ANDHRA

YOUTH POLICY

Andhra Pradesh Map

PRADESH

ANDHRA PRADESH YOUTH POLICY

S.NO CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

Introduction

Foundation of Youth Policy

Definition of Youth

Vision

Mission

Objectives

Guidelines for Youth about Values and Principles

Main Focus Groups

Youth Development Programs

10

11

1
2

3
3
4
5
7

9.1

Education

9.2

Skill development, Training, Entrepreneurship and Employment

9.3

Health Awareness and Healthy Lifestyles

9.4

Sports

9.5

Social values and Community Engagement

10

9.6

Youth and Civic Participation

11

9.7

Gender Justice and Equality

12

9.8

Globalization and Technology

13

Policy Implementation and Coordination mechanism

10.1

Monitoring, Evaluation and Review

10.2

Future Imperatives

Annexure Formulation of Andhra Pradesh Youth Policy

Abbreviations

AICTE

All India Council for Technical Education

APYP

Andhra Pradesh Youth Policy

BPL

Below Poverty Line

IT

Information Technology

NGO

Non-Governmental

ICT

Information and Communication Technology

ITI

Industrial Training Institute

RTI

Right to Information Act

NGO

Non-governmental Organization

NSS

National Service Scheme

WHO

World Health Organization

RGNIYD
Development

Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth

ANDHRA PRADESH YOUTH POLICY

Introduction
1. The population of Andhra Pradesh is 4.93 Cr. There are approximately
43% of young people in the state over the total population. The state
has recognized that the potential, energy and ideas of young people
are vital for the development of the state. The government of Andhra
Pradesh is formulating a Youth Policy to respond effectively to the
needs of young people.
2. The youth is the age group of 18-35 years. Our youth have excelled in
different areas like science and technology, art and culture, sports and
literature etc; at the national and international level. While the state is
making policies and programs for the general population, it is felt a
focused attention to youth is required to take advantage of the
demographic dividend and put them at the center of the states growth
and development. Inclusive and broad based development would
ensure that young men and women do not become skeptical and
nihilistic, but instead develop a sense of belonging to the development
process and try to get the problems resolved through democratic and
constitutional means.
3. The present endeavor is to develop a comprehensive Youth Policy for
Andhra Pradesh, drawing upon earlier policies and the vision enshrined
in the Constitution. The policy would address the existing gaps in the
needs and concerns of youth in terms of human development and
active citizenship through civic, political and economic and social
participation and bring them to the center state of its development
process. The challenge is to restructure systems and processes in order
to enable every young person to realize his/her full potential, shape
his/her destiny and that of the state.
4. The Andhra Pradesh Youth Policy is a step forward from the earlier draft
policy formulated earlier. It aims to give a strategic direction and make
timely interventions to enable the youth to get the best out of the
changing scenario in the state and the country due to globalization,
rapid
technological
advancement
and
greater exposure
to
communication and information technology and emergence of India as
a global economic power.
5. The State government in partnership with other stakeholders like civil
society groups, voluntary organizations and the corporate sector would
extend wide range of opportunities for the constructive participation of
the youth in the political, social and economic development of the
state. The State Youth Policy is aimed at engaging young people,
channeling their potential, energy and enthusiasm and enabling them
to become responsible citizens.

Foundation of youth policy

Our endeavor is to build Andhra Pradesh based on its strong cultural heritage,
united by bonds beyond boundaries of caste, creed and religion, and liberated
from the stigma of poverty and socio-economic inequality in order to be a
front-runner in the development of all sectors of the economy. The youth
centric programs representing commitment of the state and its ability to
enhance the energy, potential and strength of youth will determine the pace
of social capital formation.
1. The state is passing through a historic window of opportunity under a
demographic transition. The comprehensive youth policy will provide
direction to channelize energies of youth for their wellbeing and their
full participation in the socio-economic development of the state.
2. The Andhra Pradesh Youth Policy will pave the way for expanding
opportunities through youth centric programs and judicious investment
in the youth by under lining their needs across all sectors and in the
context of state and national development policies and programs.
3. The state has discernible differentials among young people from
different geographical locations. The youth policy strives to make the
youth participate in the mainstream growth process by accessing
opportunities provided by government and created by the market
forces.
4. The youth are a heterogeneous group. Hence the need of each group
has to be addressed in order to make the policy more inclusive and
effective.

Definition of Youth
Youth is a more fluid category than a fixed age-group. Youth is often indicated
as a person between the age where he/she leaves compulsory education, and
the age at which he/she finds his/her first employment. Often, Youth age-group
is defined differently by different countries/agencies and by same agency in
different contexts. In Andhra Pradesh all people in the age group 18-35 years
can be defined as the youth of Andhra Pradesh. This age group needs to be
further sub-divided in to the following
1. The first sub-group of 18-20 years covers adolescents whose needs and
concern are substantially different from those of youth in the other agegroups.
2. The second sub-group of 21-25 years includes those youth who are in
the process of completing their education and taking up a career.
3. The third sub-group of 26-35 years comprises young women and men
most of whom have completed their education and are fairly settled in
their job and personal life.
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Vision
Young people of Andhra Pradesh to be fully engaged, motivated and
empowered to accomplish their full potential, have healthy lives, progress far in
education, secure productive livelihoods, participate in their communities and
contribution for growth and development of the state.

Mission
To provide an enabling environment that recognizes the diversity,
multidimensional needs, experiences and aspirations of youth and puts in place
processes, modalities and structures for unleashing their potential to be
socially responsible, morally aware, economically independent and an active
partner in the progress of the state.

Objectives
1. To integrate and mainstream youth development, and take into
consideration the diverse needs of special sub-groups for formulating
government policies, programs and budgetary commitments.
2. To create systems and institutional mechanisms at all levels to support
growth, development and empowerment of youth.
3. To strengthen the capacity of key youth development institutions and
ensure their integration and coordination with the delivery of youth
services.
4. To enhance the capacities of youth to enable them to take charge of
their own well being and realize their potential to the fullest.
5. To promote a culture of active citizenship among youth and help them
become responsible adults who care for their families and the society.
6. To ensure the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of
the growing adolescents in the family, school, and community and
nurture their talents in various areas like art, literature, music, sports
and games, etc.
7. To enhance the skills of the youth and expand opportunities (economic,
social, life skills, behavioral skills, etc) in the context of a changing and
globalizing society.
8. To ensure gender justice and eliminate all forms of discrimination and
violence against women.
9. To ensure access to quality education, health care, employment and
other basic entitlements.
10.To encourage leadership, entrepreneurship,
engagement, and active citizenship among youth.

volunteering,

civic

11.To expand the scope of youth participation and engagement in

economic, political, social and cultural spheres.
12.To provide safe spaces for young people to meet.

Guidelines for Youth about Values and Principles

The Andhra Pradesh Youth Policy (APYP) is guided by the national development
prototype framework of the draft National Youth Policy values and principles
enshrined in the Constitution of India and fundamental human rights.
Values
1. The inherent dignity of the youth. The policy would reflect dignity
of youth as human beings who need to be supported to unleash their
inherent strengths and potential.
2. The empowerment of youth as assets for building a prosperous state
and a caring society. The programmatic interventions should raise the
confidence of youth so that they can contribute meaningfully to their
own development, shape their own destiny as well as that of the state
and broader society.
3. Youth are key stakeholders in the family and community
structure. Hence it is critical that support systems facilitate and
ensure holistic development of the youth.
4. The promotion of social and economic inclusion and integration
of youth, specially marginalized sub-groups into the mainstream of
society and the economy.
5. The promotion of moral and spiritual regeneration in line with the
civilization value system of our country.
Principles:
1. Accessibility: Youth from diverse backgrounds should be able to
access resources and services with level playing fields available to
them in all spheres and at all levels crucial to their holistic
development.
2. Responsiveness: All youth development service-providers should
respond to the needs and concerns of youth and be guided by the
intention to act in their best interests, thus maximizing their human
potential.
3. Holistic: Youth development initiatives must encompass all aspects of
a young persons life and respond to their physical, psychological,
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social, economic and spiritual needs, thus ensuring that they gain the
necessary knowledge, skills and experience to negotiate safe
transition into adult life.
4. Integration: The need for different key role players such as
government, civil society, private and corporate sectors to coordinate
their efforts to ensure synergy and greater impact in developing the
youth.
5. Diversity: Youth development interventions must recognize and
acknowledge the diverse backgrounds from which youth come and
celebrate the roles played by socialization, tradition, culture and
spirituality in the development of young women and men.
6. Non-discrimination: All youth development initiatives would guard
against discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, caste, creed,
sexual orientation, ideological proclivities, disability or any other form
of discrimination. This principle acknowledges the impact of
socialization and promotes respect for human rights.
7. Sustainable: Youth potential, capacity and capability must be
maximized so that they can respond effectively and efficiently to lifes
challenges without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.
8. Transparency: Institutions and organizations involved in youth
development and other spheres of governance should operate in a
transparent and accountable manner.
9. Participation and Inclusion: Youth should be active partners in the
design of policies, strategies and programs for the youth. The state is
to facilitate this by sharing information, creating opportunities and
involving them in the decision-making process. Youth should view
human rights as a fundamental basis for human development.

10.Social Cohesion: Promotion of social cohesion would be one of the

important corner stones of all development initiatives including youth
development.
11.Social Protection: Different youth development interventions should
seek to promote the well-being of youth by putting in place measures
that seek to address the needs of the youth, especially those of the
disadvantaged ones, thus reducing their vulnerability.
12.Youth Service: Youth need to be involved in meaningful activities
that benefit. Communities while developing their sense of belonging.

Main Focus Groups

1. Young Girls & Women
The relatively high female infant mortality rates, sporadic practice of
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gender biased sex selection, relative neglect of female children with

regard to access to health services, nutrition and education are some
of the critical issues that need to be addressed. Measures are required
to be taken to make public spaces, work places absolutely safe for
young women.
2. Youth from ST, SC and Minorities
Tribal youth suffer from certain disadvantage despite the ongoing
programs of inclusion and development. Efforts would be required to
speed up the pace of inclusive development in tribal areas. Similarly,
the disadvantages of young men and women belonging to SC and
minorities have to be addressed with a sense of urgency.
3. Youth in Urban Slums
A large category of youth comprises migrants and slum dwellers. While
there are some basic concerns that are common across these sections,
each of these sub-groups also has specific set of problems that would
be addressed. In the context of migration and the subsequent
disconnect from the family, youth need guidance and counseling.
Crime among the youth, and even teenagers living in urban slums is a
matter of great concern. Youth living in slums are bereft of normal civic
amenities. Many of them may not also have access to quality
educational facilities and are forced to take up low paying and smalltime jobs. Life without hope may render them vulnerable to antisocial
forces and therefore it is important their problems are addressed on
priority basis.
4. Youth Drop-outs from Formal Education and the Unemployed
Due to social and economic circumstances, adolescents may be forced
to abandon their studies midway. A sizable section of the school or
college dropouts have the desire to continue their studies and also
have the ability and potential to perform well but are compelled to
discontinue. As a result, they either have nothing to do or they are
compelled to take odd jobs to support their families. In both cases,
they lose out on opportunities to shape their future. Their social and
economic development is compromised. The situation is worse for
young girls. In many families, their education is not given priority.
5. Youth with Disability
Youth with disability are often pushed to the margins of the society
and even within their families because of their physical and mental
state. Most often a welfare approach rather than a right-based
approach is taken. Whenever they are cared for, it is out of sympathy
rather than a concern to bring them into the mainstream and creating
the opportunities to be self-reliant. Imparting vocational skills to them
will be a priority of the state. Although there are provisions for job
reservations for the differently disabled youth, expansion of
opportunities for them remains a need.

6. Youth at Risk

Working in hazardous occupations and in unhealthy conditions

poses risk to the health of young men and women.

Human trafficking Despite efforts of various agencies of the state

to combat human trafficking, it remains a social evil. Youth fall a
prey to trafficking, more so when they are from poor families and
are lured by false promises.
Substance misuse among youth needs to be monitored especially
in border districts. Youth engaged in Flesh trade are vulnerable and
stigmatized with little access to health, education and other
services and facilities.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

9.1 Education
Education should lead to the creation of social capital. The parents/guardians
expect that education should lead to employability of their ward. Teachers who
are the backbone of the education system often fail to connect with the
students and help them recognize their strength, potential and aptitude and
align them with the opportunities the education system offers. Many students
who are the first generation learners need motivation and support to sustain
their interest in education.
There is a huge challenge to check the dropout rate after primary education.
Only about 18% of the students enrolled in primary schools reach college level
in the state (Economic Survey 2011-12). About one sixth of dropouts get into
vocational or modular skill development trainings, which are heavily skewed in
favor of male candidates.
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Future Directions
1. There is an urgent need to identify dropout students and support them
for their continuing education.
2. Education at secondary and higher secondary level should have a high
degree of vocationalization, consistent with the market requirement to
enhance the employability of youth.
3. The service sector is fast expanding and in order to reap benefits of
the opportunities, soft skills management should become an integral
part of the education system.
4. Secondary level examination filters and leaves behind a large number
of students. Special efforts are required to help young people to cross
this level. An enabling environment is required to continue education.
5. Space for youth to debate and discuss various issues.
6.

At every level original and creative thinking are to be encouraged.

9.2 Skill Development, Training, Entrepreneurship and

Employment
Youth have been recognized as a vital section of the community. Full
employment for the youth is a cherished goal of the state government. in
spite of significant action on this front, unemployment remains a challenge.
Prolonged periods of unemployment and under employment cannot only
cause economic miseries but can also be socially and mentally debilitating
for a young person. It can also affect family ties. It is, therefore, necessary
that, prudent and urgent measures are put in place to match the changing
demands of the society and employment creation.
The fast changing global and national market often create a mismatch
between existing skills and skills required to avail of the market
opportunities. This needs corrective action to align skills of young people
with the ever expanding and changing market.Business acumen and
entrepreneurship among young people is critical to generate more
opportunities for gainful employment. Cooperative models needs to be
promoted vigorously with entrepreneurship development. The access to
appropriate technology and active linkage with potential markets needs to

be provided through proactive actions and programs.

Challenges:
The youth of the State face three major challenges with regard to
employability. Firstly, in spite of the best efforts of the state, a portion of the
youth
remains
unemployed.
Secondly,
there
is
prevalence
of
underemployment and thirdly, there is mismatch between market needs and
available skills.

Current Status:
Nearly 7.32 % of the labour force in the year 1999-2000, was unemployed. In
absolute terms the number of the unemployed stood at 26.58 million. The
educational and skill profile of the existing workforce is very poor. Only about
8 % of the total employment is in the organized sector. More than 90 % are
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engaged in informal sector activities, which are, largely outside the reach
social security benefits .The youth working in the unorganized sector have
limited access to institutional facilities and other support facilities.

Future Directions:
1. Entrepreneurship Development programs need to be taken-up in all districts
involving line departments of government and banks. There is need for
specially designed trainings for WSHGs and young women

2. Regular skill based trainings, both short and medium term,are required to
prepare the youth to meet the service sector requirements.

3. Youth Developments Center (YDC) in each district can provide information

and support under a single window system.

4. A resource center at the block level for Business Opportunity guidance and
handholding the first generation entrepreneurs and aspirants could be
envisaged.

5. The employment office to be equipped to scan opportunities both in public

and private sector and provide information at the GP level.

6. Looking at the opportunistic and forced migration, skill centers to be

promoted at both sources and destinations for migrant youth, so as to enable
them to face and negotiate the market with the required set of skills.
Additionally database has to be created on the migration and skill
requirements at different levels and places.

7. Economies of scale through youth led collectives and cooperatives can be

promoted and supported

8. Entitlement and safety need to be designed especially to

support

self-

employment drive in the backward regions like KBK.

9.3 Health Awareness and Healthy Lifestyle

According to the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO), Health is
a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity. By this definition, health is an important
determinant for the overall wellbeing of individuals and society.
The youth of Andhra Pradesh constitute one third of the population and
therefore their health and well beings bound to have a bearing on the
wellbeing of the society.

1. In Andhra Pradesh, early marriages are still prevalent. About 30 per cent
of the girls get married before 18 years of age, but there are wide interdistrict variations. The prevalence appears to be more in the interior districts
than in coastal districts.
2. Although disaggregated data is unavailable, prevalence of genetic disorders
like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia are a concern in tribal areas.
3. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption is an emerging issue, particularly
among youth.
4. Nutritional Issues: On the one hand, there is under nutrition and anemia
among disadvantaged communities. On the other hand, the urban youth
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have a different set of problems such as attraction of junk food.

5. Sexual violence against young women.

Future directions:
1. Promote strategies that seek to involve young people actively in programs
that are aimed at improving their health status and environment of the
community in which they live.

2. Integrate age appropriate gender sensitive life skills based reproductive and
sexual health programs at various levels of education.

3. Emphasis on health and appropriate eating habits targeting urban and rural
youth.

4. Mental health is an emerging issue for young people. This needs focused
and targeted intervention.

5. Develop mechanisms to prevent, register and act against domestic and sexual
violence.

6. Promote

community
pregnancies.

action

to

prevent

early

marriage

and

teenage

9.4 Sports
1. The importance of sporting activities among youth to aid their physical and
mental development cannot be over emphasized. Both the central and the
state government have Schemes and Programs for promotion of sports
among youth in urban and rural areas which need to be adequately
accessed.

2. Sports and recreational activities are key elements of human resource

development. They make positive impact on the youth and promote
productivity, foster social harmony and promote team sprit among young
people.

3. The sports and other forms of art and entertainment provide wholesome
recreation and opportunity for healthy social interaction and may become a
rewarding career option for young people. Engagement in such mentally and
physically stimulating activities keep young people away from aggressive
and violent behavior.

Future directions
1. A clearly laid down road map with short, medium and long term plans to
promote sports as a means of recreation and specialized training for youth to
pursue this as a career option.
2. Talent hunt at the grassroots and initiating a sports culture from the very
beginning
3. Promote sports for youth from the village level to the state and beyond.
4. Like the PYKKA scheme of Govt. of India, an exclusive drive to promote the
rural, traditional games & martial arts can be promoted at GP, District and
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State level.

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9.5 Social values and Community Engagement

It is well known that youth is a state of idealism and the idealism and energy
of youth should be promoted and harnessed for creating a progressive and
caring society. Under the universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and
constitution of India, the youth enjoy certain rights. At the same time it must
be underscored that rights and responsibilities go hand in hand. Youth have to
be encouraged and incentivized to actively take responsibility for solving
problems and challenges in the society and not see themselves merely as
passive beneficiaries of welfare and development programmes. It must be
recognized that the youth can shape their own destiny as well as that of the
state.
Rights & Responsibility Matrix for the Youth

Righ
To developtsleadership

potential
and
community pride

Nurture
and
develop individual
self-esteem
Quality education
To
exercise
legal
rights
To seek and receive
employment
opportunities
To a positive family,
society
and
school/college
environment
Right to information
on
healthcare,
hygiene, sanitation

Responsibil
ities and involved
represented

To be
in the
community
with
efforts
toward
intergenerational solidarity
To be committed to fight all forms of corruption,
social evils and practices.
To recognize their own capabilities and strive
for self development
To channelize efforts for excelling in academics
To be aware and become involved in the political
process
To actively participate and contribute to the
organisation & society at large
To preserve, participate & contribute to
family and institutions
To preserve & protect the environment
To make informed choice about their wellness

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9.6 Youth and Civic Participation

Civic participation is important for healthy youth development and for the
inclusive development of the state. Civic participation provides youth with
opportunities to gain work experience, acquire leadership skills, and to
inculcate responsibility and accountability - all the while contributing to the
good of their communities Preparing the youth for a successful transition to
adulthood is both a key responsibility and an important investment for
policymakers. Creating opportunities for youth to grow into responsible
adults will increase the well-being of the next generation, and ultimately
translate into formation of social capital.
Youth empowerment is an attitudinal, structural, and cultural process and is
gateway to intergenerational equity, civic engagement and democracy
building. Activities involved therein may focus on youth-led media, youth
rights, youth councils, youth activism, youth involvement in community
decision-making and so on.
There are a variety of youth empowerment initiatives underway in the
State. Youth empowerment begins at home, at schools, through youth
organizations, government policy-making and community campaigns. Major
structural activities where youth empowerment happens throughout
society include an environment for community decision-making,
organizational planning, and educational reform.
The State Youth Policy seeks to strengthen the democratic system with
effective involvement of youth in all spheres of governance and there is
need for structures to facilitate incorporation of youth inputs in policy
making. The policy is intended to encourage youth to participate in social
development. It is also intended to encourage youth participation in social
audits and public hearings. Essentially, what is important is to develop
youth leadership committed to selfless public service.

9.7 Gender Justice and Equality

The social conditioning and gender inequality are manifested in the form of
gender biased sex selection, neglect of female children with regard to
access to education, health, income generation and participation in
decision-making processes. Further, sexual abuse of girls and women is
also one of the concerns that need to be urgently addressed.Youth with
their unique position in the society can play a pivotal role in promoting
gender justice and equality.

Critical issues
1. Gender inequalityis evident from preference to son and other forms
of gender stereotyping.

2. Crime against women including domestic violence, evils like dowry

etc.

3. Safety, security and morbidity issues

4. Womens ownership of assets and control over natural resources.
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Future Directions:
1. Help the youth understand the issues of gender stereotyping.
2. Engaging youth in creation of awarenessagainst unhealthy social
practices like dowry, child marriage, sex selective abortion, domestic
violence and other forms of gender discrimination.
3. Incorporate gender sensitivity in the curriculum at various levels of
education.

4. Strengthen

mechanisms and create an enabling environment for

effective implementation of
laws, policies and programs concerning
young women.
5. Set up vibrant network of youth development agencies and other
voluntary organizations towards promoting gender justice and
equality between women and men.

9.8 Globalization and Technology

Globalization of economy and culture has brought about new vistas of
development and opportunities for the youth as also a set of challenges.
Technology is now playing an overwhelming role in every day life of
people. From rural to urban areas, from agriculture to industries and to
service sectors, technology has become an all-encompassing
phenomenon. On one hand, high-end software parks have come up in the
state to meet the demands of the industries. On the other hand, use of
smart cards, attempt to connect all the Panchayat offices through internet,
and the diverse use of mobiles have their own impact in rural areas. At the
same time technology is misused by some to violate others privacy and
for the purpose which are detrimental to the community.

Critical Issues
Globalization has posed challenge for the state to cope up with the rising
demands of technically qualified youth.
The misuse, abuse and wrong use of technology comes as a challenge.
How to have technology with human face and how to make it serve the
community. How to bridge the digital divide

Future Directions:
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Globalisation and technology should be tuned to addressing the basic need

of people like ensuring food security, health, electricity and water and other
basic monitories in the villages and urban areas, providing employment
and create scope for entrepreneurship to the youth.
Efforts to make technology user friendly so that women, farmers, tribals,
and disadvantaged section of youth, and people who have not received any
formal education can also use it.
Create safeguards to tackle the misuse of technology like female foeticide,
hacking, circulating objectionable MMS clips, stealing money from ATMs,
use of technology for the purposes which are illegal
Make proper analysis of the existing laws and address the grey areas to
protect society from the misuse of technology?
Impart technological literacy to youth from different groups, especially out
of school youth. Develop technology which is simple and can be accessed
easily
Identify various forms of existing technology (e.g. mobile technology,
genetic engineering, mobile and internet banking) on which youth could
be trained and opportunities be created?
Create information hubs in every Panchayat on welfare schemes and
career and employment matters and ensure that the kiosks are
operational and accessible by youth.
Visualize role that youth could play in spreading awareness about the
government schemes by use of technology, MIS system and tracking their
performance.
Exclusive programme for the youth on life skill training, counseling etc
to though video conferencing where Youth could participate in
Panchayats. Expertise of the youth could be used for the same.
There can be a TV channel by the government dedicated to youth
Use technology to provide a voice to the youth and recognizes/responds
to grievances/ views of citizens through the digital platform
Steps need to be taken to strengthen/expand e-governance in the state
and expand the role of youth in the process.

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