

Further reinforcing the significance of the initiative, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in a message conveyed on the occasion, appreciated the widespread participation of youth and highlighted that such dialogues unlock the creative potential of young minds and strengthen participatory governance, while shaping India’s future growth trajectory.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, emphasised that youth must play a central role in strengthening democracy, underscoring that the spirit of Nation First and Kartavya must guide their actions. Reiterating the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of the ‘Panch Pran’, he called upon young citizens to actively live and embody the resolve of a Viksit Bharat, and to build the India of their dreams through informed participation and responsible leadership.

Highlighting the future roadmap for youth engagement, the Union Minister announced that the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) will, from this year onwards, adopt a decentralised format, beginning with State-level editions and quizzes, with winning participants progressing to the national level. This marks a shift from the earlier centralised format, enabling wider participation and deeper grassroots engagement of youth across the country.

He further noted that such initiatives are not merely platforms for dialogue, but instruments to nurture a generation of responsible citizens who contribute actively to governance and nation-building.

Complementing this nationwide policy engagement, the Ministry also organised “Sundays on Cycle” across multiple locations, promoting environmental awareness, fitness, and sustainable living, thereby presenting a holistic model of youth mobilisation.

The successful culmination of the Nari Shakti Youth Parliament across 17 zones stands as a testament to MY Bharat’s institutional capacity to mobilise youth at scale, translating national priorities into meaningful grassroots engagement.

As India advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, this initiative reflects the emergence of a generation that is informed, articulate, and action-oriented, where Nari Shakti is not only participating in governance, but actively shaping the nation’s future.

 

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Pawan Singh Faujdar

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