Meghalaya CM Conrad launches YESS program

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 27, 2022

Financial assistance of up to INR 1.00 Lakh to be provided to qualifying entities committed towards youth development and empowerment

With an average age of 29, India has the advantage of having one of the youngest populations in the world. Meghalaya’s population ratio of 74% people under the age of 35 is greater than the national average, and this distinct demographic lead offers a wide range of prospects to the State. There are over 3000 registered youth clubs and organisations across the State working for the development, engagement, and rejuvenation of the youth.

To enable such organisations to take concrete action that would have a larger impact on youth development, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday launched a pioneering initiative in the State – Youth Engagement through Empowered Youth Organisations (YESS) at a function that was held at Pinewood Shillong. The launch was also attended by Commissioner, Sports & Youth Affairs, Dr Vijay Kumar and Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Isawanda Laloo and members of different youth organizations from East Khasi Hills.

Through this initiative, registered entities focusing on youth development and empowerment could apply for financial assistance up to INR 1.00 Lakh if the entity matches the criteria and is deemed fit by the constituted proposal evaluation committee.

Speaking to the gathering, Conrad K Sangma, said that the community participation in the State through different institutional setups the public whether the youth or women or traditional bodies is critical and very proactive creating positive impacts. “So we realized that we need to push and we need to promote and engage with these different organizations,” he said.

The Chief Minister also informed that over the last months the government has been engaging, working and studying on finding the best ways to engage the youth. He added that the youth engagement programs are very important as the youth have a powerful energy that has to be channelized in the right direction, “I believe the youth is our biggest asset and also our biggest challenge and the challenge lies in ensuring there are right policies and schemes to channelize this asset,” he said.

This programme YESS has been formulated in pursuance to the State Youth Policy notified in 2021 which outlines the commitment of the Government of Meghalaya for youth engagement, empowerment, and rejuvenation as an effort to empower the youth organisations, clubs and associations working towards the development of the Youth. The broad objectives of this programme are, Empowerment of youth clubs and organisations for planning and implementation of grassroots level programmes and activities pertaining to key themes affecting the Youth, Positively channelizing energies of the youth through empowered youth organisations, Enhancement of the youth development ecosystem by the promotion of effective collaboration with key stakeholders in the State working towards youth empowerment and development, Creation of an annual corpus fund for extension of financial support to registered not for profit youth clubs, organisations, and associations.

Details for Eligibility and application process and other details can be procured www.yessmeghalaya.in