Srinagar, Apr 10 (KNO): Stating that youth will play a central role in shaping India’s future, Director, My Bharat J&K, Nisar Ahmad Bhatt, on Friday said the upcoming “My Bharat Budget Quest 2026” is designed to actively involve young people in policy-making and governance processes.
Addressing a press conference here, Bhatt, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the initiative reflects the vision of the Government of India (GoI) to engage youth in democratic and policy-related processes under the “Viksit Bharat” framework.
He said the programme will be held on April 12 and 13 at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar, with participation of around 620 selected youth from all 22 districts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Director said the participants were shortlisted through a nationwide online quiz conducted on the My Bharat portal following the Union Budget presentation on February 3, followed by essay competitions on key thematic areas.
He said the event will include a Youth Parliament session on the first day, especially focusing on women participants to strengthen their understanding of democratic values, governance and policy-making.
"On the second day, panel discussions will be held on two major themes - Human Capital and Sustainability - followed by a virtual interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.
Bhatt said the initiative is being conducted across 17 zones in the country, with Jammu and Kashmir designated as Zone 1, adding that participants have also been selected from remote areas.
He added that all logistical arrangements, including accommodation for participants at multiple locations, have been completed.
The Director urged wide publicity of the programme, saying it is aimed at strengthening youth participation in governance and national development.
He acknowledged minor delays in the briefing due to prior engagements with a parliamentary delegation, traffic restrictions and Friday prayers—(KNO)