PDP has a distinct agenda for youth of J

Anantnag, Nov 30 (UNI) Claiming that the youths of the state have actively participated in the ongoing seven-phase elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said today the party's greatest strength is turning out to be the youths.

The youth came out actively and enthusiastically in PDP's support for its pro-people agenda, she claimed, while addressing a series of election rallies in south Kashmir.

She said the state's youths have realised that the PDP alone can safeguard not only their honour and dignity but ensure their academic and economic prosperity as well.

''PDP is the only party in the State that has formulated a separate Youth Development Policy for the overall welfare of the youth to be implemented once in power,'' she said and added that the party has devised a sustainable strategy to support the young people in developing their potential, improve their living conditions and give them greater responsibilities in the political decision-making processes.

Ms Mufti said the productive role envisioned by the PDP in its Youth Development Policy would be further concretised through a package of practical initiatives.

''PDP believes that the youths of Jammu and Kashmir have the right to seek meaningful employment, participation in decision-making that affects their lives, and protection from socio-economic and political exploitation,'' she said and added that the party would strive towards realising this objective for the State's emancipated young population, who have done us proud in every field.

She said the PDP has a unique correlation with the youths as the party itself is young and growing.

''We understand and identify better with the problems of our young population, as we as a party are ourselves young and growing with them,'' she said and added that the youths in Jammu and Kashmir need extraordinary attention as they have been particularly and enormously affected by the negative consequences of the conflict and political and economic deprivation.

Expressing concern over the magnitude and disproportionate effect of unemployment and underemployment upon the youths and its profound implications for the future of our society, Ms Mufti said the PDP government would consider youth employment as integral to its overall strategies for development and collective security, and within this context, give renewed attention to ensure decent and productive education and work for the State's young people.

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