Itanagar, Dec 30 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said his government would focus on youth empowerment and overhauling the education sector in 2025, noting that these areas are crucial for the state's development and prosperity.

The state government has declared 2024-25 as the 'Year of Youth' in its budget. This initiative highlights the administration's gratitude and recognition of the critical role young people play in shaping both the nation and the state, Khandu said.

"The 'Year of Youth' is our acknowledgment of the immense responsibility our youth hold in building 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) and 'Viksit Arunachal' (prosperous Arunachal)," the chief minister said told PTI in an interview.

He also noted that this initiative aligns with promises made in the ruling party's election manifesto.

One of the primary objectives of the 'Year of Youth' is to encourage entrepreneurship among the younger generation and not to depend solely on government jobs.

The government aims to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem through various schemes and policies.

"Our government will lay emphasis on skill development programmes to equip the youth with the tools needed to embark on entrepreneurial ventures," Khandu said.

The Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP) has already been launched to achieve this goal, he added.

The APEDP, spearheaded by the state's Finance, Investment and Planning Department, aims to address local challenges by fostering entrepreneurship. The programme provides aspiring entrepreneurs with necessary support and mentorship to succeed.

"We envision a future where Arunachal Pradesh's youth become job creators instead of job-seekers, generating livelihoods for thousands in the process," Khandu said.

The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) has been roped in as the knowledge partner to run the programme, he said.

Additionally, the chief minister said that the state is collaborating with renowned institutions such as IIMs and the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) Guwahati, to offer advanced skill development training.

Khandu also revealed that special grants are being provided to support youth-led startups in the state.

The chief minister said that the education sector is another key area of focus for the government.

Over the next three financial years, the state plans to undertake transformative changes to ensure quality education, improved infrastructure, and better opportunities for students.

"To address the existing challenges, brainstorming sessions were conducted across the state, led by Education Minister P D Sona and his advisor Mutchu Mithi," Khandu said.

These sessions aimed to identify core issues and propose practical solutions for the education department, he said.

The outcomes of these sessions will be compiled into a comprehensive report with recommendations for reform, which the state government will fully implement.

"We are committed to cent per cent implementation of the recommended changes on the ground," he assured.

Preferring quality over quantity, Khandu highlighted the importance of improving the learning experience rather than merely increasing the number of schools. The government plans to develop well-equipped inter-village schools with facilities such as hostels, adequate teaching staff, and modern teaching methods, he said.

"The government is focused on quality education instead of just improving the state's literacy rate," the chief minister said.

To optimise resources, the government has already closed or merged approximately 600 non-functional schools or those with low enrollment. Schools with fewer than 50 students are also being considered for closure.

"This move will ensure better utilisation of resources, including teachers, school infrastructure, and residential facilities," Khandu explained.

Arunachal Pradesh currently has over 2,800 government-run schools, supported by more than 7,600 regular teachers and 5,900 SSA (Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan) teachers.

However, challenges persist, particularly in filling teacher shortages. The state faces a deficit of 414 trained graduate teachers (TGTs) and 186 postgraduate teachers (PGTs), especially in critical subjects like mathematics and science.

The chief minister called for public support and cooperation to implement these reforms successfully, acknowledging that some changes might be difficult but are necessary for long-term benefits.

"The state government aims to empower its youth and provide them with the tools and opportunities needed to drive the state toward self-reliance and progress," Khandu added. PTI UPL ACD

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