Delhi govt to launch 'Rashtraneeti' in schools: Student polls, committees & civic lessons

The Delhi government is preparing to launch its new civic education initiative, Rashtraneeti, aimed at reshaping how students learn about democracy, leadership and civic responsibility, The Times of India reported.

Set to roll out across all government schools on August 15, the programme will cover students from kindergarten to Class XII, integrating civic values into school life. “At the core of Rashtraneeti is a mission to instil ethical governance, democratic participation and national pride through active, student-led engagement,” an official told ToI.

To ensure smooth implementation, the State Council of Educational Research and Training recently conducted an orientation for master trainers who will lead the rollout across schools. According to officials, the session was designed to familiarise trainers with the programme’s vision, structure and goals to ensure effective classroom delivery.

As part of the initiative, each school will set up at least seven student-run committees, including those focused on environment, anti-bullying and canteen management, to mirror real-world governance systems. “Students will conduct elections, make decisions and implement plans while teachers will guide them in the background. This hands-on model offers a first-hand understanding of governance and builds essential life skills like leadership, teamwork and ownership,” the official said. “This will not only give them insight into policymaking and governance but also nurture a strong sense of ownership, collaboration and active citizenship,” he added.

Rashtraneeti is expected to engage nearly every student in Delhi government schools, either through direct participation in committees or through related sub-groups and school-level activities. Officials described it as an effort to build civic consciousness from the ground up, turning governance into a lived experience rather than just a theoretical subject.

The programme also signals a shift from some of AAP’s earlier education initiatives, including Happiness Curriculum, Business Blasters and Mission Buniyaad, which will be gradually phased out, officials said.

Alongside Rashtraneeti, the government will also launch NEEEV (New Era of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Vision) and Science of Living. NEEEV, targeted at students in Classes VIII to XII, aims to foster entrepreneurial thinking through innovation challenges such as ‘startup stormers,’ where students will develop, pitch and prototype their business ideas. It will also feature ‘NEEEV dialogues,’ a speaker series featuring entrepreneurs and industry leaders to inspire students, ToI reported.