Government to form National Youth Advisory Council

NEW DELHI: Taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today said that a National Youth Advisory Council was being set up to advise the government on youth issues.

Speaking at the Asia Region Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting, he said: "Facilitating youth participation is the main objective of National Youth Policy."

Sonowal also said that the theme of the conference, "Youth Participation at the Heart of Sustainable Development" was very significant and added that "in India, about 65 per cent of the population is under 35 years of age."

During his address, Sonowal said the main challenge before the leaders is to enable youths to realise their full potential and contribute to the development of their nations.

Underlining the government's initiative of youth participation in governance, the Minister said: "A portal called MyGov.nic.in has been set up, on which the youth can give their suggestions on a wide-ranging governance issues."

Sonowal also announced ' Neighbourhood Youth Parliament' programme, where the village-based youth clubs were being enabled to function as youth parliaments.

He also paid tribute to former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, whose sudden demise shocked the nation.