Youth Congress launches massive membership drive

New Delhi, Aug 16 (UNI) The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) today launched a massive membership drive with the aim to enroll as many women members as possible.

Addressing IYC delegates at a function, Union Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes said the drive will try to get minimum 2.5 crore members across the country. ''It is likely to provide a new impetus to the IYC,'' he said.

Also speaking on the occasion, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said the youth formed the backbone of the organisation and the country and the membership drive should not only be to enlist youth members but also train them regarding the ideology of the Congress and its role in the process of nation building.

They asked IYC delegates to try and enrol as many women as possible.

''At each level we are introducing mandatory 33 percent representation of women. Also, provisions have been made to give adequate representation to youths belonging to OBCs, SCs and STs and minorities,'' said Ashok Talwar, president of the IYC.

Many speakers also made a plea for more active involvement of young MP Rahul Gandhi in the affairs of the Youth Congress.

The event was attended by Congress leaders like Mukul Wasnik, Sanjay Bapna, Maj Ved Prakash, V Narayanswamy and others.

UNI