(a) the number of urban and rural youth in the country alongwith the percentage of 13-40
years population of which they comprise;
(b) whether the Government proposes to expand the working of Nehru Yuva Kendras (NYKs)
to colleges and universities;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government had made any review in the performance of the functioning in the country;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the other steps taken to improve the performance of NYKs in the country?
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) As per the 2001 Census, the population of youth in the country in the age group of 10-39 is over 47
crores which is 42.8% of the total population. 72.2% of youth, about 34 crores live in rural areas and
27.8% of youth, about 13 crores reside in urban areas.
(b) No, Madam. The Government does not propose to expand the working of Nehru Yuva Kendras (NYKs) to Colleges
and Universities. National Service Scheme (NSS), another flagship scheme of the Department of Youth Affairs
provides coverage to the Colleges and Universities across the country.
(c) Does not arise.
(d) to (f): The Government had made a review of performance functioning of the NYKs. The major thrust
of Nehru Yuva Kendras now is towards the deployment and mentoring of Rural Youth Clubs at the village
level. The Government has taken steps towards the infrastructural upgradation, capacity building and
the professionalization of the youth clubs. Youth volunteers of the Kendras provide an excellent vehicles
for programme literacy and advocacy of various national development programmes in convergence with other
Ministries of the Government namely Rural Development (MGNREGA), Home Affairs (Skill Upgradation and
Capacity building of youth of Northern Eastern States), Election Commission (Voter’s Awareness Campaigns
on Right to Vote). The Government proposes to expand the Nehru Yuva Kendras (NYKs) to 122 more Districts
in the country.