Question : FUNCTIONING OF NEHRU YUVA KENDRAS

(a) the details of the functions and activities undertaken by the Nehru Yuva Kendras (NYKs) in various parts of the country during the 11th Five Year Plan, State-wise and year- wise;

(b) the number of NYKs opened during the said period, State- wise and location-wise;

(c) the details of the schemes implemented by NYKs with the assistance from other Ministries for promotion and development of the youth of the country, scheme-wise; and

(d) the funds allocated/released to the said kendras and the target set and achievements made under the various schemes?

THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS ( DR. M. S. GILL )

(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 263 FOR 16.03.2010 ASKED BY SHRI GORAKHNATH PANDEY REGARDING FUNCTIONING OF NEHRU YUVA KENDRAS.

(a) to (d): The Nehru Yuva Kendras(NYKs) have been established since 1972 with the objective of providing rural youth avenues to take part in the process of national development and opportunities for the development of their personality and skills. As on date, 500 Nehru Yuva Kendras are functioning throughout the country. It is also proposed to establish Nehru Yuva Kendras in the remaining 123 new districts of the country.

These Kendras established in the States, undertake multifarious activities through a large network of Youth Clubs/Mahila Mandals and volunteers who work at the grassroots level. The programmes and activities of Nehru Yuva Kendras during the 11th Plan include, Capacity Building of Youth Club members, Skill Upgradation Training Programme for Women, Work Camps, Sports Promotion Activities at grassroots levels, District Cultural Festivals and Youth Conventions, etc. During 2009-10, NYKS has earmarked Rs. 40.88 crores for programmes to be undertaken in all the Kendras throughout the country. Each Kendra is granted funds to the tune of Rs. 5 -7 lakhs annually, based on the number of blocks in the district. The funds allocated / released to the Kendras during the 11th Plan have been fully utilized for the purpose for which they are granted and the targets met.

The NYKS has also implemented programmes and activities of other Ministries especially concerning awareness campaigns and national integration. Ministry of Home Affairs has given specific programme for the North Eastern Region and Jammu & Kashmir. Ministry of Health has utilized the services of NYKS during its successful implementation of the Red Ribbon Express Programme concerning HIV/AIDS. Other programmes implemented by NYKS for different Ministries/ Departments include Voter Awareness Campaign for Election Commission and Traditional Skill Certification Project with the Ministry of Labour and Employment.