Punjab’s youth policy — a positive beginning

The recently launched Punjab Youth Policy 2012 has largely been prepared by the youth of the province themselves with the help of youth experts. The Punjab government should be applauded for the participatory approach adopted in the development of the youth policy.

The subject of youth affairs was devolved as a result of the Eighteenth Amendment. The ministry of youth affairs, its international affairs, foreign aid and inter-provincial matters are still overseen by the federal government, while legislation powers regarding youth, youth organisation forums and centres have been delegated to the provinces. The economic affairs division handles the international aspects, the National Internship Programme and the National Volunteer Movement. Thus, in effect, the centre kept control over the heavy ticket items of youth affairs and devolved administrative items to the provinces. It is against this backdrop that the youth-led efforts to formulate the Punjab youth policy are praiseworthy.

The central theme of the policy is youth development by creating an enabling environment to help them develop skills, competencies and a passion to contribute positively to society. The policy aims to facilitate the work of youth-led and youth-serving organisations in the public and private sector. It proposes concrete mechanisms for the economic, social and political empowerment of the youth. By making youth development a part of public policy, it facilitates the setting of uniform standards and competencies for students at different educational stages irrespective of public, private or religious schooling backgrounds. It also advocates violence-free campuses. The policy proposes measures for implementing laws against forced and early marriages; it promotes the concept of volunteerism; it calls for student politics in campuses to be pro-peace, women-friendly and student-centered by delinking student unions from mainstream political parties.

In order to implement its plans, the policy calls for establishing an efficient institutional mechanism through an autonomous body, to be called the Punjab Youth Development Foundation. This will diversify the ownership of the implementation process and will keep youth development free from political interference. As budgets indicate the true level of government commitment, it is hoped that reasonable funds are allocated for youth development.

After reviewing the strategic action plan of the policy document, I feel that the Punjab government needs to accord priorities to the following initiatives given in the policy: 1) Establishing an on-line job bank in collaboration with the private sector; 2) the provision of training and job placement through the Punjab Internship Programme; 3) establishing the Punjab Youth Venture Capital Fund on public-private partnership basis that celebrates the best business ideas put forward by the youth and provides them financing; 4) establishing an aptitude and career counselor desk in all high schools and colleges; 5) establishing the Punjab Youth Community Service Programme that enrolls and trains volunteers and offers them academic credits/marks for their activities.

As the policy was being launched, I sat silently while thousands of young people cheered and listened to the youth icons present at the event. One can only hope that this push will reap rich dividends.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2012.