An official spokesperson of the State Government said that the Department of Youth Services and Sports had launched a new scheme viz. ‘Rajya Utkrisht Yuva Purskar Yojna’ with the aim to encourage and ensure participation of youth in nation building together with enhancing their capabilities.

He said that the objective of the scheme was to encourage the youth of 15 to 35 years and to involve them in extra curricular activities pertaining to Social Welfare, literature, painting, dance and music and other constructive activities which would go a long way in developing their personality and infuse a sense of responsibility towards the society as a whole.

He said that under the scheme a provision had been made to honour those involved in environment protection, disaster management, family welfare and health awareness programmes, organic farming, milk production, floriculture, water conservation, sports, culture and welfare schemes etc together with various other initiatives taken from time to time for welfare of the people.

Spokesperson said that under the scheme the award would be provided separately for individual and for Yuva Sanstha for their efforts in creating awareness of various development and welfare schemes. He said that Rs. one lakh, Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 40,000 alongwith citation would be given as first, second and third prize respectively, per year, for Yuva Sansthas whereas for individual performances, Rs. 25,000, Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 would be given as first, second and third prizes respectively alongwith citation.

He said that only registered Yuva Voluntary Organizations would be eligible under the scheme whereas for individual category a person should be between 15 to 35 years of age upto 31st March. In addition to this, individual or Sanstha should have an experience of atleast three years in the respective fields, adding that the serving officials would not be eligible for the award.

The Spokesman said that the Committees would be constituted at State and District levels for selection of award for which Principal Secretary, Youth Services and Sports would be the Chairman at State level while Deputy Commissioner would be the Chairperson of the Committee at the district level. He said that further information in this regard can be obtained from Directorate of Youth Services and Sports and District Sports Officers at district level.