(a) the salient features of the National Youth Policy currently being implemented in the country;
(b) the details of funds allocated and utilised thereunder during the last three years along with projection for the next three years;
(c) Whether the Government has any proposal to formulate a special policy for the youth which would be helpful to them in making career choice; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) The salient features of the National Youth Policy-2014, currently being implemented are as under:
(1) The National Youth Policy 2014 defines the age of youth as persons between the age 15-29 years.
(2) The National Youth Policy 2014 seeks to define the vision of the Government of India for the youth of the country and identify the key areas in which action is required to enable youth development and to provide a framework for action for all stakeholders.
(3) The Policy identifies eleven specific priority areas for action, as under:
i) Education.
ii) Employment and Skill Development.
iii) Entrepreneurship.
iv) Health and Healthy Lifestyle.
v) Sports.
vi) Promotion of Social Values.
vii) Community Engagement.
viii) Participation in Politics and Governance.
ix) Youth Engagement.
x) Inclusion.
xi) Social Justice.
The National Youth Policy also outlines the future imperatives of each of the above priority areas.
(4) The Policy suggests specific short-term and long-term performance indicators for measuring the success of implementation of the Policy. The policy also provides for publishing of a “Status of Youth Report” every two years which will indicate latest status of schemes/programmes for the youth, progress against targets and shall recommend future course of action.
(5) The Policy provides for its review every five years to enable the Government to take stock of key achievements and challenges and refocus the priorities for youth going forward.
(b) The National Youth Policy-2014 is a guiding document which provides overall framework for youth development. The action for implementation of the Policy is required to be taken by concerned
Ministries/Departments from their own budgetary allocations. No separate funds have been allocated for implementation of the Policy as such.
(c) & (d) The National Youth Policy-2014 adequately covers the aspect of helping youth in making career choices. There is no need for making any special policy on this aspect.