LISBON, 11 August -- The young people in India, which currently numbered million, had been at the forefront of the nation's struggle for freedom and development, the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth was told this morning as it continued its general exchange of views.
Among others, the discussion focused on national policies for rural youth, empowerment, education and employment. Bhaskar Barua, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports of India, said youth empowerment was the focus of the nation's new youth policy, with emphasis on gender justice, and the development of information and research networks. Particular attention was placed on the needs of rural youth. Enhancing access for young people to education, employment, health and other services was to afford them better living conditions.
In the employment sector, the thrust was on providing opportunities for self-employment, entrepreneurship development and skill training. Empowering youth would maximize their chance to contribute to a nation's economic, social and cultural advancement, said S.
Soonarane, Minister for Youth and Sports of Mauritius. His Government was developing policies to construct a nation of young achievers. All educational institutions in Mauritius had information technology facilities, while vocational schools focused on primary school drop-outs.
Shahjahan, Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports of Bangladesh, said 90 per cent of the country's approximately 40 million young people lived in rural areas. They were faced with unemployment, illiteracy and malnutrition as they struggled to adapt to rapidly changing technology. The Government was working to foster self-employment activities, to provide training in new technologies, and to allow youth to develop new skills.
