The state government had launched the Active Citizenship Programme on October 2 last year with the intention of promoting life skills, leadership and active citizenship among the youth. It will now popularise the programme using social media such as Facebook and Twitter after successfully implementing it at around 2,000 colleges. 

A dedicated mobile application is also on the cards. The government will also develop fresh volumes of audiovisuals for screening in colleges. The plan is also to expand the programme’s realm beyond the educational institutes.

The authorities have already piloted the programme in slums and tribal habitations

What is Active Citizenship Programme?

The Active Citizenship Programme aims to instil strong moral values and practical knowledge among the youth so that they are able to compete and excel in today’s competitive environment and contribute 
towards the overall goal of nation-building. Odisha is among the first states in the country to have undertaken this programme for the youth as endorsed in the Odisha State Youth Policy 2013 and the National Youth Policy 2014.

How does it work?

To reach out to the young people, a tool kit on active citizenship has been developed. The tool kit consists of:

Audiovisual: A 90-minute audiovisual titled Active Citizenship-Har Jagah Har Pal (everywhere, every moment) has been 
developed. It is a compilation of theme-based short audiovisuals relevant to the youth. The film covers themes that include patriotism, civic sense, respect for women, substance abuse and empathy for the 
differently-abled.

Leaflets and Posters: Leaflets and posters on various themes of active citizenship have also been developed for distribution among students of colleges and universities.

Colleges covered

The programme has so far been conducted in around 2,000 colleges covering more than five lakh students. For the smooth conduct of the programme, funds are released to the colleges based on the student strength. Till date, funds to the tune of around Rs 2 crore have been released to colleges across the state.

Response

Students from our college volunteered in managing congested traffic points in Cuttack and were even seen removing illegally parked vehicles from the road to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow after watching the audiovisual show on active citizenship

Ashruta Jena nodal officer from Emarti Devi Women’s College

The future of our nation will depend a great deal on the manner in which we inculcate values of collective well being to our youth to release their latent potential, preparing them for the world they are to inherit. The audiovisual show containing various themes of active citizenship has made tremendous impact on the youth to do something for positive change around their surroundings

Kartik Jena nodal officer from BJB Autonomous College

The approach road to our college was in a sorry state. We, the students, took up the job of repairing the road on a 
Sunday without waiting any more for the college funds. Everyone was surprised! Students have proved that we don't need politicians, bureaucracy or even funds to get what we want. This is the spirit of youth mass and the Active Citizenship Programme has inspired us a lot to take this step

Piyush Rath Student