Following the successful implementation of the Mukhya Mantri Ladki Bahin Yojana (MMLBY), the Maharashtra government has now initiated the launch of the Maharashtra Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana (MMYKPY). This new scheme is aimed at tackling the growing problem of unemployment among the youth in the state. This scheme is designed to provide training for educated unemployed youth who currently lack employment opportunities. Additionally, this scheme is designed to provide these unemployed youth with financial assistance each month.
India is one of the youngest countries in the world, with 65% of its population under the age of 35 and 50% below the age of 25. Maharashtra, the leading state in India, is renowned for its economic dynamism and cultural vibrancy. Recognising the pivotal role that youth play in shaping the state’s future, the Maharashtra government has taken proactive steps to empower its younger generation. To this end, the state’s youth policy has been developed as a comprehensive framework. This policy is designed to empower young people by providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities. The goal is to ensure that every young person in Maharashtra has the chance to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the state’s continued growth and prosperity.
The policy places a strong emphasis on improving access to quality education and vocational training for all the youth in the state. As part of this focus, several initiatives have been introduced to enhance the state’s educational infrastructure, ensuring that schools and training centres are accessible and well-equipped. In addition, the policy promotes STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, recognising its importance in today’s world. To further support educational aspirations, the policy also includes provisions for offering scholarships to deserving students.
To tackle and address the challenges of youth unemployment, the policy puts a strong emphasis on job creation and also actively promotes entrepreneurship. This comprehensive approach aids in fostering a favourable business environment, providing extensive skill development programs, and supporting ventures led by young entrepreneurs.
Going beyond youth employment, this policy recognises the importance of physical and mental health. This policy is designed to improve access to healthcare facilities, promote healthy lifestyles, and address issues such as substance abuse and mental health concerns.
The policy also aims to ensure that all youth, regardless of background, have equal and fair opportunities to participate fully in society. This comprehensive approach includes targeted initiatives to address critical issues such as gender inequality, discrimination, and social exclusion, ensuring a more inclusive environment for every young person.
The policy places a strong emphasis on youth participation in decision-making processes. It encourages the formation of youth councils and platforms to provide a voice for young people. These initiatives are designed to ensure that their perspectives and opinions are considered and integrated into the development of policies.
The key initiatives under the policy include the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme wherein financial assistance, mentorship, and training are offered to young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to start businesses. Other initiatives like setting up Skill Development Centres would provide vocational training in various fields, equipping youth with the skills needed to find employment or start their enterprises; scholarships to meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them pursue higher education; and youth leadership programmes aimed at developing leadership skills in young people, enabling them to become active participants in their communities and contribute to social change.
However, some challenges must be addressed while implementing this policy. These include ensuring equitable access to opportunities across different regions of the state, addressing the digital divide, and promoting mental health awareness. Would the new Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana be able to do all this? That is the key question. While the state’s Youth Policy tries to provide a comprehensive framework that seeks to empower its young population by focusing on education, employment, health, and social inclusion, implementation remains the key.
Also, there are issues with the migrant youth population. Mumbai is the financial capital of India and still maintains its status as the ‘dream city’ for most of the youth of the country. A large proportion of young migrants move to the cities for aspirational reasons. The ‘educated’, however small it might be, look down upon employment in the agriculture sector. When they say they are looking for employment, most of them are looking for ‘formal’ employment with some kind of 9-to-5 job. However, data reveals that the proportion of such formal jobs to total employment between 1989 and 2010 was just 35%, and it has been declining thereafter. How to bridge this gap between aspirations and ground reality is the key that needs to be the focus of any government policy.
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