Rajasthan Extraordinary Gazette, Part Part 1 (B), 21 January 2026

click here for IIIF manifest

भाग-1(ख)

महत्वपर्ण

ू सरकारी आज्ञायें।

Rajasthan Youth Policy 2026 Notification Jaipur, January 12, 2026

No. F.1(20)RYB/2024-25/part-1.- CONTENTS

1. Context

2. Vision

3. Objective

4. Definition of Youth in Rajasthan's Youth Policy

5. Coverage and Targeting Framework

6. Key Strategic Focus Areas

6.1 Leadership & Social Responsibility

6.2 Digital Empowerment and Technological Innovation

6.3 Education & Skill Development

6.4 Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation

6.5 Sports, Health and Wellness

6.7 Cultural, Heritage and Art promotion

6.7 Inclusion & Social Equity

7. Implementation and Coordination Mechanism 7.1 High-Power Committee

7.2 State-Level Task Force

7.3 Core Committee

8. Interpretation of the Policy18297 राजस्थान राज-पत्र, जनवरी 21, 2026 भाग 1(ख) 1. Context Rajasthan stands at a demographic inflection point, with approximately 27.2% of its populace comprising youth; a dynamic force with immense potential to emerge as leaders, innovators, and catalysts of change. In an era of rapid technological progress, globalization, and evolving socio-economic dynamics, it is imperative to channel and direct the energy and aspirations of our youth towards societal development and nation-building. This requires not only nurturing their talent and leadership qualities but also equipping them with new-age skills, life skills, critical thinking, and an entrepreneurial mindset, while fostering creativity, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Rajasthan has an estimated 22.5 to 23 million youth between the ages of 15 and 29 years, based on the youth population reported in Census 2011 and state population projections for 2025–26. This large and diverse cohort includes students, skill trainees, agricultural youth, informal and gig workers, and NEET youth, and those engaged in sports, culture and community work. The scale and heterogeneity of this population necessitate a clear coverage strategy and differentiated interventions.

The Government of Rajasthan considers youth as a powerful positive force and the future of the state and recognizes the collective responsibility to provide them with opportunities and platforms that nurture their potential. Through this commitment, we aim to shape young people into dynamic leaders and socially responsible change agents who will drive economic growth and nation-building.The Government envisions creating a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem that will empower young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to economic progress and social transformation.In this context, the Governmenthas introduced this Rajasthan Youth Policy, 2026which will serve as an enabler, supporting initiatives across multiple sectorswhileemphasizing on innovation and inclusion for holistic youth empowerment.

2. Vision

To empower the youth of Rajasthan as dynamic leaders, innovators, and responsible citizens by providing inclusive opportunities for economic and social contribution, channelizing their energy towards nation-building, and nurturing their potential for sustainable development.

3. Objectives a) Create a robust ecosystem that nurtures youth leadership, life skills, entrepreneurial capabilities, and a strong sense of civic responsibility, enabling them to actively contribute to social progress and economic development.

b) Prepare young people for the future by fostering talent, creativity, and critical thinking,while ensuring access to modern technologies, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial opportunities that align with emerging global trends.

c) Establish an integrated development framework that combines quality education, advanced skill development, structured mentorship, and sports promotion to ensure holistic growth encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

भाग 1(ख) राजस्थान राज-पत्र, जनवरी 21, 2026 18298 d) Promote social inclusion by providing equitable opportunities for marginalized groups, tribal youth, and underserved communities, while addressing challenges such as substance abuse through targeted awareness campaigns and wellness programs.

e) Facilitate practical exposure and experiential learning through internships, skill-based training, and innovation hubs, while transforming youth hostels and community spaces into vibrant centres for learning and networking.

f) To adopt a coverage-based approach that sets measurable outreach targets and ensures that all major youth segments, including agricultural youth, informal workers, gig workers, out- of-school youth, young women,and youth with mobility or care constraints, are equitably included across programmes.

4. Definition of Youth in Rajasthan's Youth Policy

Rajasthan's Youth Policy defines youth as individuals in the age group of 15 to 29 years, in alignment with the National Youth Policy. This age bracket represents a critical phase of personal growth, skill acquisition, and socio-economic contribution, making it essential to provide targeted opportunities for representation, empowerment and development.

Within this age category, the Policy recognises that youth are situated across multiple socio- economic pathways. These include school and college-going youth, vocational trainees, agricultural youth, informal-sector workers, gig and platform workers, micro-entrepreneurs, competitive-examination aspirants, unemployed youth, and out-of-school or NEET youth. This diversity forms the basis for the State's segment-sensitive targeting approach.

5. Coverage and Targeting Framework

The Policy adopts a structured coverage and targeting framework anchored in the estimated 22.5 to 23 million youth in Rajasthan. The Swami Vivekananda Youth Mission will set annual coverage targets expressed both in absolute numbers and as a proportion of the total youth population. During the initial implementation period, the Mission will endeavour to reach at least 90 per cent of youth through one or more structured interventions, and at least 75 per cent of youth through multi-touch interventions that combine two or more services.

For operationalising this coverage-based approach, the Policy adopts a structured target framework for the five-year policy period. All numeric targets specified under this Policy are cumulative five-year targets and are based on a review of existing departmental performance, achievement trends and forward projections.

Targets under the Policy are classified into three categories: (a) Outcome targets, such as employment outcomes, skilled youth and educational attainment; (b) Output targets, such as registrations, enrolments, admissions and beneficiaries under specific programmes; and (c) Engagement targets, such as participation in campaigns, events and volunteering activities.

Given the diversity of programmes and delivery mechanisms, targets may represent unique beneficiaries, registrations or participations, depending on the nature of the intervention. Targets across pillars shall not be automatically aggregated into a single coverage figure without de-duplication through designated digital platforms and departmental management information systems. Annual phasing and year-wise targets shall be notified separately through the five-year action plan and annual implementation plans.

A segment-sensitive approach will guide planning for students, out-of-school and NEET youth, skill trainees, agricultural youth, informal-sector workers, gig workers, unemployed youth, youth facing constraints on mobility or care, and youth from tribal, minority and marginalised communities. Departmental schemes and programmes will be mapped against these segments, and convergence will be promoted so that each pillar of the Policy contributes to overall coverage.

District Youth Development Plans will specify segment-wise targets and identify underserved geographies, including tribal blocks, minority-concentrated areas and peri-urban settlements, with higher proportional coverage for these regions. Youth Coverage Dashboards will be generated annually to track enrolment, participation and benefits across pillars such as leadership, digital inclusion, education and skill development, livelihoods, sports, wellness and community engagement. These dashboards will inform course correction and equitable resource allocation.

6. Key Strategic Focus Areas

"Inspired by Swami Vivekananda Ji's timeless call to 'Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,' the Government of Rajasthan will launch the Swami Vivekanand Youth Mission 2026 to realize the vision and objectives of the Rajasthan Youth Policy. This mission is committed to promoting the holistic development of the state's youth by creating structured opportunities for learning, mentorship, leadership building, personal growth, and professional exposure.As part of this mission, seven strategic focus areas have been identified to create a dynamic and enabling ecosystem that empowers youth to act as catalysts for Rajasthan's economic and social transformation.

6.1 Leadership &Social Responsibility

6.2 Digital Empowerment and Technological Innovation

6.3Education & Skill Development

6.4Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation

6.5Sports, Health and Wellness

6.6 Cultural, Heritage and Art promotion

6.7Inclusion & Social Equity

These strategic focus areas will serve as the foundational pillars of the Swami Vivekanand Youth Mission, working in an integrated manner to position youth at the heart of Rajasthan's growth and development. Each pillar is designed to address critical development needs of young people and will collectively work towards creating a dynamic and enabling ecosystem.

भाग 1(ख) राजस्थान राज-पत्र, जनवरी 21, 2026 18300 6.1 Leadership & Social Responsibility Focusing on youth leadership is critical because it equips young people with essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, while fostering confidence, ethical values, and a sense of social responsibility. Leadership development empowers youth to take initiative, think critically, and act decisively in addressing social and economic challenges.By nurturing leadership qualities, the policy seeks to create a generation of socially responsible leaders who can drive transformative change, champion equity, and uphold constitutional values.

• To create an enabling environment for leadership and life skills training, the policy will establish a comprehensive framework for educational institutions at all levels to implement structured leadership programs. Recognizing that not all young people are part of the formal education system, mechanisms will also be developed to reach out- of-school youth and provide them with similar opportunities for growth.

• Digital tools and platforms will be leveraged to build a robust ecosystem that fosters a culture of leadership and life skills development, ensuring accessibility and scalability. Efforts will be made to strengthen interactive platforms such as Yuva Samvad and Youth Parliament to engage youth, amplify their voices, and address their aspirations and challenges. The policy will also invite brand ambassadors, youth icons, influencers, and role models to inspire and mentor young people through knowledge-sharing sessions.

• The leadership development framework will incorporate innovative learning programs, including national and international collaborations such as youth exchange initiatives to promote cultural understanding, social harmony, and global exposure. To ensure quality and relevance, sector experts will be engaged in designing and implementing these programs, making leadership and life skills training a cornerstone of youth empowerment in Rajasthan.

• The policy recognizes volunteerism as an important component of civic responsibility and social cohesion. Engaging youth in structured volunteer activities not only strengthens communities but also instils empathy, solidarity, and a sense of purpose among young people. Volunteerism provides opportunities for youth to contribute meaningfully to society, bridge divides, and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.These experiences prepare them to lead with integrity and contribute to nation-building.

• A comprehensive framework for structured volunteer programs will be developed to engage youth meaningfully. Under this framework, key state departments will be encouraged to launch volunteer initiatives on priority themes such as environmental conservation, disaster management, drug abuse prevention, education, healthcare, and social harmony. Additional areas for volunteerism will be identified over time, and structured schemes will be introduced to scale participation.

• A digital platform will be created to connect volunteers with opportunities across departments, track contributions, and recognize efforts through a social credit system. This platform will enable volunteers to earn credits for their activities, which can be linked to certifications, incentives, and career benefits. This initiative will serve as a18301 राजस्थान राज-पत्र, जनवरी 21, 2026 भाग 1(ख) cornerstone of the Swami Vivekanand Youth Mission, creating statewide momentum for volunteerism and civic engagement.

• Volunteerism will be celebrated through special drives such as National Volunteering Day or Week, featuring webinars, workshops, and inspirational talks. Youth volunteers will be recognized through certifications, awards, and incentives, including credit scoring for social work achievements.

• To ensure that leadership opportunities extend beyond formally enrolled or urban youth, gram panchayat and urban ward-level Youth Clubs will reserve participation spaces for agricultural youth, informal and gig workers, migrant youth and out-of-school youth. These Youth Clubs will conduct structured modules on civic engagement, local problem-solving, peer mentoring and community leadership, and will provide opportunities for disadvantaged youth to take on formal roles in community initiatives and local governance-related platforms.

• Yuva Mandals and Youth Clubs will be strengthened to enhance their access to government programs and increase their impact at the grassroots level. Youth will be promoted as influencers and role models, leading initiatives, advocating for positive change, and inspiring peers through active community participation.

Measurable five-year targets 2026–2031

Over the five-year policy period, the State will strengthen structured youth leadership, civic engagement and volunteerism through the following measurable targets:

• Expansion of the registered youth volunteer base under My Bharat and affiliated platforms to at least 11,33,799 youth volunteers.

• Expansion of the youth volunteer base under the National Service Scheme to at least 3,63,040 youth volunteers.

• Expansion of the youth volunteer base under the National Cadet Corps to at least 90,861 youth volunteers.

• Expansion of youth participation under Scouts and Guides organisations to at least 2,41,577 youth volunteers, with a total registered volunteer base of at least 9,66,306. • Recognition of at least 16,105 young people through awards, certifications and leadership recognition platforms.

• Strengthening of Youth Clubs across approximately 8,500 Gram Panchayats as grassroots platforms for youth leadership and community engagement.

These targets represent registered volunteers and recognised youth leaders across platform.

6.2 Digital Empowerment and Technological Innovation Digital empowermentand technology awareness have become one of the most critical pillars in today's fast-evolving environment. They influence education, employment, governance, communication and innovation across all sectors. For youth, digital empowerment is not just about access to devices, but it is about equipping them with the skills, platforms, and opportunities to thrive in a technology-driven world. Building digital literacy and fostering innovation ensures that young people can participate meaningfully in the economy, safeguard भाग 1(ख) राजस्थान राज-पत्र, जनवरी 21, 2026 18302 themselves online, and contribute to solving global challenges. Digital inclusion efforts will prioritise youth with limited access to devices, connectivity and formal education. Digital Youth Centres, located within government institutions and community spaces, will offer short, modular courses in digital literacy, online safety, access to e-governance services and foundational technology skills at timings suitable for daily wage earners, agricultural workers and gig workers. A cadre of community-based digital facilitators/volunteers will support first- generation learners and youth with low digital confidence to access online learning, public services and livelihood platforms.The policy will focus on the following areas to support youth with digital empowerment and technology awareness:

• A sub mission "Digitally Empowered Youth Mission" will be launched under the Swami Vivekanand Youth Mission wherein a framework will be developed to facilitate digital empowerment and technology awareness among the youth. For this, structured scheme will be launched with support from related departments of the state. Digital Platforms will be extensively used to reach out to youth and equip them with knowledge and tools to enhance their productivity, keep themselves safe from cyber threats and expand their skill set.

• A unified digital platform "Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform" will be developed as a one-stop solution for all youth-related information, services, and opportunities. This platform will feature a comprehensive repository of government and private schemes, scholarships, internships, skilling programs, competitions, and career pathways. It will also provide dynamic content focused on personal development, soft skills, life skills, mental health awareness, and civic responsibility. Integrated learning management modules will support exam preparation, foundational digital skills, and contemporary skillsets aligned with emerging technologies. To ensure continuous engagement, the platform will deliver push notifications and district-wise updates, keeping youth informed about relevant opportunities and events.

• The Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform will be developed as a unified digital gateway by integrating key existing portals such as Yuva Sathi, Rajasthan Employment Portal, Raj Kaushal Portal, and RSLDC's skill development interface. This convergence will ensure seamless access to education, skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities, creating a one-stop solution for youth empowerment. Additionally, it will be seamlessly integrated with Youth Development Centres and Extension Hubs, enabling blended online and offline access for holistic development.Additional initiatives such as hackathons, technology competitions, demonstration meets, and knowledge-sharing drives will be launched to foster innovation and collaboration among youth. At the same time, focused efforts will be made to strengthen STEM education across the state, ensuring that young people acquire the essential skills and opportunities needed to build successful careers in the technology domain.

Measurable five-year targets 2026–2031

During the policy period, digital empowerment efforts shall focus on building a unified digital ecosystem for youth services. The following measurable commitments shall guide implementation:

unified digital gateway for youth-related services, opportunities and information.

• Facilitation of youth access to at least one digital service or opportunity related to education, skilling, employment, volunteering or counselling through the platform. • Delivery of foundational digital literacy and online safety modules to youth through blended online and offline modes.

• Numeric targets for platform onboarding, service transactions and module completion shall be finalised and notified through the five-year action plan once platform integration is operationalised.

6.3 Education & Skill Development

Aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to raise the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50% by 2035, the State will prioritize improving the quality of education at all levels. Education and skilling are critical for empowering youth to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. Proper guidance and counselling are essential to help young people make informed academic and career choices, while strengthening STEM education will prepare them for opportunities in science, technology, and innovation.

The State already has separate schemes and policies for education and skill development, and the Youth Policy will not duplicate these efforts. Instead, it will work closely with the concerned departments to facilitate awareness generation and outreach to youth through Youth Clubs, the Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform, and other mechanisms developed under the policy. This collaborative approach will ensure that young people are informed, engaged, and able to access existing programs effectively.

• Introduce a structured mechanism for career counseling and aptitude tests to helpyouth understand available options and make informed choices. Counseling services will be integrated with the Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform for wider reach.

• The Government of Rajasthan recognizes the importance of road safety as a critical public concern. While infrastructure improvements and law enforcement measures are undertaken, engaging youth through awareness and capacity-building initiatives is essential to make roads safer and reduce accidents. The Youth Policy will complement these efforts by creating a structured framework to educate and empower young people on road safety norms and responsible behavior. This will involve collaboration with industry experts, private sector partners, and law enforcement agencies to ensure impactful outreach and training.

• Youth Clubs and the Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform will be leveraged to organize campaigns, interactive sessions, and digital learning modules on safe driving practices, traffic rules, and emergency response.A Youth Road Safety Volunteer Network will be created under the volunteering framework and linked to the Social Credit Point System, rewarding youth who actively participate in awareness campaigns and community initiatives on road safety.

• Utilize Youth Clubs and the Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform to collect feedback from young people on education quality, skilling initiatives, and challenges faced. Share key recommendations with relevant departments and facilitate corrective measures wherever possible.

Measurable five-year targets 2026–2031

As measurable outcomes under education and skill development, the State will aim to achieve the following cumulative five-year targets:

• Increase the number of youth attaining tertiary education by at least 12,187, as tracked through the policy monitoring indicator for tertiary education attainment.

• Ensure enrolment of at least 2,20,389 youth in vocational training programmes across state and centrally supported schemes.

• Increase the number of formally skilled youth to at least 1,24,881, based on certification or completion under approved skill programmes.

• Provide skill development support to at least 85,802 youth under the Mukhyamantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.

• Provide skill development support to at least 8,053 youth under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Kaushal Yojana.

• Support at least 15,558 youth under the skill-linked components of the Mukhyamantri Yuva Sambal Yojana.

All targets under this pillar shall be reported with gender and district-wise disaggregation.

6.4 Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The Government of Rajasthan is committed to providing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to its citizens, with a special focus on youth. The State already has dedicated policies for employment, skill development, and supporting entrepreneurs and the start-up ecosystem. Additionally, various central and state schemes facilitate credit and financial support for setting up and expanding businesses.

The Youth Policy will not duplicate these efforts but will supplement them by raising awareness about existing schemes and programs. It will also focus on providing counselling services and guidance to youth, particularly in creating linkages with government schemes and opportunities. The Government of Rajasthan will prioritize enabling youth access to affordable credit by leveraging existing State and Central schemes, through the Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform and Youth Clubs, information on credit facilities, loan application processes, and financial support programs will be disseminated. Dedicated outreach and counselling will be provided to guide youth in availing benefits under schemes such as i-Start, Vishwakarma Yuva Udhyami Protsahan Yojna, and other relevant initiatives. Livelihood opportunities will be diversified beyond start-ups and competitive examinations. The Policy will support wage employment, micro-enterprises, agriculture and allied-sector livelihoods, local processing units, digital and service-sector work and self-employment for youth in the informal and unorganised sectors. Targeted credit facilitation, interest support, market linkages and mentoring will be prioritised for rural, tribal, migrant and low-income youth, with particular emphasis on young women and first-generation entrepreneurs.

• The Government of Rajasthan will organize annual job fairs across the state to connect job seekers with employers and create direct hiring opportunities. In addition, digital platforms like the Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform will be leveraged to host virtual job fairs, ensuring wider reach and accessibility for youth in remote areas. These18305 राजस्थान राज-पत्र, जनवरी 21, 2026 भाग 1(ख) platforms will also provide interview preparation tips, resume-building guidance, andcareer advice, while featuring role models and industry experts to inspire and motivate young people to pursue diverse career paths.

• Efforts will also be made to encourage youth to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career option. The Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform and Youth Clubs will be used to raise awareness about various government schemes that support entrepreneurs and start-ups. Information will be provided on good business practices, compliance requirements, and market strategies. A mentorship program will be launched where private sector leaders and experienced professionals will provide guidance and support to young entrepreneurs. Additionally, digital tools and learning content on entrepreneurship, financial planning, and effective business practices will be made available through the Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform to help youth build sustainable ventures.

• Financial literacy is extremely important in today's context. The policy will focus on educating youth about financial products, savings instruments, and investment options such as the National Pension System (NPS). Special emphasis will be placed on responsible financial behaviour, including managing credit, understanding insurance, and planning for long-term financial security. Additionally, awareness campaigns will be conducted to help youth safeguard themselves against cyber frauds and digital financial scams, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the digital economy safely.

• A key intervention will be the development of a structured mechanism to provide practical work experience to eligible youth who have completed graduation. This will include internship and fellowship programs designed in partnership with the private sector, offering six-month work opportunities to enhance employability and industry exposure. These programs will focus on real-world projects, mentorship, and skill- building, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional requirements. A detailed scheme will be formulated to operationalize this initiative, ensuring transparent selection processes and measurable outcomes.

• Sectoral opportunities in agriculture, green jobs, rural tourism, care services and cultural enterprises will be mapped annually, and tailored incubation and handholding support will be provided for youth who are not part of formal start-up ecosystems. Support will include basic business development services, compliance facilitation and access to digital marketplaces, so that small and local enterprises managed by youth can formalise, grow and integrate into wider value chains.

Measurable five-year targets 2026–2031

To strengthen youth employment, entrepreneurship and transition to livelihoods, the State will pursue the following measurable five-year targets:

• Facilitate registration of at least 2,71,271 youth through Rozgar fairs and allied employment facilitation mechanisms.

• Facilitate employment outcomes for at least 1,05,662 youth through Rozgar fairs and other supported channels.

• Extend income support and transition assistance to at least 23,36,910 youth under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Sambal Yojana.

and digital platforms.

• Expand the registered youth base on employment and labour market platforms to at least 35,37,472 registered candidates, subject to platform verification and reporting standards.

• Support at least 1,926 youth through entrepreneurship development programmes including mentoring, facilitation and scheme linkages.

Employment outcomes under this pillar represent facilitated opportunities and placements and do not imply permanent employment guarantees.

6.5 Sports, Health and Wellness

The Rajasthan Youth Policy, 2026 recognizes that health and well-being are foundational for youth development. In addition to challenges such as substance abuse, hygiene, and Sexual and Reproductive Health, stress among young students due to a highly competitiveenvironment has emerged as a critical concern, contributing to an alarming rise in suicides. The Government of Rajasthan is addressing this issue with utmost urgency and will implement a structured framework for psycho-social support and counselling.

The policy adopts a holistic approach to well-being, promoting healthy lifestyles, mental wellness, and spiritual balance while combating drug addiction and substance abuse. Sports are emphasized as a powerful tool to foster physical fitness, mental resilience, teamwork, and discipline. By improving access to adolescent and youth-friendly health services and information, the policy aims to ensure that young people lead healthy, resilient, and fulfilling lives.

• For supporting students and youth facing stress, the State Government will establish Youth Counselling and Development Centres in high-priority cities and gradually expand them across the state. These centres will serve as one-stop hubs for psycho- social support, career counselling, and access to information, enabling youth to discuss and find solutions to their problems.

• Digital tools and platforms will be used to organize e-counselling sessions proactively for vulnerable categories of youth. A Digital Mental Health Helpline integrated with the Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform will provide immediate support, and mandatory mental health awareness programs will be introduced in schools and colleges as part of the life skills curriculum. Stress management workshops will be conducted in coaching hubs and competitive exam centers, and an anonymous reporting and support mechanism will be created for students facing extreme stress or suicidal thoughts.

• Parents will be engaged through awareness programs to address stress and stigma faced by youth and promote mental wellness from an early age. Collaboration with NGOs and mental health professionals will ensure expert outreach andcounselling services. Youth Clubs and peer support groups will be created, and master trainers will be trained from among youth to support peers in managing stress.

• Substance abuse prevention will be strengthened through youth-led awareness campaigns, partnerships with NGOs, and linkages with de-addiction centers, along with18307 राजस्थान राज-पत्र, जनवरी 21, 2026 भाग 1(ख) support for initiatives like Nasha Mukt Rajasthan Mission. Community-level drives and peer engagement will help create model drug-free communities.

• Access to adolescent and youth-friendly health services will be improved, including sexual and reproductive health education, menstrual hygiene management, and preventive health care for issues. Programs like School Health and Wellness Programme, and Health and Wellness Centres will be leveraged to ensure confidential and youth-friendly services.

• Sports and recreational activities will be integrated into youth programs to promote fitness, teamwork, and mental resilience. This policy will complement the existing Sports Policy and schemes, emphasizing sports and active lifestyles among youth. Youth Clubs will be strengthened, sports meet, tournaments, and training facilities will be extended to rural areas, and structured campaigns will promote sports, yoga, and active living. Events such as Sports Day and International Yoga Day will be celebrated with youth groups.

• Community-level sports and wellness activities will be organised through Youth Clubs and local bodies to ensure participation by rural youth, informal workers, gig workers and unemployed youth. Block and panchayat-level tournaments, fitness drives and mental health awareness sessions will be scheduled to accommodate the work patterns of daily wage earners and young workers in the informal economy. Volunteer coaches and peer champions from underserved communities will be identified and supported to promote inclusive participation, with a particular focus on young women and youth with disabilities.

Measurable five-year targets 2026–2031

Under the sports, health and wellness pillar, the State will promote active lifestyles and youth well-being through the following cumulative engagement targets:

• Facilitate participation of at least 1,23,997 youth in cluster and block-level sports meets. • Facilitate participation of at least 24,350 youth in district-level sports meets. • Distribute sports kits to at least 26,278 youth to strengthen community-level sports participation.

• Engage at least 1,05,122 youth through fitness and wellness initiatives including Fit India Swachhta Run 5.0

• Engage at least 23,500 youth through awareness programmes on drug addiction and substance abuse prevention.

• Engage at least 82,603 youth through national road safety awareness campaigns.

Targets under this pillar represent youth participations and engagements and may include repeat participation across activities.

6.6 Cultural, Heritage and Art promotion The policy seeks to instil pride among youth in the state's rich cultural heritage while creating opportunities for artistic expression and cultural entrepreneurship. It emphasizes heritage preservation, promotion of tourism through youth-led initiatives, and support for young artists and artisans. By improving cultural infrastructure and revitalizing vernacular literature, the policy aims to strengthen connections with traditional art forms and foster innovation. These भाग 1(ख) राजस्थान राज-पत्र, जनवरी 21, 2026 18308 efforts will not only preserve cultural identity but also generate employment and global recognition for local talent.

• The policy will focus on sensitizing youth and raising awareness about heritage preservation, local art, and cultural tourism by mobilizing youth groups, networks, and volunteering programs. Platforms such as the Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform will be leveraged to encourage active participation in heritage walks, cultural documentation, rural tourism initiatives, and community-led projects. Through structured engagement, digital campaigns, and experiential learning opportunities, the policy aims to transform youth into ambassadors of cultural pride and sustainability, fostering both social responsibility and economic opportunities in the cultural sector.

• The policy will introduce a robust mechanism to identify and support young talent, including artists, folk performers, and artisans, by creating opportunities for them to showcase their skills through youth festivals, cultural events, drama and dance platforms, and national and international exchange programs. It will leverage the Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform and other digital mechanisms to connect youth with cultural initiatives, provide recognition through annual awards for rising artists, and encourage private sector participation in funding and mentoring programs. By promoting traditional music, dance, food, handicrafts, and art forms, the policy aims to foster pride, generate employment, and position youth as cultural ambassadors at global platforms.

• The policy will focus on promoting employment and entrepreneurship in art, culture, and tourism by introducing skill development programs in cultural tourism, event management, and digital marketing of art and crafts. It will establish mechanisms to facilitate market access for handicrafts, handloom, and artisanal products, while encouraging innovation in artistic mediums and styles. These efforts will leverage existing schemes of various departments and create strong linkages with private sector partners to provide funding, mentorship, and market opportunities, thereby transforming cultural heritage into a sustainable source of livelihood for youth.

Five-year targets 2026–2031

To promote cultural expression, heritage conservation and creative opportunities for youth, the State will pursue the following targets:

• Facilitate inclusive participation of all youth in Yuva Mahotsav and allied cultural platforms, based on registrations and participation records.

• Identify, recognise and support emerging young artists, performers and cultural practitioners through structured platforms and events at district and state levels.

• Develop tracking mechanisms under the Swami Vivekanand Youth Mission to monitor youth participation in cultural and creative initiatives.

Additional indicators for cultural entrepreneurship and heritage-linked livelihoods shall be developed during implementation.

The Rajasthan Youth Policy, 2026 aims to foster a just and equal society based on mutual respect, where young people feel secure, included, and empowered to exercise their rights. The policy emphasizes inclusion of marginalized communities, gender equality, and protection from violence and exploitation. It advocates for gender sensitization, active youth engagement in addressing harmful practices, and creating safe spaces for all, including LGBTQIA+ youth and those from vulnerable communities. By promoting social values, mainstreaming marginalized groups, and enhancing access to support systems, the policy seeks to ensure that every young person can thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment.

• A comprehensive framework will be developed in collaboration with the Education Department, Youth Clubs, civil society organizations, and sector experts to impart social values and human rights education among youth, emphasizing equality and social justice. This will be implemented through volunteer networks, awareness campaigns, and structured programs in schools, colleges, and community spaces. The Volunteering Framework and Social Credit Point System proposed under this policy will be closely aligned with these efforts to promote inclusion and equality. Youth who actively participate in volunteering activities related to social justice, gender sensitization, and community engagement will earn social credit points, which can be linked to incentives such as recognition, certificates, and priority access to certain government programs. This approach will not only encourage youth participation but also create a culture of responsibility, empathy, and mutual respect. Digital platforms like the Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform will be used to track volunteering activities, provide learning resources on human rights and equality, and showcase stories of youth champions driving social change.

• The Policy will ensure targeted outreach, facilitation support and reasonable accommodations for youth who face structural exclusion, including youth from SC, ST, nomadic, tribal and minority groups, youth with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ youth, migrant and seasonal workers and youth in street situations. Each flagship programme under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Mission will define minimum inclusion benchmarks, incorporate age-appropriate and gender-sensitive grievance-redress mechanisms and provide access to counselling and legal support where required. Youth-led feedback and social accountability platforms will be used to ensure that vulnerable young people are recognised as rights-holders and active partners in shaping policy and programme implementation.

• In coordination with the concerned departments, a dedicated scheme will be launched to empower youth from vulnerable communities such as Gadiya Lohar, sex workers, Bediya, Nut, and Kanjar. The initiative will focus on mainstreaming these youth by promoting icons from these communities as role models, showcasing their achievements and contributions to inspire others and break stereotypes. Through youth groups, civil society organizations, and volunteer networks, targeted outreach will be conducted to identify and engage youth from these communities. Special drives will be organized to impart market-relevant skills, facilitate participation in job fairs, and promote self-employment programs tailored to their needs.

• The scheme will also leverage digital platforms like the Swami Vivekanand Youth Platform to provide information on government schemes, entrepreneurship opportunities, and training modules. A mentorship component will be integrated, connecting youth from vulnerable groups with industry experts and successful entrepreneurs for guidance and support. Additionally, the Volunteering Framework and Social Credit Point System proposed under this policy will incentivize youth participation in inclusion-focused activities, creating a culture of equality and empowerment.

• The policy aims to empower young people and marginalized groups by fostering active engagement in campaigns against harmful practices such as dowry and child marriage. It seeks to bridge the digital divide by improving access for girls and women to government initiatives and digital platforms, ensuring equitable participation in the digital economy. To safeguard youth from violence, abuse, and exploitation, the policy emphasizes awareness of legal aid and strengthens victim support systems for timely assistance. Furthermore, it prioritizes inclusivity by supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in accessing government schemes and programs, and by encouraging the participation of girls, LGBTQIA+ youth, and youth with disabilities in leadership development and international exchange programs, thereby creating a diverse and empowered generation of leaders.

Measurable five-year targets 2026–2031

To ensure equitable access and inclusion of youth from disadvantaged and marginalised communities, the State will pursue the following cumulative five-year targets:

• Support at least 47,617 tribal youth through ASHRAM hostels.

• Support at least 19,199 tribal youth through Eklavya Model Residential Schools.

• Support at least 8,356 tribal youth through residential schools run by the Tribal Area Development Department.

• Support at least 1,449 youth through sports academies with hostel facilities, with a focus on tribal and remote areas.

• Support at least 4,723 minority youth through minority hostels.

• Support at least 50 minority youth through educational loan assistance.

• Support at least 1,678 minority youth through skill development programmes.

• Expand the number of women-friendly Panchayats to at least 53.

Targets under this pillar prioritise access and inclusion and shall be implemented with district- level prioritisation for tribal and minority-concentrated areas.

7. Implementation and Coordination Mechanism

To ensure effective implementation, monitoring, and review of the Rajasthan Youth Policy, a multi-tier governance structure will be established under the aegis of the Rajasthan Youth Board, functioning as the nodal agency on behalf of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Rajasthan. The Rajasthan Youth Board, in coordination with concerned 18311 राजस्थान राज-पत्र, जनवरी 21, 2026 भाग 1(ख) departments, will prepare a five-year action plan supported by annual plans and maintain progress reports. These reports will form the basis for review by the High-Power Committee and State-Level Task Force.

A dedicated Mission Secretariat will be established under the aegis of the Rajasthan Youth Board to implement the Swami Vivekanand Youth Mission as envisaged in the policy. The Secretariat will act as the operational arm for mission activities, coordinate programs across departments, monitor outcomes, and ensure alignment with the policy's vision. The Board will coordinate with all relevant stakeholders and establish mechanisms for inter- departmental convergence.

Monitoring, Reporting and Data Governance

The Mission Secretariat under the Rajasthan Youth Board shall be responsible for consolidating progress against policy targets based on data reported by concerned departments. Output indicators shall be reviewed on a quarterly basis, while outcome indicators shall be reviewed annually. All reported data shall, to the extent feasible, be disaggregated by gender and district, and by social category for inclusion-focused indicators. Non-reporting or persistent under-performance against targets shall be escalated to the Core Committee and State-Level Task Force for review and corrective action.

7.1 High-Power Committee A State-level High-Power Committee will be constituted under the chairpersonship of the Honourable Minister, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Committee will include the Principal Secretary/Secretary of the concerned department and other key officials. It will conduct an annual review of the policy and provide strategic guidance for its implementation.

7.2 State-Level Task Force A State-Level Task Force will be formed under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, comprising representatives from line departments, the Rajasthan Youth Board, Yuva Sathi Kendras, NYKS, NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides, UN Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and youth organizations. The Task Force will conduct bi-annual reviews and ensure convergence of schemes and programs.

7.3 Core Committee A Core Committee under the chairpersonship of the Principal Secretary/Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, will hold quarterly reviews with representatives from the Youth Board, invited departments, Yuva Sathi Kendras, NYKS, NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides, UN Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and youth organizations to monitor progress and address operational challenges.

8. Interpretation of the Policy

Any doubts relating to the interpretation of any term or dispute concerning the operation of any provision under the Rajasthan Youth Policy, 2026 shall be referred to the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Rajasthan for clarification. The decision of the Government in this regard shall be final and binding on all concerned stakeholders. Abbreviations

Dr. Niraj K Pawan , Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports Department.

राज्य के न्द्रीय मद्रणालयु ,जयपर।ु