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(GIST OF YOJANA) Unleashing Youth Power for Development [MARCH-2019]

(GIST OF YOJANA) Unleashing Youth Power for Development

[MARCH-2019]

Unleashing Youth Power for Development

Introduction

Reforms in education, skill development and entrepreneurship through various Central/State Government schemes have given access to education and employment to large number of youth from disadvantaged communities.
Access to internet, media and information makes them dignified and self-reliant. New wave of entrepreneurship is the harbinger for meeting the aspirations of the youth and if inculcated right from the school can make more job providers than job seekers. Private sector through Corporate Social Responsibility provisions has started multiple projects for educating and skilling youth particularly from the downtrodden communities.

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Digital inclusion

Digital inclusion is a fountainhead for social and livelihood inclusion. Infusion of emerging IT and IT enabled services in different programs of youth has mainstreamed many youth, who, in the past, were devoid of appropriate and timely information and hence opportunities. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (Al), Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, automation, robotics, etc. are changing the skilling landscape.
These specific skills are in high demand, missions like—Skill India, Digital India and Startup India are making a strong pitch to Indian youth and they are making best use of these programs. Indian youth have demonstrated out of box thinking, innovations and disruptive technologies; Indian startups are the new world order that is the fountainhead for innovation and disruptive technologies.
As per the 2011 Census, in India, 2.21 per cent of India's population has some form of disability; this accounts for 2.7 crore people. Youth with disabilities face social, economic and civic challenges. They have had to battle against biased assumptions, harmful stereotypes and irrational fears. Direction of SDGs
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) give a direction for inclusion agenda for persons with disabilities. SDG 4 resolves in guaranteeing equal and accessible education by building inclusive learning environments and providing the needed assistance for persons with disabilities.
SDG 8 highlights the promoting of inclusive economic growth, full and productive employment allowing persons with disabilities to fully access the job market.
The 2030 agenda for sustainable development specially mentions ‘Persons with disabilities’ 11 times. India is geared towards realizing the SDGs within the time frame.
The current framework is geared towards making them fully participate with their peers without disabilities. Programs relating to inclusive education, universal design and emerging technologies, digital economy and digital interfaces have started showing results.
Many PwDs are now sewing as mentors and role models in their communities. Use of assistive technologies, internet social media and other technological innovations are creating opportunities for youth with disabilities to become part of the mainstream education, skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 of the Post-2015 Development Agenda calls to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture '. Target 2a devotes specific attention to "Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and
plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries”.
As per 2001 census, there are 84 million scheduled tribes in India constituting 8.2 per cent of the country’s population.

Conclusion

Indian Youth is the key agent for socioeconomic development and technological innovation. Their collective energies and vision is the engine of growth of our nation. It is the collective responsibility of private sector, public sector and civil society to provide adequate opportunities and programmes for all sections of youth to give them equal access to education, skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly for marginalized youth, PwD, rural youth and tribal communities.
Technology has a potential to change the world and improve people's lives. It can be exploited for youth development with the incredible spirit of a youth-led enterprise and initiatives. The private sector, public sector and civil society have to work in tandem in empowering youth. Inclusive growth and sustainable development arc the keywords that will harness our demographic dividend.