Govt blinks at youth welfare

Hyderabad: Despite tall claims, the State government is turning a blind eye to the youth welfare department since the formation of the Telangana State. Presently, the youth welfare department is having a mere Rs 66 in the account to implement welfare schemes. Interestingly, the State government has sanctioned Rs 1.10 lakh when the district authorities sent a proposal demanding Rs 10 lakh. This year they have requested for Rs 30 lakh.

Earlier, the Rajeev Yuva Shakthi scheme, under which the State government had provided loans to unemployed youth aged between 18-35 years. This scheme gives beneficiaries a the subsidy of 50 per cent on the loan amount up to Rs 30,000 and a bank loan of Rs 70,000 for purchasing like cabs, commercial vehicles, handloom and handicraft under self employment programme. In 2012 -2013 there were 320 people who were benefited with this scheme. Since the last few years, the scheme has been neglected.

Only a few campaigns have been conducted till now by the Youth Welfare department regarding the awareness programmes. Shikha, is an online English programme course conducted by the Youth Welfare to improve their skills.

The Youth Welfare department is planning to conduct career guidance and orientation programmes for students in the colleges in twin cities and youth development centres in each mandal and Tahsildar office from next year.

Youth Welfare Officer Sudhakar said, “Youth welfare and Sports department have been combined so if we have a budget problem we adjust the budget for both. Since several years, we are not using Rajeev YuvaShakthi scheme we are not giving any schemes at present we have Rs 66. We are concentrating on pollution campaign and other campaigns to bring awareness among the youth.”