Class 4 - trip to Vidhan Bhavan

Our recent visit to Vidhan Bhavan provided students with an immersive and meaningful insight into the functioning of government and the law-making process in Maharashtra. This experience allowed them to move beyond textbook knowledge and witness democracy in action.

Students developed a clear understanding of the structure of the state legislature, particularly the distinction between the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. They explored how members of the Legislative Assembly are directly elected by the people, while the Legislative Council comprises members elected through different constituencies and includes representatives from diverse fields such as education, arts, and social services.

A key highlight of the visit was understanding how a bill is passed in Maharashtra. Students traced its journey - from discussion and debate in the Legislative Assembly, to review in the Legislative Council, and finally back to the Assembly for the concluding decision before being sent to the Governor for approval. This helped them appreciate the importance of dialogue, disagreement, and consensus in a democratic setup.

The experience was further enriched through interactive sessions with Aditi Tatkare, Minister of Women and Child Development, Neelam Gorhe, Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council, and Aniket Tatkare, Former Member of the Legislative Council. Students engaged in thoughtful discussions around decision-making, agreement and disagreement, and the rights of children and citizens. Mr. Tatkare also guided students through the functioning of the legislature in detail, helping them connect processes with real-world application.

Students explored key spaces within Vidhan Bhavan, including the Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, and Central Hall, gaining insight into seating arrangements, speaking protocols, and how structured discussions take place.

Overall, this experience helped students understand that governance is rooted in identifying real-world issues and working collaboratively to address them. It strengthened their awareness of civic responsibility and will significantly support their ongoing learning and projects related to citizens’ rights and responsibilities.