Cong promises libraries, sport facilities for youth

In an effort to reach out to youngsters, the Congress on Wednesday presented its ‘youth manifesto’ promising special counselling cell in every ward, especially for children dropping out of corporation schools.

“Special counselling will be given to school dropouts with the aim to bring them back into the formal education system. If we couldn’t, then the focus will be on teaching vocational skills so that they can earn their livelihood,” said Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken.

The party has also promised libraries in corporation schools through book donations and annual job fairs.

Maken said to promote sports, the party has promised badminton and volleyball courts with floodlight facilities, football and cricket coaching camps, modernisation of Ambedkar stadium and start ‘Come and Play’ scheme here.

The Come and Play scheme was launched by the Congress government in 2011 in which Sports Authority of India’s sporting infrastructure was opened for youth across the country. But it fizzled out after successive governments came in.

The party has also proposed a separate department named Livelihood Security and Compassion Department for creating more job opportunities for youth, especially those from the marginalised sections of the society.

Under this, Youth Welfare Centres will be established in 1,701 corporation schools where students can come after school and get vocational training.

Senior Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee said, “There is increasing juvenile crime rate in Delhi. To counter that, it’s important that we engage our youths in different programmes and help them get employment.”

The party’s manifesto also promises skill development and skill enhancement centres for youths.

The courses will be structured keeping in mind different categories of vocational subjects and their demand in the job market.

From computer training and data entry operators to utility services like plumbing, electricians, mobile repair, security guards and housekeeping will be taught with an aim to train professional service providers and to fulfil the demand and supply gap in different sectors in the job market, she said.

People, who already have basic training in some area, could also enhance their skills and get specialised training in the centres.