AI SummaryExposure Visits to The Legislative Assembly is a state-level scheme in Assam that gives students a direct look at how the state legislature works. Through this scheme, students from high schools and colleges get a chance to sit in the visitors' gallery, watch live sessions, and understand how laws are made, which builds a stronger interest in political science and public affairs.
The Assam government launched this scheme in 2016 during the budget session to connect classroom learning with real governance. It is run by the Parliamentary Affairs Department, and it continues to welcome student groups during assembly sessions every year.
Exposure Visits to The Legislative Assembly - Introduction
Exposure Visits to The Legislative Assembly was introduced in the budget speech during the first Budget Session of the new government in July 2016. The main aim is to arrange visits by groups of Political Science students from high schools up to college level to the Assam Legislative Assembly during its sessions, in consultation with the Assembly Secretariat.
The educational institutions are identified with input from the District Collectors and Inspectors of Schools, and the students are selected by their Headmasters and Principals. Preference is given to students from related subjects such as Political Science and Economics within the Arts and Humanities streams in colleges and higher secondary schools, and social sciences in secondary schools. School students from classes 10th to 12th and college students from first year degree onwards are covered under the scheme.
Each visiting batch is accompanied by one male and one female teacher, and the total number of students in one batch does not exceed 50. The students are selected on the basis of good academic performance and active participation in extracurricular activities such as debating competitions, student activities, and mock parliaments.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Exposure Visits to The Legislative Assembly |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Assam |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Nodal Department | Parliamentary Affairs Department |
| Launched | July 2016 Budget Session |
| Eligible Students | Class 10 to 12 and college students |
| Batch Size | Maximum 50 students |
Benefits
This scheme offers students a number of learning opportunities during their visit to the assembly:
- Practical Exposure: Students gain hands-on experience by watching legislative sessions, debates, bill discussions, and voting in the visitors' gallery.
- Interaction with Dignitaries: Students may get a chance to interact with the Hon'ble Speaker, Chief Minister, Ministers, MLAs, and senior officials during the visit, arranged in coordination with the Assembly Secretariat.
- Better Civic Understanding: Students learn how the state government works, how bills are presented and passed, and how laws affect the lives of citizens.
Eligibility
To take part in the scheme, students need to meet the following conditions:
- Educational Status: Students must be enrolled in a high school, higher secondary school, or college in Assam. School students should be in classes 10th to 12th, and college students should be from first year degree onwards.
- Subject Focus: Preference is given to students studying Political Science, Economics, or social sciences within the Arts and Humanities streams.
- Academic Profile: Students should show good academic performance and active participation in activities such as debating competitions and mock parliaments.
- Group Size: A single batch consists of a maximum of 50 students, with both boys and girls where the institution is co-educational.
- Voluntary Nature: Participation is fully voluntary, and only willing students are selected by the heads of the institutions.
For example, if a 12th-grade student who enjoys debating is selected by the principal, that student can represent the school during a visit to the assembly.
Application Process
The selection and visit process follows a clear procedure set by the Parliamentary Affairs Department:
STEP 1 - District Collectors and Inspectors of Schools identify the educational institutions to be considered for the visit, from among the high schools, higher secondary schools, and colleges in Assam.
STEP 2 - The Parliamentary Affairs Department issues official invitations to the heads of the selected institutions, with the approval of the Hon'ble Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
STEP 3 - Recommendations from the Chief Minister, Ministers, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, MLAs, MPs, and other dignitaries are also considered while extending invitations to the institutions.
STEP 4 - The headmaster or principal selects the willing students and deputes one male and one female teacher to accompany and guide the group.
STEP 5 - The visiting group reports to the main gate of the assembly by 8:30 am, dressed in the prescribed uniform and carrying identity cards. The list of participating students is sent to the Assembly Secretariat ahead of time so that passes can be issued.
STEP 6 - The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) arranges transportation from and to the selected institutions and within Guwahati city. The group stays in the visitors' gallery for the whole visit, and after returning, each student submits a brief feedback write-up to the principal within one week.
Documents
Students should keep the following items ready for the visit:
- Valid student identity card from the school or college.
- A list of all participating students submitted to the Assembly Secretariat for pass issuance.
- Personal feedback report, a brief write-up of not more than one page per student, submitted to the principal within one week of the visit.
References
Official Scheme Guidelines PDF
Assam Legislative Assembly Notices
FAQ's
Which students are eligible to participate in the Exposure Visits to The Legislative Assembly scheme?
Students from high school up to college level are eligible. School students from classes 10th to 12th and college students from first year degree onwards can take part, with priority given to those studying political science, economics, or social sciences.
How are students selected for the visit?
Headmasters and principals select students based on their academic performance and active interest in extracurricular activities like debating and mock parliaments. Participation is always voluntary.
Are there any restrictions on items allowed inside the assembly visitors' gallery?
For security reasons, students cannot carry mobile phones, bags, purses, water bottles, or writing materials into the gallery. These items can be left outside with the designated House staff for safe keeping.
What are the recommended business days to visit the assembly?
The best times for a visit include the address of the Governor, debate on the motion of thanks, budget presentation, general discussion, discussion and voting on demands, passing of the budget, and passing of bills.
Who bears the expenses of the visit?
The Parliamentary Affairs Department covers all related travel and administrative expenses from its own budget provisions.
Can senior citizens also participate in the visit?
Yes, the scheme also proposes inviting respected senior citizens from the districts, such as retired teachers, headmasters, principals, freedom fighters, and social workers, to watch the assembly sessions.
Are there opportunities for students to interact with dignitaries during the visit?
Yes, students may get the chance to interact with the Hon'ble Speaker, Chief Minister, Ministers, MLAs, and senior officials during the visit.
How should the participating students dress?
Students should wear the official uniform prescribed by their respective school or college and carry their identity cards.
How should students submit their feedback after the visit?
Students should write a brief summary of their visit, not exceeding one page, and submit it to their headmaster or principal, who then sends a copy to the Parliamentary Affairs Department within one week.