Youth participation in governance vital for national development: MP Sribharath
Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharath on Thursday called upon young people to take an active role in governance and civic affairs, stressing that grassroots awareness and participation were essential to addressing social challenges.
Addressing delegates at the inauguration of the Young Indians Parliament (YIP) Regional Round, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Young Indians (Yi) Visakhapatnam Chapter, Mr. Sribharath said meaningful change required greater participation in public administration, the judiciary and the legislature.
Student leaders from across South India are participating in YIP-2026, which seeks to familiarise young people with democratic institutions and encourage informed debate. Mr. Sribharath said the younger generation should contribute to institutional development and help shape policies for sustainable national development.
Speaking about technological challenges, he said technology was transforming livelihoods and influencing social behaviour. He highlighted the growing complexity of cross-border cybercrime, noting that digital offences often transcend geographical boundaries.
He suggested stronger central investigative mechanisms and specialised agencies to tackle such crimes.
On socio-economic welfare, Mr. Sribharath spoke about the shift towards digital systems for transferring government benefits and subsidies directly to beneficiaries.
While acknowledging initial documentation and accessibility challenges, he said government departments were working to improve the systems and ensure transparent delivery without intermediaries.
Mr. Sribharath stressed the importance of continuous learning and skill development in an evolving job market. He urged young people to adapt to changing industry requirements and technological developments, saying emerging challenges could be turned into employment opportunities through appropriate skills.
Deepa Kodali, Chair of the Young Indians Visakhapatnam Chapter, said YIP-2026 provides a platform for young people to understand governance, exchange views and develop leadership skills.