Year-End Review: 2024 Becomes a Milestone for India's Youth

New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) The last ten years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance have sparked a significant transformation driven by the youth, where aspirations found opportunities and innovation became embedded in our culture.

Through the visionary New Education Policy, which has redefined education, and the substantial increase in the number of medical colleges, PM Modi has established a robust foundation for a future filled with potential. Initiatives like Start-Up India have fueled entrepreneurial ambitions, Khelo India has nurtured a generation of sports champions, and Digital India has armed the youth with modern skills. The government has not only supported young minds but has empowered them to take the lead. More than 1.42 crore youth have received training under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). The momentum from this transformative decade has ushered in 2024, bringing with it a new surge of opportunities for India’s youth.

In 2024, the Modi Government has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering India’s youth by introducing innovative policies and programs designed to promote innovation, skill enhancement, entrepreneurship, and technological progress.

Highlighted initiatives include:

Revival of Nalanda University

The revival of Nalanda University stands as a symbol of the Modi Government’s commitment to conserving its rich educational heritage. Once a global center for knowledge and innovation, the university has been rebuilt to function as a hub for international collaboration, research, and cultural exchange.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024

To combat systemic cheating issues in public examinations, the government has introduced this landmark legislation. It establishes strict measures to deter malpractices, including severe penalties for violators. This Act aims to uphold the integrity of India’s examination system, ensuring fairness for diligent students and restoring public confidence in education.

Vigyan Dhara Scheme

Understanding the significance of science and technology for India’s future, the Vigyan Dhara Scheme is designed to inspire and empower young minds to pursue careers in these fields. The proposed budget for executing this comprehensive scheme is ₹10,579.84 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period, from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The primary goal is to enhance the capacity of science and technology (S&T) to fortify the innovation ecosystem in the nation.

PM’s Package for the Youth

A substantial Rs 2 lakh crore Prime Minister’s Package has been unveiled to significantly boost employment generation and skill development efforts. Targeted at 4.1 crore youth, this package includes funding for upskilling programs, startup incubation support, and sector-specific training initiatives. It aims to create opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, IT, green energy, and healthcare. This comprehensive package aligns with the government’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by equipping youth with the skills needed to thrive in competitive global markets.

PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme

The PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme is a groundbreaking initiative to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent India’s youth from accessing higher education. It stems from the National Education Policy, 2020, which recommended providing financial assistance to deserving students through various means in both public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Under this scheme, any student admitted to a quality Higher Education Institution (QHEI) will qualify for a collateral-free, guarantor-free loan from banks and financial institutions to cover the full tuition fees and other course-related expenses.

75,000 Additional Medical Seats

To meet the rising demand for healthcare professionals in India, the government has sanctioned the addition of 75,000 new medical seats nationwide. This expansion encompasses undergraduate (MBBS) and postgraduate medical programs, particularly targeting underserved regions. By establishing new medical colleges and enhancing existing institutions, the government seeks to improve access to medical education, bridge the doctor-patient ratio, and strengthen India’s healthcare framework. This initiative will create more pathways for aspiring doctors while bolstering the nation’s healthcare system.

Protection of Youth from Drug Menace

The MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra) helpline has been launched to aid and report drug-related issues, contributing to the Nasha Mukta Bharat initiative. MANAS will feature a toll-free number 1933, a web portal, a mobile app, and integration with the UMANG app, enabling citizens to anonymously connect with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) 24/7 for advice on de-addiction and rehabilitation, as well as to share information on drug trafficking.

The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, has developed a ‘ToFEI Implementation Manual’ for schools, launched on World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) (May 31, 2024). The goal of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) campaign is to ensure that educational institutions nationwide adhere to the ToFEI guidelines and become tobacco-free areas.

Brighter Future for Sports

Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) Program

To enhance talent development and inclusivity in sports, the Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) Program has been initiated. KIRTI focuses on nurturing sporting talent among the youth. Khelo India has significantly contributed to India’s Mission Olympics; notably, 25 percent of the Indian contingent (28 athletes) at the Paris Summer Olympics 2024 were Khelo India athletes.

Skilling 20 Lakh Youth Over 5 Years

During the presentation of the Union Budget 2024-25 in Parliament, the Finance Minister announced plans to skill 20 lakh youth over a five-year period, along with upgrading 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes.

Scheme for Internship Opportunities for 1 Crore Youth

This scheme aims to provide internship opportunities to 1 crore youth, bridging the gap between education and employment. This initiative will help young individuals gain practical work experience, develop essential skills, and enhance their employability across various sectors. The program offers 12 months of real-world business exposure, with an internship allowance of Rs 5,000 per month and one-time assistance of Rs 6,000. Participating companies will cover training costs and 10 percent of the internship expenses through their CSR initiatives.

Appointment of Over 15,000 Youth in the First 100 Days of Modi 3.0

The initial 100 days of the third term of the Modi Government were marked by several key initiatives and decisions that positively impacted people's lives and established a solid foundation for Vikshit Bharat@2047. During this period, appointment letters were given to over 15,000 youth for government positions by Central Ministries and Departments.

A New Political Dawn for the Youth

In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an initiative to involve 1 lakh youth from non-political backgrounds, aiming to democratize political participation. This initiative seeks to remove biases associated with established political families, thereby promoting merit and innovative thinking in governance.

A Leap Towards Excellence in Research and Development

PM Modi chaired the inaugural meeting of the governing body of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, injecting Rs 50,000 crore over five years to energize the research ecosystem across emerging fields such as AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, and climate change.