Bhubaneswar: The state government has earmarked Rs 450 crore to raise and make functional its volunteer force called Biju Yuva Bahini.

Active and spirited youths in the 15-35-year age group will be the volunteers of this force.

In the first year, the state government has earmarked Rs 50 crore out of its allocated budget of Rs 192.73 crore for the purpose. The government has earmarked Rs 128.88 crore each for the second and third years.

Youths with experience and interest in social service and other constructive activities will be given preference under the volunteer force.

Around 8,000 Biju Yuva Bahini will be formed in 6,800 gram panchayats and 113 urban local bodies of the state that aims to make the youth connect programmes more sustainable and far-reaching covering around four lakh youth.

A one-time assistance of Rs 15,000 will be given to 7,000 youth clubs under the existing sub-scheme of assistance to youth clubs under umbrella of Biju Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana.

Under the programme, there will be state-level orientation programme for the youth as well as in the block level.

The Opposition, however, has smelt politics in it.

"The BJD is scared to face the 2019 polls. That's the reason why it is building up its youth front through this move by spending from the state exchequer," said Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati.

BJP leader Samir Mohanty said: "They are worried about the rising popularity of the BJP and the youths inclining towards our party. Now they plan to involve these volunteers in the organisational work of the BJD."

Sports minister Chandrasarathi Behera said: "Politics should not be read into this official drive to raise a volunteer force to serve Odisha. A section of people try to lend political colour to whatever we do. People aged between 15 years and 35 years will be included. Can a boy of 15 cast his vote for us?"

Behera said: "The objective is to mobilise our youth for a good cause. They will also be trained to help people during natural disasters.