The Kerala Government will soon come out with a new youth policy to strengthen activities in the area of youth empowerment.

The Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Tribes and Youth Affairs, Ms P.K. Jayalakshmi, said here on Saturday that the drafting of the new policy would be completed as part of the 100-day programme of the State Government. She was inaugurating the valedictory session of a three-day training camp organised by the Youth Welfare Board.

Training programmes

The Minister noted that the Government planned to conduct a number of training programmes for youth empowerment. In this context, the Minister said she would look into the possibility of opening a State-level training centre for youth by utilising the financial assistance of both the Union and State Governments. The new centre will have all modern facilities to conduct comprehensive training programmes.

The Minister said the Government planned to open guest houses for youth in all districts. A special proposal prepared by the Ministry of Youth Affairs in this regard would be submitted to the Union Minister for Youth Affairs this month itself, she added.

The Minister stated the active participation of people's representatives in local self-government bodies would be ensured while organising regional training programmes for youth. She was responding to a request made by the Mayor, Ms A.K. Premajam, pointing out to the absence of people's representatives in the training programme, which was intended to prepare youth for undertaking rescue operations.