The North Eastern Region though is a combination of Seven States (Seven Sisters) but it has diverse concerns and issues. It is known that for Political purpose it has been clubbed together. Thus for a better policy for Youths to be framed, strategy has to be substantial to mobilize the youth and the concept has to be practically recognized.
The National Youth Policy 2003 was found to be too generic in nature and it hardly caters to special needs of Youths of different backgrounds. Organizations like CYDA-Pune, Yuva- Mumbai, Pravah-Delhi has been actively involved towards formulation of Youth Policy in the respective states. NER has special needs for Youth Development and in this context, IGSSS and DBI organized consultation in 2009 April to relook into the Youth Policy of 2003 and came out with special inputs for NER Youths in a draft form. It was further taken among civil society organizations, individuals, youths at larger level for their participation and suggestion under the ages of Action Aide Guwahati in 2009 November. Thus this meeting on 4th June 2010 was third of its kind to make concrete steps.
The Symposium on North East Regional Youth Policy (NERYP) was intended as a follow up of the earlier initiative taken by DBI and IGSSS (SMILE) by Young Leaders, Representatives of Youth Ministry and Civil Society Organizations for appropriate recommendations to the National Youth Policy 2003. It was further planned that there is the need to concretize action plans to advocate with Government for integrating special components for North East Youths in National Youth Policy 2003 owing to its need.
The meeting was held among a small group of 15 members representing individuals, government and civil society organizations having youth as their mandate. The group discussed on the strength and gaps of the drafted policy which needs further attention.
