National Youth Parliament Speech

Chairperson, If India truly wants to become a developed nation by 2047, the strongest foundation must be built through education and human capital. Recognizing this, the Union Budget 2026 has made significant investments in education. The Department of School Education and Literacy has been allocated ₹83,562.26 crore, reflecting a growth of over 6 percent. Similarly, the Department of Higher Education has received ₹55,727.22 crore, marking an increase of more than 11 percent compared to the previous year. These allocations are not merely financial commitments; they represent an investment in the intellectual strength of India’s youth. Because when we invest in education, we are investing in the future leadership, innovation, and productivity of our nation.

Chairperson, One of the biggest challenges facing young people today is the gap between education and employment. To address this challenge, the government has proposed the formation of a high-powered “Education to Employment and Enterprise Committee.” This committee will work to align academic learning with industry needs and emerging technologies. Importantly, the committee will also examine the impact of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies on jobs and skill requirements. This initiative ensures that India's education system evolves with the changing global economy and prepares our youth not just for today's jobs, but for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Chairperson, The future economy will not only be driven by traditional industries but also by the creative and digital sectors. To harness this potential, the budget proposes the establishment of Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) creator labs in 1,500 secondary schools and 500 colleges across the country. These labs will nurture the next generation of designers, digital artists, and gaming innovators. It sends a powerful message that the imagination of India's youth is not merely creativity — it is an economic force that can drive global competitiveness.

Chairperson, Higher education must go beyond classrooms and textbooks. The government has proposed the creation of five university townships that will host universities, research institutions, skill centres, and residential complexes. These townships will be located near industrial and logistics corridors, strengthening the connection between education, research, and industry. Such integration will ensure that young graduates not only gain knowledge but also acquire practical skills and innovation-driven experience.

Chairperson, No nation can achieve true development if half of its population is left behind. Recognizing this, the budget proposes the establishment of one girls’ hostel in every district of the country. This initiative will help remove barriers that prevent young women from accessing higher education, especially in rural and remote areas. By empowering young women through education, we empower families, communities, and ultimately the nation.

Chairperson, India’s youth today are not merely seeking employment — they are creating it. To support young entrepreneurs and emerging businesses, the government has announced a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund. This initiative will provide financial support to startups and MSMEs, encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation across the country. Because every successful startup not only generates wealth but also creates employment and drives economic growth.

Chairperson, Technology will shape the future global economy, and India must be a leader in this transformation. Under the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, dedicated training centres will be established to develop a highly skilled workforce for chip design and semiconductor manufacturing. By investing in semiconductor capabilities, India is positioning itself to become a major player in one of the most strategic industries of the 21st century.

Chairperson, Youth development is not limited to education and employment alone. The Khelo India Mission will be further strengthened to support integrated talent development in sports. This includes expanding training centres, developing coaches, integrating sports science and technology, and promoting sports competitions and leagues. Through these initiatives, the government aims to nurture India's sporting talent and build a strong sports culture across the nation.

Chairperson, Mental health has emerged as a serious concern among today’s youth. Recognizing this challenge, the budget proposes the establishment of new NIMHANS institutes in northern India and the strengthening of existing mental health institutions in Ranchi and Tezpur. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that the youth of India are not only physically healthy but also mentally resilient.

Chairperson, True development must be inclusive. Through the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana, the government aims to support the employment of persons with disabilities in sectors such as IT, hospitality, and food services. Additionally, high-quality assistive devices will be made available through expanded research, innovation, and production. These initiatives ensure that development reaches every citizen and no one is left behind.

“Chairperson, when India empowers its youth with education, skills, innovation, and opportunity, we are not merely preparing for the future — we are building the foundation of Viksit Bharat 2047.”