Empowering Youth of Madhya Pradesh through the Chief Minister’sYouth Internship Programme (CMYIP)

Sailesh Singhal
Founder, Youth of India Foundation

Introduction:
The Government of Madhya Pradesh, under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister,
has undertaken a ground-breaking initiative known as the Chief Minister’s Youth Internship
Programme (CMYIP). This ambitious program by Hon. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan
aims to empower the Youth of Madhya Pradesh by providing them with valuable
opportunities for professional development, cultural values, practical training, and exposure
to the world of governance. The Chief Minister’s Youth Internship Programme (CMYIP) in
Madhya Pradesh, with its participatory governance model, has garnered attention not only
within India but also across the world.

1. Unleashing the Potential of Youth:
   Recognizing that the youth are the backbone of India and Madhya Pradesh and hold the key
   to a prosperous future, the Chief Minister’s Youth Internship Programme has been designed
   to harness their potential and channel their energy towards the betterment of the state. The
   program aims to bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical skills, ensuring
   that the youth are well-equipped to face the challenges of the professional world contributing
   to Madhya Pradesh’s development by 2047 as youth participation in decision-making
   processes is crucial for sustainable development and inclusive governance.
   1
2. Unparalleled Scale and Scope:
   What sets the CMYIP apart is its unprecedented scale with training 4695 interns in its first
   batch, with plans to train a staggering 10,000+ young women and men in its second batch as
   interns towards governance. This makes it the largest program of its kind, not only in India
   but also on a global scale. The sheer magnitude of the initiative speaks volumes about the
   government’s commitment to youth empowerment and its vision to create a skilled
   workforce capable of contributing to the state’s growth and development. This magnanimous
   vision, which forms the state’s foundational stone of the current governance model and thus
   can be seen across the state’s developmental schemes, including Ladli Behna Yojna, Learn
   and Earn Scheme, and many more.
3. Practical Training in Governance:
   The CMYIP offers a unique opportunity for young individuals to immerse themselves in the
   intricacies of governance. The interns have the privilege of working closely with government
   officials, policymakers, and administrators, gaining first-hand experience in policy
   formulation, decision-making, and public service. Through their involvement in various
   departments and initiatives, they acquire practical skills and develop a deep understanding
   of the complexities and nuances of governance. The European Youth Forum advocates for the
   1 https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/about-youth-and-governance.html
   meaningful involvement of young people in decision-making at all levels, emphasizing that
   their perspectives and contributions are essential for effective governance.
   2 The CMYIP has
   outgone all the international youth forums that have actively advocated for youth governance
   models. This commitment of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan not only demands
   international recognition but also sets a model for the world to replicate in engaging youth
   towards participatory governance models.
4. Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders:
   By providing internships that focus on governance, leadership, and decision-making, the Chief
   Minister’s Youth Internship Programme nurtures the potential of the participants to become
   future leaders. The program encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative
   approaches to address the challenges faced by society. Moreover, it instils a sense of civic
   responsibility and a commitment to public service among the youth, fostering a culture of
   active participation and engagement. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
   emphasizes the importance of youth participation in governance to create more responsive
   and effective institutions. Engaging young people in decision-making processes ensures that
   policies address their unique needs and challenges.3
5. Creating a Global Benchmark:
   The CMYIP has garnered widespread attention and recognition not only within India but also
   on the global stage. Its scale, scope, and vision have positioned Madhya Pradesh as a
   frontrunner in youth empowerment and governance training. The success of this program will
   serve as a benchmark for other states and nations, inspiring them to adopt similar initiatives
   to empower their own youth. Apart from The Youth Assembly, UNA USA Youth Programme,
   Canadian & U.K. Youth Parliament, CMYIP is one of those hallmark youth governance and
   leadership programme.4
   Conclusion:
   Global examples and research consistently emphasize the positive impact of youth
   participation in governance. The CMYIP in Madhya Pradesh, with its participatory governance
   model, aligns with international best practices and experiences. By actively involving young
   interns in decision-making processes, the program empowers youth, enhances policy
   formulation, promotes youth-led initiatives, and fosters a culture of civic engagement as The
   Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlights the role of
   youth participation in transforming governance structures, promoting citizen-centric
   governance, and ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in public institutions.5
   The program’s transformative impact on governance aligns with the global trend of
   recognizing youth as important stakeholders in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future.
   Research conducted by the World Bank indicates that youth participation in governance leads
   2 https://www.youthforum.org/participatory-governance 3 https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2018/inclusive-governance-and-youthparticipation-key-to-sustainable.html 4 https://www.youthassembly.nyc/ & https://www.cyp.gc.ca/ 5 https://www.oecd.org/governance/youth-inclusion-and-participation.html
   to better outcomes in terms of social cohesion, inclusivity, and accountability. It contributes
   to stronger democracies and more sustainable development.6 The Chief Minister’s Youth
   Internship Programme undertaken by the Government of Madhya Pradesh and the Chief
   Minister of Madhya Pradesh is a pioneering initiative that demonstrates the government’s
   commitment to empowering the youth and building a skilled workforce for the future. By
   providing practical training in governance, leadership, and decision-making, the program
   equips young individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the professional world. With its
   unparalleled scale and scope, the CMYIP sets a global benchmark and positions Madhya
   Pradesh as a leader in youth empowerment and governance training. As the program unfolds,
   it is expected to unlock the immense potential of the youth, paving the way for a brighter and
   more prosperous future for the state because participatory governance models have been
   proven to empower youth by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and confidence to actively
   engage in decision-making processes. This empowerment fosters a sense of ownership,
   responsibility, and civic engagement among young individuals.7