Tura, August 12: The Chief Minister of Meghalaya Shri. Conrad K. Sangma today distributed financial assistance to eligible youth groups under the Youth Engagement through Empowered Youth Organisations (YESS) initiative, on the International Youth Day.
An amount of nearly INR30 lakhs was distributed among 61 groups which qualified under the initiative and are committed towards youth development and empowerment. Another INR 3 lakhs cash reward was extended to 61 medalists in various sports events held in the State.
A total of 2,000 youth from across different districts of Garo Hills gathered at Tura, Government College Ground to celebrate the occasion. With an average age of 29, India has the advantage of having one of the youngest populations in the world.
Meghalaya’s population ratio of 74% people under the age of 35 is greater than the national average, and this distinct demographic lead offers a wide range of prospects to the State. There are over 3000 registered youth clubs and organisations across the State working for the development, engagement, and rejuvenation of the youth.
To enable such organisations to take concrete action that would have a larger impact on youth development, the Government of Meghalaya launched this pioneering initiative in the State.
Through this initiative, registered entities focusing on youth development and empowerment could apply for financial assistance upto INR 1 lakh if the group matches the criteria and is deemed fit bythe constituted proposal evaluation committee.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad Sangma, said, “I strongly believe that it the youth which will lead Meghalaya and India towards progress and prosperity. YESS is an effort to empower the youth organisations, clubs and associations across Meghalaya.
The key objective of this Government is to provide opportunities to the youth with potential in abundance. We strongly believe that YESS initiative will give freedom to excel without any financial or societal constraints.”
The program has been formulated in pursuance to the State Youth Policy notified in 2021 which outlines the commitment of the Government of Meghalaya for youth engagement, empowerment, and rejuvenation.
The broad objectives of this program include Empowerment of youth clubs and organisations for planning and implementation of grassroot level programs and activities pertaining to key themes affecting the Youth, Positively channelizing energies of the youth through empowered youth organizations.
Enhancement of the youth development ecosystem by the promotion of effective collaboration with key stakeholders in the State working towards youth empowerment and development and Creation of an annual corpus fund for extension of financial support to registered not for profit youth clubs, organisations, and associations.
It is anticipated that the youth organizations taking part in this initiative will participate in activities like environmental protection and conservation programs and workshops, financial literacy workshops and campaigns, awareness dissemination workshops and seminars, career counselling and guidance workshops and clinics, mental wellbeing seminars and campaigns; and more.
The State Government’s commitment to youth involvement, empowerment, and rejuvenation is a testament towards their commitment of making Meghalaya one of the top 10 states of the country. Further information about the program will be available athttp://www.yessmeghalaya.in/
