MY Bharat expansion drive targets every district and block, says Mandaviya
New Delhi: MY Bharat expansion will reach every district, block and young citizen across the country, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday. He said the initiative would strengthen grassroots participation and support nation-building efforts.
Mandaviya spoke at the two-day Chintan Shivir organised by the Department of Youth Affairs at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong. The programme brought together officials from the Department of Youth Affairs, MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme (NSS).
The minister said MY Bharat has grown into a national movement. According to him, the platform now has 2.17 crore youth volunteers. He added that the government aims to ensure last-mile connectivity through the programme.
Moreover, Mandaviya said National Youth Volunteers should emerge as community leaders. He stressed the importance of youth mobilisation at the grassroots level. He also highlighted the role of District Youth Officers and NSS officers in strengthening the youth ecosystem.
Additionally, the minister said success should be measured through tangible outcomes. He urged officials to focus on impact-driven implementation.
He also announced plans to establish MY Bharat Centres in all 783 districts. Furthermore, he called for large-scale participation in the anti-drug campaign from June 26 to August 15. He also announced programmes in 150 educational institutions to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram.
MY Bharat expansion strengthens youth participation
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse stressed the need for stronger coordination. She urged officials to work closely with state governments and district administrations. According to her, better cooperation will improve programme implementation and outreach.
She also highlighted the potential of the Northeast. She noted the region’s strong sports culture and active youth club network. Therefore, she called for efforts to channelise youth talent more effectively.
Youth Affairs Secretary Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil said the Chintan Shivir focused on practical solutions. She encouraged participants to share innovative ideas and successful models.
In addition, Additional Secretary Nitesh Kumar Mishra called for a National Volunteering Policy. He said such a framework would recognise the contribution of MY Bharat and NSS volunteers.
During the first day, participants discussed transformational leadership. They also reviewed annual action plans and youth club development. Furthermore, they examined digital engagement through the MY Bharat Portal. Discussions also covered volunteering opportunities and institutional strengthening.
Representatives from Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Manipur shared field experiences. As a result, participants exchanged ideas on youth mobilisation and community engagement.
Officials said the deliberations focused on grassroots participation. They also discussed institutional convergence and programme effectiveness. The recommendations will help strengthen youth-centric initiatives across the country.
