Youth clubs: Social purpose or just a political tool?

Bengaluru: Chief minister DK Shivakumar’s ambitious plan to set up 10,000 youth clubs in the state appears to draw inspiration from a model deployed by former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, reigniting a debate over whether such grassroots organisations are instruments of social development or merely a political tool.Under the proposed scheme, each club will get Rs 10 lakh for sport and cultural activities, leadership development and social awareness programmes. The total outlay is estimated at Rs 1,000 crore.Officials say the idea mirrors West Bengal’s vast network of para clubs, which received financial assistance, sports equipment and infrastructure support under Mamata’s administration. Over time, the clubs evolved into influential neighbourhood institutions with deep local reach.Officials say spending is likely to be staggered over several years. The clubs are expected to function under the rural development and panchayat raj and urban development departments, covering nearly 6,000 gram panchayats and 4,000 urban wards.“Unfortunately, the youth services and sports department is understaffed and underfunded and cannot carry out these exercises,” an official said.The proposal has nevertheless triggered political debate. Critics argue that the initiative could help Congress create a structured youth network at the grassroots. “Given the impact of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) movement and the need for Congress to mobilise youth, these clubs are more politically motivated than being an administrative decision,” said Sandeep Shastri, political analyst.Yet, he said, these clubs could serve a larger social purpose if the proposal is implemented effectively. They could become a strong social and moral compass for youth if they start influencing positivity in society, Shastri said.Some observers compared the proposal to RSS’ ‘shakha’ model, while others caution against the controversies that have occasionally surrounded neighbourhood clubs in West Bengal, including allegations of fund misuse.Officials who envisioned the model say safeguards, including audits and monitoring mechanisms, are being built into the scheme. “The details will be made clear when the scheme is officially launched,” an official said.