YOUTH POWER MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYMENT GENERATION

• A new and an independent Department of Sports and Youth Affairs has been created.

• All jobs generated in Sikkim have been secured for Sikkimese youths.

•Through Chief Minister's Self Employment Scheme, educated youths are given loans to establish self employment ventures. Youth with Class X pass were provided with loan of RS.50,000/- and Graduates and Post Graduates are given loan of Rs. 1,00,000/-. Moratorium exemptions for 2 years were given to males and 3 years to female entrepreneurs. Under this scheme a total of RS.14.96 crores has been distributed among 2,293 youths.

•Village craftsmen who are self employed are given RS.25,000/- grants. Under this program 1071 rural craftsmen have benefited.

•To increase the capacity of Sikkimese youths, training is being given to them in Indian Institute of Management (Kolkota), Administrative Staff College (Guwahati), National Institute of Rural Development (Hyderabad), Amity University and National Future Management Trends.

•To support the development of youth expertise and capacity, Capacity Development Fund has been created for which RS.2 crores have been allocated.

•RS.1 crore fund was allocated for "Sikkim Youth Technologist" program.

•The Government has been able to open business opportunities for the youths by opening Nathula Trade Route.

•To develop the capacity of the youths, a state level Skill Development & Capacity Building program is being implemented.

•The SIDICO and SABCO also providing loans to educated youths to help them establish their own units.

•An ultra modern state of art Paljor Stadium has been constructed at Gangtok.

•Work is going on to construct a play ground in each Gram Panchayat Unit.

• To encourage youths in sports, the government is organizing sport events and competitions regularly.

•Under "Search For More Bhaichung" Programme, the government is trying to tap the potentialities ofthe buddingsportspersons.

• 2% reservation has been given to sports persons and artists in government jobs.

• To establish sports villages in the state, Khel Gaon is being constructed at Ranka.

• To encourage youths to reach the pinnacle of the sporting world, the Government has announced cash reward up to Rs. 1 crore for those sports person who stand first, second and third position in Olympic or International sporting events.

• India's Ace Footballer, Bhaichung Bhutia and Archer, Tarundeep Rai were decorated with the prestigious Arjuna Award.

• In 2003 under new incentive scheme 64 best sportspersons were given financial support of RS.3.00 lakhs.

• Sikkim has achieved commendable position in sports sector in national level.

• Youth hostels have been constructed at various places including a 50 bedded Youth Hostel with modern facilities.

• Sports Academy has been set up in the state.

• A Gymnasium hall has been set up in Namchi.

• To provide self employment opportunities in the state, "Golden Jubilee Town Employment Program" has been launched. Under this the unemployed are being imparted with professional training on different subjects.

• Year 2005 was declared as "Yuva Kranti Varsha" by the government to motivate and inspire the youth force.

• Various capacity building programs especially in tourism, hydel power and agricultural sectors have been launched to help youths to avail of benefits from these opportunities.

• Youth Mission has been launched for the development of the unemployed youth of the state.

• 6000 persons have been trained in computer and other employment oriented courses by Information Technology Department so far.

• The traditional Lepcha hat making unit has been revived and doll making unit has been set up at Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom.

• An Industry to make wool out of the Angora rabbit fur has been set up.

• The government is reviving training program aimed at developing the capacity building and skill development of the youth.

• In community information centres the government has already employed computer literate youths.

• In Gangtok and Namchi two computer training centres have been opened.

• Youths trained in BPO operation centres of the state have even secured employment.

• From 1997-2004,1668 youths have received professional training in 35 trades.

• "Rajya Rojgar Shrijana Abhiyan" has been announced .