The Union Minister of State Youth Affairs & Sports, Ajay Maken, today unveiled the draft of the National Youth Policy, 2012. Addressing the media in New Delhi today Mr. Makan said, policy aims at empowering youth through skill development for enhancing employability and providing entrepreneurship opportunities through convergence with other Ministries and Departments.

He said, the thrust areas include promotion of National values, social harmony, national unity, empowering youth through employable skills, education, health, sports and recreation.

The Draft Policy proposes to change the target age group from the existing 13-35 years to 16-30 years. He added that the Youth Development Index (YDI), would serve as the baseline and ready reckoner for evaluators and policy makers, has also been incorporated as a part of the policy.

Shri Maken said, the changing scenario in the country due to globalization, rapid technological advancement and the emergence of India as the global economic power has necessitated a review of the existing National Youth Policy of 2003.

The Draft policy has identified nine target groups including Student Youth, Migrant Youth, Rural Youth,Tribal Youth, Youth At Risk and Youth in violent conflicts among others.

Young women, Youth belonging to socially and economically disadvantaged communities and groups, and differently abled youth form the three priority groups among the target age group.