Srinagar: The government has decided to constitute a Special Task Force that will oversee the youth engagement program launched by various departments.

The task force shall be headed by Secretary Sports with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir), IGP CRPF as its members, the government said.

The government said the committee will review the new plans being executed by various departments including civil departments and various forces for engaging youth in various extracurricular activities to avoid duplicity in these programs.

Advisor to Governor, K Vijay Kumar directed to constitute the task force while reviewing the implementation of various youth engagement programs in the state.

He said the task force will act as a bridge between various organizations who are doing such programs so as to avoid duplicity in these programs and to reach   more youths of the state.

While calling for consolidation of funds, advisor called for convergence between various departments to implement youth engagement programs to avoid paucity of funds and for maximum benefits while utilizing funds judiciously.

He said the committee will regularly meet and review the implementation of various programs including sports activities while it will also come up with a proposal for fruitful utilization of Rs 14.20 crores under Khelo India program in 142 identified blocks of the state.

Kumar while reviewing the activities plan of the department emphasized the need to involve the youth in extracurricular activities so that their energies could be better harnessed for constructive engagement.

The advisor also asked the officials to identify the youth icons in their respective areas and recognize their contribution by felicitating them and incentivizing them so that more youths are attracted to fruitful activities.

The meeting also held a threadbare discussion on having a sports policy for the state and also discussed various initiatives taken by different departments.