A City Rich in Intellectual Heritage Takes Steps to Support Its Youth
Key Metrics:
- Youth Demographics: Over 40% of Aligarh’s population is aged between 15 and 35, making youth a critical demographic for the city’s development (Census of India, 2021).
- Skill Development: More than 20,000 youth have been trained under various state and central government programs in 2024 (Skill India Report).
- Startup Support: ₹50 crore allocated for youth-driven startups under the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy 2020-25, with Aligarh receiving ₹10 crore (Uttar Pradesh IT & Startup Department).
- Education Access: Enrollment in higher education institutions in Aligarh increased by 15% from 2022 to 2024, supported by new scholarships and grants (Ministry of Education).
Aligarh, 2025 – Known for its rich intellectual and cultural heritage, Aligarh is taking strides to empower its youth through education, skill development, and entrepreneurship. Home to the iconic Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), the city has long been a center for knowledge and innovation. Recent government and private initiatives aim to equip the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world. Are these efforts enough to truly empower Aligarh’s youth?
Key Youth-Centric Initiatives in Aligarh
1. Skill Development Programs
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Aligarh has emerged as a regional hub for skill training. Over 10,000 youth were trained in 2024 across sectors like IT, manufacturing, and hospitality. The Aligarh Skill Development Centre, launched in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government, offers industry-relevant certifications to bridge the gap between education and employment.
2. Support for Startups and Entrepreneurship
As part of the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy 2020-25, ₹10 crore was allocated to youth-driven startups in Aligarh in 2024. Initiatives like the Startup Incubation Center at AMU provide mentorship, seed funding, and networking opportunities. Successful ventures include tech startups focusing on edtech and agritech solutions, driven by local talent.
3. Scholarships and Educational Support
Aligarh’s higher education institutions, including AMU and its affiliated colleges, have seen a 15% rise in student enrollment from 2022 to 2024. The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship Program, funded by the Ministry of Education, offers financial aid to over 5,000 students annually, encouraging access to quality education.
4. Youth Employment Schemes
The Rozgar Mela, a state-backed employment fair held in Aligarh in 2024, connected over 8,000 young job seekers with employers in industries such as IT, healthcare, and manufacturing. The event highlighted Aligarh’s growing role as a regional employment hub.
Challenges Facing Aligarh’s Youth
Despite progress, several challenges hinder the full potential of these initiatives:
- Unemployment: The Labour Bureau reports that Aligarh’s youth unemployment rate stands at 18%, reflecting a need for more robust job creation.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Limited access to high-speed internet and modern facilities affects the effectiveness of skill development programs in rural areas.
- Industry-Driven Training: Many training programs are not aligned with the specific demands of local industries, leading to a skills mismatch.
- Awareness Deficits: A survey by NITI Aayog in 2024 found that 40% of Aligarh’s youth are unaware of available government schemes and programs.
Voices from the Ground
Students, entrepreneurs, and professionals share their experiences with these initiatives.
“The skill development programs have helped me get a certification in IT, but finding a good job locally is still a challenge,” says Mohit Kumar, a recent graduate from a PMKVY program.
Female students emphasize the role of education. “The scholarship allowed me to pursue higher studies at AMU, but we need more opportunities for women in technical fields,” says Ayesha Khan, an engineering student.
Entrepreneurs highlight the importance of mentorship. “The Startup Incubation Center provided great support, but more networking events with industry leaders would make a big difference,” says Imran Malik, founder of a local agritech startup.
Recommendations for Empowering Aligarh’s Youth
To address these gaps and further strengthen youth empowerment, experts suggest:
- Expand Job Creation: Collaborate with industries to establish job-oriented training programs and internships.
- Improve Digital Access: Invest in high-speed internet and modern infrastructure to support e-learning and remote work.
- Increase Outreach: Launch awareness campaigns to inform youth about available schemes, grants, and programs.
- Focus on Women’s Empowerment: Introduce targeted initiatives to increase female participation in STEM fields and entrepreneurship.
- Foster Industry-Academia Partnerships: Facilitate collaborations between universities and local businesses to align curricula with market needs.
A Path Forward
Aligarh’s youth represent a critical asset for the city’s future. By addressing existing challenges and building on successful initiatives, the city can empower its next generation to lead in education, entrepreneurship, and employment. The question remains: Will Aligarh seize this opportunity to unlock its youth potential, or will progress remain uneven and incomplete?
