With jobs and competitive examinations increasingly dominating conversations among Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Gen Z’ population, the Yogi Adityanath government is making a fresh pitch to woo them ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.
On Independence Day, the Chief Minister announced an Integrated Youth Policy. Separately, the government is also working on a Youth Commission, wider access to competitive-exam coaching and a mentorship programme for students involving young IAS and IPS officers.
“The biggest strength of Uttar Pradesh is its youth power,” Adityanath said. “Our youth are talented, hardworking and full of the determination to achieve something for the country and society. To make the right use of your capabilities and help you realise your potential, the UP government is bringing a new Youth Policy.”
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The push comes as youth concerns have increasingly spilled onto the streets and social media. With nearly 60 per cent of UP’s population comprising young people, the government’s effort is being seen as an attempt to understand Gen Z before trying to win it over.
Policy that brings youth issues together
The proposed Integrated Youth Policy will cover those in the 16-35 age group. Officials have been asked to first understand their expectations, aspirations and needs.
The policy is expected to bring education and skill development, entrepreneurship, employment and innovation, digital empowerment, health, sports, leadership development, and culture and heritage under one framework.
Sources said apart from government departments, students, sportspersons, research scholars, start-up entrepreneurs, young professionals and youth from different sections of society would also be involved once the final draft is ready.
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The Youth Welfare Department is acting as the nodal department and inputs are being sought from 29 government departments and other stakeholders.
State youth commission
Alongside the policy, the government is considering an independent State Youth Commission. It is being proposed as a body of experts from different fields that would monitor and evaluate youth-related programmes, make recommendations and suggest changes as per the changing needs of youth.
Sources said for a generation increasingly accustomed to voicing concerns through social media and protests, such a commission could provide an institutional channel for raising issues and putting forward suggestions before the government.
Taking competitive-exam coaching to colleges
A key part of the government’s youth outreach is the proposed expansion of the Chief Minister Abhyudaya Coaching Scheme.
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The government is considering taking the scheme to every university and college campus, giving students access to preparation for examinations such as UPSC, JEE and NEET without requiring them to travel to established coaching hubs.
There are currently about 163 such coaching centres across 75 districts. Sources said the plan is to take them to the tehsil level and increase their number to more than 300, so that almost all colleges and universities have access to government-assisted coaching.
IAS, IPS officers as mentors
The government is also looking at getting young IAS and IPS officers to take up mentorship roles at these centres. Newly inducted doctors are also being considered as mentors for students preparing for medical entrance examinations.
The idea is to connect students with professionals who have recently gone through competitive selection processes themselves and can offer guidance on preparation, career choices and navigating the examination system.
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The government is also planning to provide “online coaching facilities” for those who cannot attend classes physically. An integrated digital platform has been proposed, through which young people can access career guidance, scholarships, jobs and other services in one place.
Bringing 90 schemes under one framework
Sources said around 90 schemes directly and indirectly affect young people. The challenge, they said, will be to bring these schemes together into a system that young people can actually navigate easily.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Girish Chandra Yadav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Youth Welfare and Sports, said: “We are trying to strengthen our present policy framework to make it more adaptable to the current-day needs of the youth. Work has already started on the Integrated Youth Policy. Discussions will begin on the Youth Commission as well.”
Maulshree Seth is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, based in Lucknow. With over 15 years of experience in mainstream journalism, she has built a formidable reputation for her on-ground reporting across Uttar Pradesh. Her expertise spans a wide array of critical beats, including state politics, governance, the judiciary, and rural development.
Authoritativeness Maulshree’s work is characterized by depth and historical context. Her coverage of high-stakes state elections and landmark judicial rulings has established her as an authoritative voice on the intersection of law and politics in Northern India. She is frequently recognized for her ability to gain access to primary sources and for her nuanced understanding of the socio-economic factors that drive the world's most populous sub-national entity.
Trustworthiness & Ethical Journalism Her reporting is rooted in rigorous fact-checking and a steadfast dedication to neutral, unbiased storytelling. By prioritizing field-based verification—often traveling to the most remote corners of the state—she ensures that her readers receive a truthful and comprehensive view of events. ... Read More
