Question : NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUNDS



(a) whether the National Youth Policy, 2003 has any provision to create a National Youth Development Fund;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


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

(a) to(c) Yes Madam. As per the National Youth Policy, 2003, under the Implementation Mechanism there was a provision to create a National Youth Development Fund, through contributions, including from Non-Governmental Organizations, to be utilized for youth development activities. Income Tax exemption would be sought for contribution to the fund. However, the said fund could not be created as the Government had formulated various schemes for the youth activities/programmes. The details of schemes and the allocated budget provisions for the years 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 are given in Annexure.