Jaipur, Jan 23 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday said youth power is the greatest asset of any nation and plays a decisive role in the progress of the country and the state. Youth are both the present and the future of the nation, and the state government stands with students and youth at every step, he said.

He urged students to study with dedication, innovate, and realise their dreams by making full use of government schemes. The Chief Minister announced the opening of a Foreign Language Communication Skills School in Jaipur for students of government colleges.

He was addressing the Saraswati Vandana, Youth Dialogue and Mega PTM organised at Commerce College on the occasion of Basant Panchami and the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Friday. Extending greetings on Basant Panchami, he said the festival symbolises new consciousness, creativity and resolve.

On this occasion, 75 lakh students across the state offered collective Saraswati Vandana, paying homage to Goddess Saraswati. He also recalled Netaji Subhas Chandra Boseâ??s immense contribution to Indiaâ??s freedom struggle through the formation of the Azad Hind Fauj.

The Chief Minister said the state government is implementing several initiatives for youth education, skill development, employment and self-employment.

More than one lakh appointments have already been made, recruitment is underway for 1.43 lakh posts, and a recruitment examination calendar has been released for one lakh government posts. Around 2.5 lakh youth have gained employment in the private sector.

He highlighted major initiatives such as the establishment of 71 new government colleges, Youth Partner Centres at the divisional level, and organisation of the Khelo India University Games.

Policies and schemes like the Rajasthan Youth Policy, Chief Ministerâ??s Youth Self-Employment Scheme, skill training programmes, internships, 65 i-Startup Launchpad Nests and financial assistance of approximately Rs 22.5 crore to 658 startups are promoting holistic youth development.

The Chief Minister said the government is continuously introducing new policies, schemes and innovations to improve the education sector.

The Mega PTM will provide a new direction to education in Rajasthan and strengthen trust and cooperation among teachers, parents and students, he said.

He said that Krishna Bhog was organised in all government schools, fostering collective participation and a positive environment.

Under the Nipun Rajasthan Programme, the reading, writing and arithmetic skills of students from Classes 1 to 5 are being enhanced through activity-based learning.

CM Sharma said daughters are excelling in every field today. The state government is supporting girls from birth through education to ensure a dignified, safe and independent life.

Schemes such as the Lado Protsahan Yojana, free bicycles for girls, free basic computer education for 1.64 lakh women and girls, training in accounting and spoken English, and the Chief Ministerâ??s Women Empowerment Skill Development Scheme are empowering women across the state.

The Chief Minister said every student has extraordinary potential and should move forward with hard work, discipline and values. Parents and teachers form the strongest support system for students.

While discipline may sometimes seem challenging, it strengthens the foundation for future success. True competition, he said, should be with oneself.

Teachers are not just educators but guides, motivators and mentors who play a vital role in nation-building.

Referring to the previous government, CM Sharma said the dreams of youth were shattered due to issues like paper leaks, but his government has taken strict action and will not spare those who undermine students' futures.

Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is committed to the welfare of farmers, women, youth and the poor.

Deputy Chief Minister Dr Premchand Bairwa said the Chief Ministerâ??s interaction with students, parents and teachers during the Mega PTM was inspiring and would further strengthen Rajasthanâ??s education system. He described Netaji Subhas Chandra Boseâ??s life as a lasting inspiration for the youth.

Earlier, the Chief Minister paid floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on the occasion of Parakram Diwas (Valour Day).

/IANS