Question : INNOVATIVE COURSE FOR YOUTH

(a) whether the Government has introduced/proposes to introduce innovative courses for youths in the area of social service, youth development, communal harmony, national integration and inclusive social policy with the participation of Indira Gandhi National Open University and Rajiv Gandhi Development Institute at Perambaur during the current year;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government also proposes to extend financial assistance to youths to pursue these courses; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) to (d): Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) has been declared as an institution deemed to be university under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 on 23rd October, 2008. On the basis of conferment of deemed status, five Post Graduate programmes relating to Youth Development have been introduced by the Institution. These programmes are:

(i) M. A. Corporate Sociology

(ii) M. A. Youth Resource Management

(iii) M. A. Development Management

(iv) M. A. Social Work & Social Policy

(v) M. A. Policy Research & Evaluation

In addition to these programmes, the institute also undertakes training and research in the field of youth and adolescent development.

The Government is providing adequate financial assistance to RGNIYD for these youth related programmes.