India

Ms. Sarika Katoch

Sarika is a youth activist, who for last 13 years has worked with various Govt. And Non Govt. Organisations, shes also an artist and anchor. Currently, Sarika is working as Secretary and Folk Art Director to Himachal Children and Development Organisation, this is an active NGO to generate awareness about social evils like female foeticide, dowry, pollution and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS in Rural Areas, the Organisation is also running computer centres and proving training of recycling paper to youth and women in rural areas.

When were you elected as a RYC?

On 16th of July 2007.

What are the critical issues facing youth in your country?

Specifically Indian Youth are facing the problems of unemployment (lack of good choices), HIV/AIDS epidemic, Terrorism, Dowry, Sex Declining Ratio, Lack of affordable and qualitative Education, Corruption, environment, drug abuse, etc.

What policies/initiatives are being put in place to help combat these?

To tackle these problems Govt. and many other organisations have initiated a lot of schemes. To boost up the wave of self employment govt. and other agencies are providing training, loan and establishment facilities as subsidies on different schemes. Schemes like Rozgaar Guarantee Yojana (Employment Guarantee Scheme) are really appreciable, newly opened opportunities in private sectors has also lessen the burden of govt. sector but still youth is facing lack of good choices. Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan (Education to All) is looking after in its better way the indeed basic education, but more focus is needed on higher level. To overcome the epidemic of HIV/AIDS National AIDS control society and other NGO’s are running a number of projects for awareness and to facilitate the people and victims. RED RIBBON EXPRESS can be considered as a good example of Govt efforts. ‘Ultrasound’ with a purpose of killing female foeticide is declared as a offence. Many programs/projects are running by govt. & NGO’s to protect and save the Girl Child. ‘Right to Information Act’ is a strong weapon for any Indian citizen against corruption and red tape ness. Infact, this Act has considerably reduced the level of corruption at every level.Many health schemes are introduced by the govt. to reduce the mortality rate and  to improve the health standards of people, under which many well equipped health centres and hospitals are established., Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (Prime Ministers Rural Road Scheme) and many more alike has changed the facet of rural life in India, although there are many policies/programs to overcome the above said problems in one way or another, but all needs active youth involvement, participation and their important role play in policy and decision making.

What is your message to the youth of the Commonwealth?

Take The Responsibility; You Will Automatically Get The Right.