Based on identification of three theatres of insurgency in the country, the Ministry had divided the country into Four Zones where specific schemes and programmes would be implemented with the aim of involving the youth and bringing them on board. The aim would be to make the youth a vibrant force against all existing streams of divisive, extremist and separatist forces, he said.

The four zones, on the basis of existing exigencies and alienation, had been identified as 1. The North East States, 2. The Tribal Areas, 3. Jammu & Kashmir and 4. Rest of the Country, Shri Maken informed.

As a preliminary step in this direction, the Ministry had decided to convene a conference/ workshop of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of all the North Eastern states on February 4, 2011 in Delhi in collaboration with FICCI.

In light of the fact that young population accounts for about 40% of the States total population, government’s aim would be to ensure their mainstreaming by making positive interventions through schemes and programmes, Shri Maken added.

The Ministry of youth affairs and Sports proposes to involve the youth of these states through the NYKS, NSS and National Youth Corps volunteers in a major skill development initiative that would aim at providing sustained livelihoods, job opportunities and meeting other aspirations of the youth.

The proposed workshop will deliberate on the need assessment, curriculum, infrastructure support and linkages with the industry partners and financial institutions to draw up a concrete action plan.