APPOINTMENT OF ‘YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OFFICER’ AT DISTRCIT AND BLOCK LEVEL: THE NEED OF THE HOUR

APPOINTMENT OF ‘YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OFFICER’ AT DISTRCIT AND BLOCK LEVEL: THE NEED OF THE HOUR

15-JULY-ENG 45

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------About 60% of Bihar's more than 14 crore population is youth. If this youth power is connected with the right direction and opportunities, then it can make the state socially, economically and technically strong. But even today most of the youth of Bihar are not getting quality in education, nor employment, sports, startup or social service opportunities.

To solve these challenges, the government should start working towards 'Bihar Youth Policy 2025', which can be a welcome step. But it will also be equally important that this policy is implemented effectively at the local level. So now the time has come to appoint 'Youth Development Officer' in every district and block, who directly implement the schemes and programs related to the youth.

Why is a Youth Development Officer needed?

1. Local implementation of policies is weak – Central and state governments run many schemes (like skill development, Startup India, Khelo India), but these schemes are not reaching the youth of villages and towns properly.

2. Youth department has limited reach – At present, the number of officers running youth programs is very less, due to which the impact of the schemes on the ground remains limited.

3. Lack of local leadership – There is no such post at the district and block level that works only for the youth.

4. There is no contact officer to connect the youth with employment, sports, education, de-addiction, social service etc.

5. Unemployed and directionless youth are at the root of political and social discontent. If they get the right platform and guidance, they can become a power.

Proposal: Structure of ‘Youth Development Officer’.

Level Name of the post Scope of work Qualification Appointment process.

District District Youth Development Officer (DYDO) Monitoring and conducting youth programs of the entire district Graduate/Post Graduate + Social Work/Administrative Experience BPSC/State Service or Contract Appointment

Block Block Youth Development Officer (BYDO) Conducting and monitoring local youth schemes Graduate, experience of local youth activities Block/Panchayat Selection Committee or contract.

Main functions and responsibilities.

1. Identifying youth problems and reporting to the district/state.

2. Scheme operation: skill development, sports, women empowerment, de-addiction, startups, technical education, career guidance etc.

3. Formation and monitoring of youth clubs — at every panchayat and ward level.

4. Establishing sports, startups and skill development hubs.

5. Organizing seminars, workshops, camps — on topics like career, employment, government schemes etc.

6. Reaching out to youth who have dropped out of education or are marginalized.

7. Preparing annual reports for every district under Youth Policy 2025.

Potential benefits.

The reach of the schemes will be at the ground level, and awareness among the youth will increase.

Unemployment, migration and crime will decrease.

Local talents will get opportunities and they will be able to move forward at the state and national level.

The youth will feel more connected to the government schemes.

Sections like women, Dalits, minorities, disabled, LGBTQ+ will also get an inclusive platform.

Demand from the state government.

1. The appointment of youth development officer should be included in the Bihar Youth Policy 2025.

2. A dedicated "Youth Secretariat" should be established, which will operate and train these officers.

3. A "Yuva Bhawan" should be constructed in every district and a "Youth Help Center" in every block.