Explain the youth policy of the Government of India – (a) National Empowerment Policy (b) National Youth Day (c) National Training Programmes

Answer:

(a) National (Youth) Empowerment Policy: The Government of India framed National Youth Policies in 1988, 2003 and 2014 to empower young people. The 2014 policy covers youth aged 15–29 years and aims to give them education, skills and employment, encourage entrepreneurship, promote health and sports, instil social values and involve them in governance and nation-building. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports implements it.

(b) National Youth Day: Since 1985 the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, 12 January, is celebrated as National Youth Day because his life and teachings inspire the youth. A National Youth Festival with cultural programmes and youth awards is held around this day.

(c) National Training Programmes: Schemes such as the National Service Scheme (NSS, 1969), the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (1972) train young people in social service, discipline and leadership. The Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development at Sriperumbudur conducts training and research, and skill development programmes prepare the youth for jobs and self-employment.