Rourkela, Feb. 15: Reposing faith in the youth of the state, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said he had full confidence in their capabilities and asked them to take advantage of his government's policies.

Addressing the youth convention of the BJD here today, Naveen said: "Fifty per cent of state's population is below 50 and 65 per cent below 35. So just imagine the kind of advantage we have if we utilise this age group in the greater interest of the state."

Naveen called upon the youngsters to take full advantage of the state's youth policy and make the best possible use of it. He said the present generation was more innovative.

Speaking about women power, the chief minister said: "We understand and recognise women power and the importance of the girl child. We will never allow any kind of discrimination. Discriminating women is more dangerous than terrorism. My government is committed to stop discrimination."

Naveen recalled his father, Biju Patnaik, was always concerned about the development of women. "He was also aware of the youth power. The time has come for us to develop self-confidence and impart skills to the young population and women and make them ready to take challenges."

Naveen said his government will leave no stone unturned and would provide quality technical education. He also mentioned about the Software Technology Park of India (STPI) in Rourkela and said: "We are going to double the capacity of the incubation centre of the STPI, so that local entrepreneurs would get the right chance."

Speaking about higher education, Naveen said: "Very recently, Rs 150 crore have been granted to the BPUT. Another Rs 30 crore has been given for the development of a laboratory." He said the VSS Medical College at Burla and GM College at Sambalpur would be given university status. "Besides, steps were being initiated for setting up medical colleges at Sundergarh, Kalahandi and Balangir," said Naveen.

Soon after arriving in Rourkela, Naveen inaugurated the Centre for Advanced Post-Graduate Studies at the BPUT campus. He also flagged-off the City Town Bus Service with six buses rolling out from the BPUT campus.