Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh has declared 2024-25 as the ‘Year of Youth’, recognizing the significant role of young people in the state’s development.
This announcement came as part of the Arunachal Pradesh Budget 2024-25 which was presented by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Wednesday.
The announcement emphasizes education, sports, employment, entrepreneurship, and agriculture to foster youth development.
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Deputy Chief Minister Mein highlighted the state’s dedication to youth empowerment.
“The Year of Youth is a tribute to the role and responsibility our youth have in building a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Arunachal. We commit to allocating a minimum of ₹100 crore for various activities aimed at empowering our youth,” he stated.
The budget includes comprehensive initiatives to enhance access to education, skills development, health, and opportunities in various sectors.
𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬
To support higher education, the government will cover 100% of tuition and hostel fees for APST youth admitted to Indian Institutes of Technology for undergraduate courses.
The state will also fund 75% of training fees for obtaining Commercial Pilot Licenses and Merchant Navy Certifications from recognized institutes.
Additionally, the Innovative Arunachal Pradesh Scholarship for Academic Excellence Scheme will provide scholarships covering 75% of tuition fees, on-campus residence fees, airfare, and medical insurance for APST youth admitted to top 150 global universities.
𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
The Arunachal Agniveer Abhiyan will train youth for careers in armed, paramilitary, and police forces, with retired Agniveers from Arunachal given preference in recruitment for state police and battalions.
The Arunachal Pradesh Society for Music and Arts will support young artists, musicians, and writers.
The government will also conduct Youth Parliaments and leadership training programs to involve youth in decision-making processes.
The revamped Arunachal Yuva Samanvay program will focus on educational and skill-building activities.
𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠
Life skills sessions will be organized in government colleges and schools, promoting healthier lifestyles among youth.
The Chief Minister Youth Helpline will offer 24×7 telephonic counseling services. Youth Resource Centres will provide educational support, counseling, and career guidance.
𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
The Arunachal Olympics Mission aims to secure a strong presence in the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games by providing top-notch coaching and mentorship.
The state will also support participation in National Games, Northeast Games, and the revival of State Olympic Games. A 25,000+ capacity FIFA-standard football stadium will be established in Itanagar.
To nurture future athletes, new national-level stadiums will be built in Pasighat, Ziro, Daporijo, Tezu, Aalo, and Chimpu, with existing facilities like the Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium and DK Badminton Academy upgraded.
“The declaration of 2024-25 as the ‘Year of Youth’ underscores Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to nurturing its young population’s potential. With significant investments in education, sports, and employment, the state aims to empower its youth to contribute to the state’s and nation’s progress,” officials said.
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