In a progressive move to empower youth and enhance healthcare and skill development in Uttar Pradesh, the state Cabinet, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, announced a series of impactful initiatives during a meeting in Prayagraj. The decisions include the distribution of free smartphones to skilled youth, the establishment of new medical colleges in underserved districts, and the modernization of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
Key Highlights of UP Cabinet Decisions
1. Free Smartphone Distribution Under Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana
The Cabinet approved the procurement of 25 lakh smartphones for free distribution to youth as part of the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana.
- Objective: Empower youth with access to technology to enhance education and skill development.
- Beneficiaries: Students in technical education, health education, ITI programs, higher education, and skill development courses.
- Budget: ₹4,000 crore allocated for FY 2024-25, with the program set to run for five years.
- Impact: The initiative aims to make the youth technologically advanced and future-ready.
2. Establishment of New Medical Colleges
The Cabinet approved the establishment of medical colleges in Hathras, Kasganj, and Baghpat under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
- Significance: These districts currently lack public or private medical colleges.
- Selected Partners:
- Hathras and Kasganj: Rajshree Educational Trust.
- Baghpat: Jaipal Singh Sharma Trust.
- Funding: Supported under the Viability Gap Funding model with the Government of India.
- Benefits:
- Improved access to healthcare facilities.
- Enhanced opportunities for medical education in underserved areas.
Additionally, the 166-bed Government Combined Hospital in Balrampur was transferred to the Medical Education Department to facilitate the establishment of an Autonomous State Medical College affiliated with King George Medical University (KGMU).
- New Opportunities:
- Specialist healthcare services.
- Creation of 1,394 academic and non-academic positions.
3. Modernization of ITIs and Skill Development Initiatives
To strengthen vocational training and skill development, the Cabinet approved a ₹3,634 crore project in collaboration with Tata Technologies Limited (TTL) to upgrade 62 ITIs and establish five Centers for Innovation, Invention, Incubation, and Training (CIIITs).
- Investment Details:
- TTL Contribution: ₹2,851 crore.
- Government Contribution: ₹783 crore.
- Training Impact:
- 12,500 candidates trained annually, including 6,000 in long-term courses and 6,500 in short-term programs.
- Objective: Boost employability by providing modernized training infrastructure and innovative learning opportunities.
Importance of these Initiatives
These initiatives reflect the state government’s commitment to:
- Youth Empowerment: By bridging the digital divide and enhancing access to technology and education.
- Healthcare Improvement: Expanding medical education and healthcare services in underserved districts.
- Skill Development: Preparing the workforce for future industry demands through modern training facilities.
How to Register for the Smartphone Distribution Program
Eligible youth can apply for the free smartphone distribution program through an online portal or via their respective educational or training institutions. Stay tuned for official announcements regarding registration details.
Summary
The Uttar Pradesh government’s recent decisions are poised to bring transformative changes to education, healthcare, and skill development across the state. These steps not only aim to uplift underprivileged regions but also create opportunities for the youth to contribute to India’s growing economy.
Sources: JagranJosh, IndiaToday
Deepak Verma is a graduate from Delhi University with a First Division. With 8 years of teaching experience in Mathematics and Science, he has mentored secondary and senior secondary students. Currently, he is an author at SAMSA, where he applies his expertise to create engaging educational content.