The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports conducted a comprehensive review meeting in New Delhi, led by Union Minister Shri Anurag Singh Thakur. The meeting saw the participation of high-ranking officials from state governments across India. Shri Anurag Singh Thakur underscored the importance of shaping the future of youth engagement and sports in the nation, emphasizing the pivotal role of the Department of Youth Affairs in engaging with youth and outlining a roadmap for their involvement at various levels.
One of the key topics on the agenda was the restructuring of the National Youth Festival (NYF), focusing on information dissemination and enhancing outreach through the YUVA Portal. States and Union Territories made presentations on themes related to NYF restructuring, including youth as job creators, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, improving millet production through science, health and fitness, and Mission LiFE. This was followed by an open house discussion.
The meeting delved into the potential of the YUVA Portal for youth engagement. The platform has already registered 11.70 lakh youth, onboarded 921 businesses, and established 7269 Youth Clubs. The Department of Youth Affairs presented an Experiential Learning Program for youth in business and the police department, with many state governments expressing their readiness to engage youth in this program, which would enhance their employability.
The meeting also highlighted the significance of adventure sports in youth engagement, promoting mental and physical development, and instilling discipline among youth. The Indian Mountaineering Foundation presented on this topic.
Discussions on sports development were a vital part of the meeting, with states playing a crucial role. Key topics included the development of sports infrastructure under the Khelo India Scheme, geotagging of sports infrastructure under the PM Gati Shakti Mission through a dedicated mobile application, and various verticals of the Khelo India scheme, such as the establishment of Khelo India Centres at the district level and Khelo India State Centre of Excellence.
The meeting also addressed initiatives under the FIT India mission, including the FIT India Quiz, FIT India School week, and the FIT India mobile app. The Khelo India ASMITA, a women’s sports league organized at the zonal and national levels, was presented as a significant achievement, spanning 120 cities in 27 states. States were urged to enhance outreach and effectively execute the Khelo India Scheme.
The meeting commenced with a welcome address by the Secretary (Youth Affairs), who highlighted the successful anchoring of the Meri Maati Mera Desh Programme through the YUVA Portal.
