Says ‘Every Young Voice Should Find Space In Decision-Making Processes’
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar : Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday said that “every young voice should find space in decision-making processes”, stressing that India’s future depends on active participation of youth in governance.
Speaking at the three-day Chintan Shivir of Youth Affairs and Sports Ministers from states and Union Territories at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre, he said this meeting is focusing on improving youth policies and strengthening their implementation across the country.
Mandaviya said youth should not be seen only as beneficiaries of government schemes. “They must be active partners in building the nation,” he said, adding that policies will be more effective if young people are involved in shaping them.
He also highlighted the importance of strong grassroots systems. “Strong grassroots networks are key to translating ideas into policy outcomes,” he said, pointing to the role of district youth officers and local youth clubs in bringing forward ideas from the ground.
Officials at the meeting said better grassroots participation can help bridge the gap between policies and their actual impact. They stressed that inputs from villages and districts must reach higher levels to make policies more relevant.
Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse said the Shivir provides a platform for meaningful discussions and practical solutions. She emphasised that youth should be involved in decision-making at every level.
Department of Youth Affairs Secretary Pallavi Jain Govil said the meeting builds on earlier consultations and aims to make policymaking more inclusive and based on real needs.
The discussions also included the Annual Action Plan for 2026–27, focusing on improving implementation, identifying gaps, and setting clear priorities. Participants also talked about increasing digital engagement through MY Bharat and better coordination with the National Service Scheme (NSS).
Officials said there is a need for more transparency so that ideas from consultations lead to real outcomes. Mandaviya stressed that feedback from stakeholders must directly reflect in policies without delays or gaps.
The first day of the Shivir, themed “Samvaad Se Samadhaan”, centred on better youth engagement through the MY Bharat platform. Discussions focused on aligning policies, improving coordination between departments, and ensuring schemes deliver results on the ground.
The Srinagar meeting is important as the Centre aims to involve India’s large youth population in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. Officials said the focus is now on making youth active contributors to development rather than just recipients of benefits.
The Chintan Shivir will continue over the next two days with further discussions aimed at improving youth policies and strengthening their implementation across the country.
