The `speaker’ calls the session open and `ministers’ make their speeches. They speak about their the work they have done. This house has 30 members and no opposition and runs a mini-government in the most effective manner.

The only difference is that the `MPs’ are young children. Nevertheless, the system of Children Parliament initiated by the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) has become a major success, which not only informs school children about the functioning of Parliament, but also gives them responsibilities.

“The children are allotted different cabinets. Each is given a ministry and the Minister looks after the happenings of that particular cabinet in the schools and their localities. They also help create awareness about various social causes,” said T.V. Vijayakumar, Director of NCLP, Coimbatore.

The system, which is currently being initiated in all schools, is effectively followed in a few schools in Tirupur.

“The NCLP Special Training Centre in Esteem Nagar in Tirupur is doing a good job and the reports are being sent to our office regularly,” he said. The success of the programme was also being shared in the review meetings held by NCLP.

“Most of the children in the Centre are from North India. They are also given a stipend of Rs. 150 per month by the Central Government for social uplift of their families. Their parents work in nearby areas and their education is sponsored by NCLP,” he added.