Maharashtra's Seva First Challenge Invites Youth Participation
Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha encourages young innovators to join the Seva First Innovation Challenge aimed at problem-solving.
The Seva First Innovation Challenge is open for applications until October 17.
3,878 participants have already registered, with a focus on rural student involvement.
The challenge covers diverse fields including agriculture, healthcare, and education.
Maharashtra's Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has urged the youth to take part in the 'Seva First Innovation Challenge' during a press conference held at the Ministry’s Legislature Correspondents’ Hall on Saturday. This initiative aims to harness the innovative potential of young minds to address pressing societal issues.
Organized by the Department of Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, the challenge is part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, a multi-state competition initiated by the Union Ministry of Skill Development to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. The application window opened on September 21 and will remain accessible until October 17, with 3,878 participants already registered from Maharashtra.
Minister Lodha highlighted that the competition is designed for school and college students, providing them with a platform to identify challenges and devise innovative solutions in various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, women's safety, urban development, environmental issues, defense, artificial intelligence, education, and employability. The initiative welcomes a wide range of participants, including innovators, students, researchers, startups, and social organizations, with no age restrictions.
In line with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ directives, there is a concerted effort to engage rural students in this challenge. To support this goal, the Department has entered into partnerships with organizations such as Srujan Trust in Pune and Vigyan Bharati in the Konkan region. These partnerships aim to promote the competition and assist rural students in their participation.
Vigyan Bharati will aid participants in preparing project reports and offer guidance, while Srujan Trust will spearhead outreach and publicity efforts to encourage greater involvement among young men and women. Additionally, Srujan Trust organizes the annual 'DIPEX' conference, which serves as a significant platform for young innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and projects.
