Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, June 11: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said here that the youth of Jammu & Kashmir have immense unexplored potential which often remains unutilised, either because of lack of opportunity or lack of patronage and grooming. He said, for instance, the Kandi belt in Kathua District has produced great warriors in the past but in the last few years, young boys from this area often find it difficult to make a mark because of the constraints in the existing selection process.
Speaking to media persons after ceremonial felicitation of the nonagenarian Hockey legend Balbir Singh Senior, who was a member of the 3-time Olympics Gold Medal winning Indian Hockey team of 1948, 1952, 1956 and whose 1952 record of five goals in a single Olympics match remains unbeaten till date, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Ministry of Youth Affairs will provide special attention to peripheral States including J&K and Northeast, so that the best of the talent is allowed to emerge.
It was a testimony to the Modi Government’s high priority for the States of Northeast and other peripheral areas that within months after assuming the office of Prime Minister, he had announced the setting up of a Sports University in Manipur, considering the fact that this was the region which won for India, highest number of Olympic medals in athletics. Similarly, for generating job avenues for youth, he said, the Prime Minister gave a special impetus to organic farming in Northeast and recently Sikkim was acknowledged as the first organic State of India.
In the State of Jammu & Kashmir, Dr Jitendra Singh said, there is ample potential for generating revenue and livelihood through food processing, horticulture and traditional art. He said, he has suggested to various youth organisations to take up target – oriented programmes with definite timeline to engage youth in activities with prospective vocational avenues.
Dr Jitendra Singh also reiterated the resolve to re-orientate institutions like Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) as means of facilitating and accomplishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Start up India” mission for youth. Soon, he said, a series of workshops and camps will be planned with the help of “young achievers” to inspire and encourage youth in their respective fields.
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