Around 4.3 crore has been disbursed by the state government to 1,300 organisations under the YESS programme, which is nearing its first birthday.
The state government launched the scheme on July 27 last year to provide financial assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh to organisations that work with the youth. More than 30 percent of Meghalaya’s population falls in the 15-35 age bracket.
At a function today, the Youth Engagement through Empowered Youth Organisations (known as YESS) anniversary celebration was graced by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri and senior civil servants, along with representatives of beneficiary organisations.
“I am immensely proud to witness the remarkable progress made in empowering the youth of Meghalaya through initiatives like YESS Meghalaya and the implementation of the Sports Policy,” Sangma said. “Our state’s vibrant youth population is a source of immense potential and it is our duty to provide them with the necessary platforms and opportunities to thrive.”
New elements to the scheme were announced, including additional funding mechanisms and the opportunity for youth to represent their districts, Meghalaya, or even India in competitive events.
“This is a call to our youth to pursue their dreams and bring pride to our state. As youth leaders, you have the power to shape the present and future of Meghalaya. I urge you to nurture your leadership skills and inspire others to take on leadership roles,” the CM added. “The My Hero Campaign under the YESS Meghalaya scheme will provide many of you with the opportunity to do just that. Together, let us continue to create an inclusive, progressive and prosperous Meghalaya where the youth can be architects of change, the beacons of hope, inspiration and change.”
Warjri said, “The My Hero Campaign under the YESS Meghalaya Scheme will help the youth embrace this opportunity and continue to be the disruptors, driving progress in various domains such as education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and social justice. The future of our state depends on your unwavering enthusiasm and dedication to doing good work.”
The My Hero Campaign will see champions in sports, music, entrepreneurship, and environmental conservation selected through a voting and selection mechanism every quarter.
One of the organisations that has benefited from the scheme is Pay For Right Youth and Cultural Club, whose representative, Wanda Kharbani, said, “As a spokesperson for our club, I am thrilled to witness the reduction of financial burdens on sports players, thanks to the support provided by YESS Meghalaya. This initiative has been a game-changer, particularly for our female footballers, who now have a dedicated platform to showcase their talents and pursue their dreams.”
On the occasion, 38 groups were awarded with cheques of Rs 9.8 lakh.
