The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh met the orphan youth from the state of Jammu and Kashmir under ‘Wattan Ko Jano’ initiative of Ministry of Home Affairs, here today. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary and senior officers of Ministry of Home Affairs were also present on the occasion.While interacting with the group, Shri Rajnath Singh said that he wants the youth to share their experiences with the people of their areas on their return. The Home Minister also told them to join the economic progress of the country by being an important part of the development process. Shri Rajnath Singh felt happy on hearing the experiences of the youth during their visit to different places.
‘Wattan Ko Jano’ is an initiative under which the children of militancy-hit victims and weaker sections of society in Jammu and Kashmir are identified by J&K State Rehabilitation Council as beneficiaries under the programme. The Ministry of Home Affairs in coordination with various agencies including State Government has been conducting Youth Exchange programme. The programme aims at exposing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to the vibrant development and vitality of culture of people residing in other states.
A total of 252 children and coordinator are participating in the programme. They are educated youth within the age group of 15-24 years, interested in games, cultural activities, music, fine arts, debates etc. They are mostly from families affected by militancy in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and represent all the districts of the State. The group was flagged of on 22nd December 2015 by Secretary Social Welfare from Jammu. The group has visited various historical places in the city of Delhi. They have also seen the technological advancement and had an opportunity to have a metro ride, a first time experience for all the children who have hardly have had an opportunity to look beyond their districts. Apart from visiting various locations of historical, cultural, educational and tourist interests, the team is going to engage in various activities including sports activity, debates, painting competition, interactive programs, cultural interactions etc with similar age groups in schools and colleges during their stay at various places.