ISLAMABAD - The action plan for implementation of the national youth policy has been finalised with worth Rs 1,000 million for eradicating disparities related to access of social and economic opportunities and resources for development of youngsters lot. In this regard the PC-1s of short and long-term programmes and projects have been prepared under the directives of the Ministry of Youth Affairs for effective implementation of the planned actions. After taking time of around 17 years in preparation, the National Youth Policy along with action plan and implementation mechanism was formally announced on January 21, 2009 after getting approval of the Cabinet Division. Soon after approval of the policy the Steering Committee had also been constituted comprising Ministers for Khursheed Shah (Labour and Manpower), Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan (Population Welfare), Hazar Khan Bijarani (Education), Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo (Industries), Pir Aftab Shah Jilani (Sports), Shahbaz Bhatti (Minorities Affairs) and Special Assistant to the PM on Social Sector Shahnaz Wazir Ali for preparing an action plan for implementation within one month. The steering committee has been tasked to prepare an action plan of the National Youth Policy aimed at providing opportunities to the youth for income generation, employment and sports activities. On April 9, 2009, the Steering Committee convened its meeting with focus on finalising the plan of action and after vide discussion and consultation suggested that the ministry might prepare short and long-term plans for implementing the youth related activities in letter and spirit. It was also suggested that the budgetary allocation of Rs 1,000 million might be set aside to effectively implement the planned actions. Welfare of youth in prison was also key recommendation of the plans that was recommended at the occasion, as the committee members suggested that the youth in prison must be given special attention for their rehabilitation. These youngsters should also be given formal education along with skill training, so that they can make their livelihood completion of the jail-term. Following the recommendation, the officials of the ministry have prepared necessary documents including PC-1s with estimated worth of RS 1000 million for successfully implementing the planned action. According to officials of the Ministry all the necessary documents including PC-1s are being prepared for approval of the competent authority.