Jobs to exam coaching help: How CMs are responding to youth discontent

Rattled by youth protests in Delhi and Ranchi, political leaders across India emphasized "yuva shakti" or "youth power" during their Independence Day speeches and announcements. BJP Chief Ministers in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Goa, all holding upcoming elections, pledged initiatives for youth. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath unveiled a new youth policy aimed at enhancing the skills, innovation, and employment opportunities for youth aged 16-35.

The policy focuses on key sectors like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, semiconductors, and defense manufacturing. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced "Mukhya Mantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana," allocating Rs 7 crore to boost the job prospects of government school students preparing for competitive exams. This included free online coaching for 10,000 Class 11 and 12 students in the first phase.

Dhami also proposed a "Yuva Ayog" and launched a "Yuva Swarojgar aur Udhamita Protsahan Yojana" for youth aged 18-30. Goa CM Pramod Sawant promised over 2,000 jobs for young Goans through the Goa Staff Selection Commission. Other BJP-ruled states followed suit with similar announcements. Opposition-ruled states like Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand also addressed youth concerns.

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted his government's commitment to job transparency and strict action against irregularities.