India’s youth hold the key to the nation’s progress, and in recognition of this, the government has launched several initiatives aimed at empowering the younger generation. Among these is the Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Boys (Saksham), a crucial program designed to uplift and empower adolescent boys across the country. This scheme, named after the former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, reflects his vision of a strong, educated, and empowered India.
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Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD)
Ministry of Women and Child Development of India is an apex body for the formulation and administration of the rules and regulations and laws related to Women and Child development in India.it plays its nodal role of making plans and policies enacts and amends them and guides and coordinates efforts of both governmental and non-governmental organizations. Besides this, they create innovative programs that cover welfare and support services for women and children in the country.
Target group
This scheme targets adolescent boys of age under the age group of 11 to 18 years and will primarily focus on out – of – schoolboys. For better functioning it is further divided into two parts:
- Age group 11 to 14
- Age group 14 to 18
This scheme will utilize the structure made under ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services Scheme). According to which a proper timetable is made keeping all objectives of Saksham in mind. The out of schoolboys will come two to four days as scheduled by a panchayat or Anganwadi and school-going boys will meet twice a week or on holidays etc.
Aims
The root aim of launching this scheme is to build the self-confidence and self-esteem of youngsters, to make them more gender-sensitive, and awarded citizens of India in their growing years of age. This scheme also aims to help these adolescent boys in choosing their career paths and for knowing self-worth.
Objectives of the Scheme
The Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Boys (Saksham) aims to address various challenges faced by adolescent boys in India, particularly those related to education, health, and overall development. The primary objectives of the scheme are:
- Promoting Education: One of the core goals of the Saksham scheme is to ensure that adolescent boys have access to quality education. By providing educational support, scholarships, and resources, the scheme aims to reduce dropout rates and encourage boys to complete their schooling.
- Enhancing Health and Nutrition: The scheme emphasizes the importance of good health and nutrition for adolescent boys. It includes health check-ups, nutrition programs, and awareness campaigns to ensure that boys grow up healthy and strong.
- Skill Development: Saksham also focuses on skill development, equipping adolescent boys with the necessary skills to succeed in various fields. This includes vocational training, life skills education, and opportunities for self-employment.
- Addressing Gender Sensitization: The scheme promotes gender equality by encouraging boys to respect and support the rights of girls and women. It includes programs that teach boys about the importance of gender equality and how they can contribute to a more equitable society.
- Promoting Sports and Physical Activities: Recognizing the importance of physical fitness, the scheme encourages boys to participate in sports and physical activities. This not only helps in building physical strength but also fosters teamwork, discipline, and leadership qualities.
Benefits
Till now we have already read much about some aspects of this scheme Saksham now let us know the key objectives of this scheme as to what are the benefits of this scheme. Following are the key points:
- This scheme is helping adolescent boys to acquire better health in not only physical manner but mentally and emotionally also.
- This will push them to make 100% positive use of resources available to them that will help them to learn new skills and will help society too.
- This will help them to work towards nation-building and will motivate them to practice ahimsa messengers to address violence against women.
- This scheme focuses on building moral and ethical values in adolescent boys for nurturing their understanding and beliefs.
- This scheme is known to make adolescent boys respect womanhood and know the importance of the role of women in our society in this 21st century and to raise a voice against violence.
- To upgrade the mindset of adolescent boys by talking about different taboos of society.
- This scheme is also fruitful to help adolescent boys understand how to show respect to each section of society. These values and beliefs are put into their mind by campaigns that are conducted by the government of India.
- The teachings over there show the right of every individual living in the society so as to protect it from any mishappening in future.
- To provide relevant information and vocational training through NSDP (National Skill Development Program) for future work participation.
- To promote awareness about their personal health and hygiene and nutrition, Adolescents’ reproductive and sexual health( ARSH), and family and child care, etc.
The Saksham scheme benefits adolescent boys with self-reliant qualities and makes them a smart citizen of India.
Required Document
The adolescent boys who fall under the age group of 11 to 18 years currently studying in school or out-of-school are eligible and required with following basic documents for availing of this scheme.
- Applicant’s date of birth certificate
- Applicant’s address proof
- Identity proof
Where to apply
The applicant has to contact the nearest Anganwadi center or the local panchayat or municipal corporation to register himself for the above-mentioned scheme. It can be done online also. In addition to the above-mentioned places, http://www.wcd.nic.in can be approached for any further questions or queries.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Target Group: The Saksham scheme primarily targets boys aged 11-18 years, especially those from marginalized and disadvantaged communities. The focus is on reaching out to boys who are at risk of dropping out of school, those in rural areas, and those from economically weaker sections of society.
- Implementation: The scheme is implemented through schools, community centers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work closely with adolescent boys. Regular monitoring and evaluation are carried out to ensure that the scheme’s objectives are being met.
- Financial Support: The scheme provides financial assistance to cover educational expenses, healthcare costs, and other essential needs of the boys. This financial support helps alleviate the economic burden on families and encourages them to invest in their children’s education and well-being.
Impact of the Scheme
Since its inception, the Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Boys (Saksham) has made a significant impact on the lives of countless young boys across India. It has helped reduce dropout rates, improve health outcomes, and provide boys with the skills they need to succeed in life. Moreover, by promoting gender equality, the scheme has also contributed to changing societal attitudes and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.
Conclusion
The Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Boys (Saksham) is more than just a government initiative; it is a lifeline for many young boys in India who face challenges in their journey toward adulthood. By addressing their educational, health, and developmental needs, the scheme is helping to build a stronger, more empowered generation of young men who will contribute to the nation’s growth and progress.
As India continues to strive for a better future, schemes like Saksham will play a crucial role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow, ensuring that they are not only capable but also compassionate, responsible, and driven by a sense of purpose.
FAQs
1. What is the Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Boys (Saksham)?
Answer: Saksham is a government initiative aimed at empowering adolescent boys aged 11-18 through education, health, skill development, and gender sensitization programs.
2. Who is eligible for the Saksham scheme?
Answer: The scheme primarily targets adolescent boys aged 11-18 years, particularly those from marginalized and economically weaker sections of society.
3. What are the main objectives of the Saksham scheme?
Answer: The main objectives include promoting education, enhancing health and nutrition, developing skills, encouraging gender sensitization, and promoting sports and physical activities among adolescent boys.
4. How does the scheme support education?
Answer: The scheme provides educational support through scholarships, resources, and awareness programs to reduce dropout rates and encourage boys to complete their schooling.
5. What kind of health and nutrition support does the scheme provide?
Answer: The scheme includes regular health check-ups, nutrition programs, and health awareness campaigns to ensure that boys grow up healthy and strong.
6. Does the scheme offer any vocational training?
Answer: Yes, Saksham focuses on skill development by providing vocational training and life skills education, preparing boys for future employment opportunities.
7. How does the scheme promote gender equality?
Answer: The scheme includes gender sensitization programs that teach boys about the importance of gender equality and encourage them to support the rights of girls and women.
8. What sports and physical activities are promoted under the scheme?
Answer: The scheme encourages participation in various sports and physical activities to build physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and leadership qualities.
9. How is the Saksham scheme implemented?
Answer: The scheme is implemented through schools, community centers, and NGOs that work closely with adolescent boys. Regular monitoring and evaluation ensure the scheme’s objectives are met.
10. Is there any financial support provided under the scheme?
Answer: Yes, the scheme provides financial assistance to cover educational expenses, healthcare costs, and other essential needs of the boys, reducing the economic burden on families.
11. How can schools participate in the Saksham scheme?
Answer: Schools can participate by partnering with government agencies and NGOs involved in the scheme, and by incorporating the scheme’s programs into their curriculum.
12. What is the role of NGOs in the implementation of the scheme?
Answer: NGOs play a crucial role in implementing the scheme by conducting outreach programs, delivering training, and monitoring the progress of the beneficiaries.
13. How can boys apply for benefits under the Saksham scheme?
Answer: Boys can apply through their schools, community centers, or directly through NGOs participating in the scheme. They may need to submit relevant documents to prove their eligibility.
14. What kind of documentation is required for applying to the scheme?
Answer: Documentation may include age proof, income certificate, school enrollment proof, and any other relevant documents as specified by the implementing authorities.
15. What impact has the Saksham scheme had so far?
Answer: The scheme has positively impacted the lives of many adolescent boys by reducing dropout rates, improving health outcomes, and providing essential life skills and vocational training.
16. Is the Saksham scheme available nationwide?
Answer: Yes, the scheme is implemented across India, with a focus on reaching boys in rural and disadvantaged areas.
17. Are there any specific regions or states where the scheme is more focused?
Answer: While the scheme is nationwide, it may have more focused efforts in regions or states with higher dropout rates and greater need for adolescent empowerment.
18. How does the scheme ensure that boys remain in school?
Answer: The scheme provides scholarships, educational resources, and continuous support to encourage boys to stay in school and complete their education.
19. Can the benefits of the scheme be extended to boys above 18 years?
Answer: The scheme is specifically designed for boys aged 11-18 years. However, there may be other government programs available for boys above 18 years.
20. How can the success of the scheme be measured?
Answer: The success of the scheme is measured through monitoring and evaluation processes, which track improvements in education, health, skill development, and gender equality among the beneficiaries.