Youth: vulnerability and programmes

The National Youth Policy 2014 defines youth as people aged 15-29. Adolescents are 13-19. A nation's progress depends on helping its youth become a positive force.

Why youth are vulnerable: their bodies change, which affects their identity; adult roles (earning a living, marriage, family) come closer; peer pressure and competition cause stress; some turn to substance abuse; and many lack the knowledge to make healthy sexual and reproductive health choices.

Especially at risk: rural and tribal youth, youth out of school, adolescent girls, youth with disabilities, and trafficked, orphaned and street youth.

Youth need: education and training, work that pays, personal development, shelter, a clean environment, good health services, protection from exploitation, a say in decisions, and sport and recreation.

Programmes:

• National Service Scheme (NSS): college students do social service: building roads and ponds, planting trees, sanitation, immunisation drives and relief work.
• National Service Volunteer Scheme and Nehru Yuva Kendras: youth clubs, adult and non-formal education, vocational and leadership training, rural sports; they promote self-reliance, secularism, democracy and a scientific temper.
• Grants for adventure (trekking, mountaineering, sailing), Scouts and Guides, the Commonwealth Youth Programme (its Asia Pacific centre is at Chandigarh), and national integration camps.

Channel youth energy into growth and service.