Lok Sabha Question No. 3724 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Objective of Inter-State Youth Exchange Programme
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Smt. Bharti Pardhi, Shri Bhojraj Nag, Shri Madhavaneni Raghunandan Rao, Shri Lumbaram Choudhary, Smt. Roopkumari Choudhary, Shri Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne, Shri Kanwar Singh Tanwar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3724

TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

Objective of Inter-State Youth Exchange Programme

## 3724. SHRI SHRIRANG APPA CHANDU BARNE:

SHRI LUMBA RAM CHAUDHARY:

SHRI BHOJRAJ NAG:

SMT. ROOPKUMARI CHOUDHARY:

SMT. BHARTI PARDHI:

SHRI KANWAR SINGH TANWAR:

SHRI MADHAVANENI RAGHUNANDAN RAO:

## Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of main objectives of the Inter-State Youth Exchange Programme  being  organized  across  the  Country  along  with  the objectives which are aligned with border national goals;
- (b) whether the Government has assessed the impact of said Youth Programmes in various States, particularly in Uttar Pradesh;
- (c) if so, the manner in which the said impact is being assessed;
- (d)  whether  there  is  any  proposal  to  increase  the  participation  of youth from disadvantaged and rural backgrounds in such initiatives, particularly from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Amroha Parliamentary Constituency in Uttar Pradesh, if so, the details in this regard;
- (e) whether any skill development or employment opportunities are likely  to  be  generated  for  the  participants  as  a  follow-up  to  such cultural exchange programmes, skill development and civic engagement across various States;
- (f) if so, the role likely to be played by Non-Governmental Organisations in this regard; and

- (g) the manner  in which the activities designed to  promote understanding and respect among youth from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA)

- (a)  Nehru  Yuva  Kendra  Sangathan  (NYKS)  is  as  autonomous  body under  the  Ministry  of  Youth  Affairs  &  Sports.  Inter-State  Youth Exchange  programme  (ISYEP)  is  part  of  NYKS  core  programmes under  Annual  Action  Plan  2024-25.  As  part  of  this  programme,  25 participants along with 02 escorts from one state take part in another (host) state in each programme. The objectives of the programme are to celebrate the unity in diversity of our nation and to maintain and strengthen  the  fabric  of  traditionally  existing  emotional  bonding among  the  people  of  our  country,  promote  the  spirit  of  National Integration  through  a  deep  and  structured  engagement  among  all Indian States & Union Territories, showcase the rich heritage and culture, customs and traditions of either state for enabling people to understand and appreciate the diversity of the country, establish long term  engagement  and  create  an  environment  which  promotes learning  between states  by  sharing  best  practices  &  experiences, familiarization with the environment, family life, social customs, etc. of the people living in the paired States and to inculcate feeling of communal harmony among the youth.
- (b) & (c) In all Inter-State Youth Exchange programmes including the programme  in  Uttar Pradesh, there is a structured  feedback mechanism, where feedback and suggestions of the participants are obtained,  through  a  prescribed  proforma,  after  completion  of  the programme.
- (d)  Participants  of  the  Inter-State  Youth  Exchange  Programme including programme in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Amroha Parliamentary Constituency in Uttar Pradesh are drawn from another state (paired/guest state) and participation of youth from all walks of life is encouraged.
- (e) While skill development and employment are not the primary focus of such programmes, the cultural exchange programmes plays a key

role in fostering youth engagement in community development and civic participation. Through initiatives like cultural exchange programs and active involvement in local projects, participants gain valuable experiences that enhance their social awareness, leadership skills,  and ability  to  contribute  meaningfully to society. These  activities create opportunities  for  personal  growth  and empower youth to take on roles in their communities. (f) Does not arise in view of reply to (e) above. (g) The activities of the Inter-State Youth Exchange Programme are designed to foster understanding and mutual respect among youth. Key activities include Work Camp/Shramdaan, language learning of paired states, cultural exchange, exploration of regional cuisine and culinary traditions, and interactions with local families and youths.

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