Bhubaneswar, June 30: The higher education department has directed all colleges to ensure active participation of students and youth organisations in various developmental programmes.
The students - particularly those who are affiliated to the National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Youth Red Cross and Bharat Scout and Guides (BSG) - have been asked to take part in plantation drives, creating awareness on water conservation, promote the Swachh Bharat mission, take preparedness steps for disaster response and support immunisation initiatives.
In an official communiqué to all college principals, G.V.V. Sharma, the secretary of higher education, asked the college heads to take personal interest in mobilising students and involving them in various initiatives of the Centre as well as the state government.
"These youth organisations in colleges have a responsibility towards nation building. They have done a commendable service to the community in the past and must be prepared for eventualities in the future," said Sharma.
The state government plans to take up a plantation programme in July and August. Efforts are also on to organise a workshop involving the youth organisations and efforts will be made to synergise their activities.
"Often, the youth organisations are left to themselves. Apart from two or three annual camps and programmes, there are no activities on a regular basis. This makes the students disinterested," said Muhammad Zair, a Plus Two student. The students will also be involved in cleaning schools, colleges, hospitals and public spots. They will also be required to make efforts to make their villages open defecation free.
Besides these activities, the youngsters will be encouraged to make proper use of the social media, which will help them connect with the masses.
"Many students are already using the social media but not for any constructive purpose. We will ensure that they post messages that help in nation building," said S. Jayanti, a teacher.
The move comes in the wake of a review of schemes and activities of youth organisations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
