Odisha government today decided to impart self-defense skill to 2.5 lakh college girls and provide Rs 10,000 each to 10,288 youth clubs as part of its commitments in the State Youth Policy, 2013.
The decision in this regard was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here, official sources said.
"The girl students of Plus II and Plus-III colleges will be given training. While 200 trainers will be selected from college level, another 100 to come from Odisha Police," they said.
The self defense training for girls was essential in view of the rise of crimes against the women in the state, they said adding that the training will boost confidence of the female students.
Patnaik also issued direction to authorities concerned to release financial assistance of Rs 10,000 each to 10,288 youths by end of this month. The youth clubs will receive the funding for developing sports and cultural activities in their respective areas.
Similarly, today's meeting also resolved to appoint youths, both male and female, in different government departments as interns under internship programme meant for them. The youths will be appointed as interns for two to six months at a remuneration of Rs 1,500 per month, they said.
The departments where the interns would be appointed have been identified as forest and environment, health, rural development, panchayati raj, housing, scheduled tribe and scheduled caste development, agriculture and school and mass education.
This apart, it was also decided to train 10,000 youths from 100 colleges on disaster management. They would be imparted training on search, rescue and first aid.
The meeting also resolved to construct five hostels in urban areas for working women. The authorities concerned have been asked to identify location for setting up such hostels. "1,000 girls belonging to BPL families will also be given vocational education in different ITIs," they said.
