Kerala - Kochi   

‘Youth not giving their fair share’

KOCHI: The reluctance and inability of the youth and youth organisations in playing their share in the State’s development came up for criticism from speakers at the plenary session of the ongoing Kerala Youth Forum here.

One among them cited the laudable performance of the self-help groups like Kudumbasree in different arenas, as compared to the near inability of the youth to bring about any noticeable change in the Kerala society. Most leaders of the youth bodies of political parties spoke of the need for young men and women keeping away from alcoholism, drug addiction and other vices, which have of late led to a spate of crimes in the State. They lamented that youth were increasingly becoming pawns at the hands of mafia gangs and communal forces.

Inaugurating the valedictory session of the delegates’ session of the Forum organised by the Kerala State Youth Welfare Board, Minister for Public Works Mons Joseph said that the State urgently needs a consensus on developing infrastructure. “Youth have a major role in this sphere. The Forum should set in motion an agenda for Kerala’s development.”

Many speakers gave a call to boost agricultural production in the State, which, at present, is dependant on neighbouring States for food and other essential commodities.

They said that youth must take the lead in thwarting the designs of communal and divisive forces. The delegates also expressed concern over the entry of retail giants into the State, which, they said, would affect the livelihood of five lakh families in the State and thus create socio-economic problems.

One speaker at the meet said that with prominent political parties and their youth wings shying away from addressing the problems faced by the society, it was up to smaller parties to highlight societal woes. He said that the government must ensure that the funds earmarked for different employment-guarantee schemes reach the beneficiaries and not siphoned off by bureaucrats, contractors and others.

Earlier in the day, Sebastian Paul MP inaugurated an eight-day national integration camp at Cusat.

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