𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲

It is encouraging to observe that some of the vibrant schools in Sikkim are conducting school captain elections in a thoughtful and meaningful manner, helping students experience the core spirit of a democratic system of governance. Electing student representatives is indeed a positive democratic exercise; however, it should not remain merely a symbolic event.

Schools should move beyond the traditional prefect system once the elections are over. As discussed and encouraged during the SMC Trainings of 2015–2016 and 2016-17 on the concept of Baal Sansad (Student Council), schools can provide meaningful platforms for these young leaders to practice democracy in action—through structured discussions, collective deliberation, and participation in decision-making on matters related to school life.

Such experiences not only nurture leadership and responsibility among students but also help them understand the values of dialogue, participation, and shared accountability that lie at the heart of a healthy democracy.

One effective way to do this is to allow the student council to function in the spirit of a legislative assembly or parliament. The council members can sit together in a formal meeting to discuss school matters - such as student welfare, discipline, cleanliness, co-curricular activities, and campus improvements and propose possible solutions. This experience can help students understand how democratic institutions actually function.

Schools may designate a Student Speaker or Chairperson to preside over these meetings, or entrust this responsibility to one of the elected members - much like the presiding officers who guide the proceedings of legislative assemblies and parliaments. The Speaker can regulate discussions, allow members to present their views, and ensure that debates remain orderly and respectful. Teachers may play the role of facilitators or mentors, guiding the process while allowing students to lead the deliberations.

Such practice will nurture several important qualities in students: leadership, responsibility, respect for diverse opinions, and the ability to engage in constructive dialogue. More importantly, it will help them experience the values of democracy - not merely learn about them from textbooks.

If schools adopt this approach, the student council will become more than a ceremonial body. It will transform into a 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, where students learn the art of participation, debate, and collective decision-making.

In today’s world, where civic responsibility and democratic culture are increasingly important, schools have a valuable opportunity. By allowing student councils to function like a miniature legislative assembly, they can prepare young citizens who understand not only the rights of democracy but also its responsibilities.