Training day in Cong: its youth get to play shadow ministers

Nice Idea:) I wish I could attend too...

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 1: In the Congress, grooming is not restricted to Rahul Gandhi alone. Starting next month, national officer bearers of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) will be required to upgrade their intellect to survive. As part of a new training programme, youth leaders will be shadow ministers — each attached to a Union Minister; required to read a book every two months and familarise themselves with sacred texts of major religions.

“If you go by previous pattern, a good percentage of youth workers become legislators, ministers or more. The new programme is to formally acquaint them to the challenges ahead,” says AICC secretary Sanjay Bapna who thought of the programme along with CWC member Oscar Fernandes.

The mechanism of shadow cabinet is usually meant for Opposition parties, deputing members to be constantly on the heels of ministers. The Congress, however, will get its ministers to train the youth attached to them. IYC leaders say the mechanism will equip them fight political opponents as well.