The Union Cabinet, on Wednesday, approved the establishment of an autonomous body known as 'Mera Yuva Bharat' (MY Bharat), Cabinet Minister Anurag Thakur said.

The role of this body is “to serve as an overarching enabling mechanism powered by technology for youth development and youth-led development and provide equitable access to youth to actualise their aspirations and build Viksit Bharat across the entire spectrum of the Government,” as per a press release from the Cabinet.

Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) is said to target young individuals between the ages of 15 and 29, as defined by the National Youth Policy. In case of programme components specially meant for adolescents, the beneficiaries will be in the age group of 10-19 years, the press release added.

MY Bharat is also said to focus on enhancing leadership skills through experiential learning and shifting towards a programmatic approach. It aims to invest in youth, nurturing them as social innovators and community leaders.

The initiative stresses on making the youth active drivers of development, aligning their aspirations with community needs.

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Mera Yuva Bharat is also expected to streamline existing programmes, enhancing efficiency and providing a one-stop solution for young people and government ministries.

According to the Cabinet, a centralised database will facilitate communication, connecting youth with government initiatives and stakeholders engaged with youth. The project also aims to create a physical ecosystem that ensures accessibility, fostering youth engagement and empowerment.

Recognising the dynamic nature of communication, social media, digital opportunities, and emerging technologies, the government is committed to a holistic approach to engage and empower India's youth. Mera Yuva Bharat bridges the gap between government and young citizens, empowering them to actively contribute to the nation's development.

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(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)

First Published:Oct 11, 2023 5:17 PM IST