Mission Youth: Connecting J&K To The Outside World

Mission Youth is an initiative by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to focus on the youth in the ages 15 to 25 bracket. The main thrust by the government is towards enabling these young ones in shaping their future and becoming pillars of the society at large. The initiative spans across various domains addressing separate but critical issues faced by the youth in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The broader heads are Livelihood Generation, Development of skills and education, Financial Assistance, Counselling and Therapy, Sports and Recreation. The mission is a crucial undertaking by the Government to help the youth realize their full potential and also to streamline education and overall development in Jammu and Kashmir. The state has seen a lot of rife and the insurgency has destabilized the spread of education, especially higher education where education hubs have been frequently on the target list of militants. Interspersed spells of unrest, violence and politicized protests have interfered in the nurturing of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and thus it was realized that without active and organized effort it wouldn’t be possible to bring the youth at par with the rest of the nation and thus this scheme was concocted and brought to the light of day. The scheme has already had some great achievements such as more than 2000 youth have already taken a part in the mission and laid down the foundation for a successful life ahead. More than 80 individuals have been provided direct employment and many more have been provided employment through other initiatives. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has also opened more than 100 counseling centers so that the Mission reaches every nook and corner of its desired audience and no one misses out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. The Mission under its banner is already running 20+ schemes and initiatives throughout the territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Key stakeholders such as Government, civil society, religious denominations and the public and private sectors, as appropriate, should respond to the needs and concerns of young people and act in their best interests with a view to maximising their human potential. Young people should have easy access to excellent services and equality of opportunity in order to participate actively in the economy and society. Young people should be consulted and be involved in all planning and decision making as active participants in their own development and in that of the wider society. Barriers and impediments to young people’s active participation in the political, educational, social and economic spheres should be addressed and positive steps taken to help ensure that young people are not directly or indirectly excluded. The diverse backgrounds and identities of young people should be recognised and respected and the positive role they can play in their emotional, social, cultural and spiritual development acknowledged. Young people should be enabled to take control of their own lives and to take responsibility for their decisions and actions, to forge their own future and to bring about positive social change. Every young person is of equal value and should be given equal respect, dignity and opportunity, regardless of age, experience, beliefs, ethnicity, physical and mental capacities, socio- economic background and gender.

Respect for the individuality, worth and dignity of all young people regardless of their beliefs, ethnicity, physical and mental capacities, socio-economic background, gender and gender expression; for the right to have their voices heard and to be informed on all issues that concern them; and for the right to determine their own future and happiness. Recognition of the beliefs, culture, and personal capabilities of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Sustained support for all young people in developing their physical, intellectual and emotional capacities, skills, talents, strengths and abilities; in promoting their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and in fulfilling their potential and aspirations and in meeting their needs. Solidarity of young people, families and communities so as to ensure young peoples’ active participation, sense of responsibility and caring, and capacity to build quality and life enhancing relationships with their parents, siblings, peers and elders in the home, school, workplace and community.

Ideas, Opinions and Views expressed in articles are Writer’s own and may not be in accord with those of SUBAH KASHMIR