Karnataka Youth Policy unveiled

What was merely a concept about 11 months ago, has now grown into a full fledged Youth Policy — to empower youth to be “creators of opportunities and to be direct representatives”.

The Karnataka Youth Policy, with its ‘Navaratnas’ was launched by Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar on Wednesday, who announced that the policy would be implemented on January 12, 2013, to mark Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary. He said that the policy recommendations would be adopted in all districts on that day, and the government would set aside Rs 25 crore for its implementation.

Youth Services and Sports Minister Appacchu Ranjan said the policy was inspired by youth policies in other states. A Bill would be tabled in the Assembly on providing reservation to sportspersons in education and MNCs. The policy is evolved by a team of experts from the Steering and Drafting committees.

The policy recommends setting up of a Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Corporation (SWAYEM), to coordinate and synergise programmes implemented by the government apart from state, national and international agencies. The Corporation should be set up under Section 25 of the Companies Act, the policy recommends.

Apex-level review

The policy also suggests that an apex-level review committee should be formed to look into implementation of programmes, review mechanisms and devise necessary corrective actions and suggest revisions. The policy also calls for a comprehensive Sports Policy, to be implemented by the department.

Committee member and Jain University Pro Vice Chancellor Sandeep Shastri said the highlight of the policy was the ‘Employed while studying’ concept, where the education department will be required to tie up with corporate firms to ensure job opportunities for students during their college term.

The policy ‘Navaratnas’ include – Hone today, the hope of tomorrow; Primacy to family; Harness youth potential, talent and capacity through education and training; Opportunities for meaningful employment; Access to holistic healthcare; Expanding sports and recreational opportunities; Promoting social justice; With and beyond government; and all round development.