Advisor Vijay Kumar for constituting task force to oversee youth engagement programs

Reviews implementation of Youth Engagement Programs by various departments

SRINAGAR, JULY 12:  Advisor to Governor, K Vijay Kumar today directed to constitute a Special Task Force that will oversee the youth engagement program launched by various departments.

The task force shall be headed by Secretary Sports with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir), IGP CRPF as its members. The committee will review the new plans being executed by various departments including civil departments and various forces for engaging youth in various extracurricular activities to avoid duplicity in these programs.

The Advisor directed to constitute this task force while reviewing the implementation of various youth engagement programs in the state. He said the task force will act as a bridge between various organizations who are doing such programs so as to avoid duplicity in these programs and to reach   more youths of the state.

While calling for consolidation of funds, advisor called for convergence between various departments to implement youth engagement programs to avoid paucity of funds and for maximum benefits while utilizing funds judiciously.

He said the committee will regularly meet and review the implementation of various programs including sports activities while it will also come up with a proposal for fruitful utilization of Rs 14.20 crores under Khelo India program in 142 identified blocks of the state.

Kumar while reviewing the activities plan of the department emphasized the need to involve the youth in extracurricular activities so that their energies could be better harnessed for constructive engagement. He also enquired about the action plan under Khelo India, a flagship scheme of the Government of India which has components of both activities for youth engagement as well as infrastructure development besides other programs under PMDP.

He also stressed on maintaining the current sports infrastructure besides constructing new sports infrastructure in left out areas to ensure mass participation of youth in sports activities. He also stressed for optimal use of funds and the resources available to garn more benefit for the youth of the state.

The advisor also asked the officials to identify the youth icons in their respective areas and recognize their contribution by felicitating them and incentivizing them so that more youths are attracted to fruitful activities.

The meeting also held a threadbare discussion on having a sports policy for the state and also discussed various initiatives taken by different departments.