Nagpur: Minister of State for Home, Finance and Law Ashish Jaiswal said that mandating a law degree for members of the Parliament and state legislative assembliescould have significantly accelerated India’s growth. He was speaking at the inauguration of the National Youth Parliament under ‘Justa Causa’, organised by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar School of Law. Jasiwal, an alumni of the institute, said that there is a growing imbalance between the assertion of rights and the discharge of duties among citizens. “Everyone speaks about constitutional rights, but very few are willing to fulfil their duties,” he said, adding that if a perform is not fulfilling their constitutional duties, then they cannot champion for their constituional rights. “It is important that this mindset is embedded into the society,” he said. Drawing from his over 30 years in public life, Jaiswal urged students to introspect about their role in nation-building. “Each individual must ask themselves if they are an asset to the nation or a liability” he said, pointing to pressing challenges such as unemployment, environmental degradation, sanitation, and public health.Jaiswal also expressed concern over the reluctance among youth to enter public life, adding that meaningful change can only be brought about when capable and principled people take part in governance. “If good people do not enter politics, the nation cannot move forward,” he said. He also referred to long-term development goals, including the vision of a developed India by 2047, and Maharashtra’s roadmap aimed at achieving growth across sectors. Jaiswal said recent policy efforts have focused on structured planning, with defined targets in areas such as employment generation, industrial growth, and sustainable development. He emphasised that achieving these goals would require collective effort and a strong sense of responsibility among citizens. Reflecting on his association with the institution, Jaiswal recalled his student days and participation in debates on the same campus. He said the education he received there continues to guide him and chief minister Devendra Fadnaivs, also an alumni and Jaiswal’s senior in college, in policymaking and administrative responsibilities. “This is the stage where I first heard Fadnavis give a speech during a debate, and that pushed me towards oration and debates,” he said.
