Adolescents have emerged as a priority area in contemporary developmental discourse both for the government as well as for civil society. The National Youth Policy (2003) and the tenth Five Year Plan (2002-2007) lay stress on involving adolescents in the process of national planning and development and making them the focal point of development processes. Various NGOs, as well as international support agencies like UNFPA, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNIFEM and WHO, address adolescent issues either in an integrated manner or sectorally.

Report of the Working Group on Adolescents for the 10th five-year plan:

Adolescents have often been viewed as a group of people with problems, disturbances and rebellion. However, the reality is somewhat different. Wherever positive stimulation and a congenial environment has been provided, adolescents have risen to the occasion and done us proud (read more)

National Youth Policy 2003 and 1988
The National Youth Policy reiterates the commitment of the entire nation to the overall development of the youth of India. Various schemes are being implemented by the government for adolescents and youth. (read more)

Supporting Adolescents and Youth
Half of the world's people are under the age of 25. This includes the largest-ever generation of adolescents who are approaching adulthood in a rapidly changing world. (read more)

The unmapped journey: adolescents, poverty and gender
Today's generation of young people is the largest in human history. Nearly half the world’s population— more than 3 billion people—are under the age of 25. Eighty-five per cent of youth live in developing countries (read more)

Early Marriage
Throughout the world, marriage is regarded as a moment of celebration and a milestone in adult life. Sadly, as this Digest makes clear, the practice of early marriage gives no such cause for celebration. All too often, the imposition of a marriage partner upon a child means that a girl or boy’s childhood is cut short and their fundamental rights are compromised.(read more)

Adolescent programming experiences during conflict and post-conflict
The publication provides a set of recommendations to encourage adolescent participation in community development and peace building during crises. (read more)

Adolescents contribute to society in countless, influential ways. They publish newspapers and magazines, run businesses, and serve as leaders in schools and communities. Some manage households; some care for younger siblings or ailing parents. Many work long days in factories and in fields (read more)

YRSHR: Young people’s Reproductive Sexual Health & Rights
Globally, the largest share of adolescents and young people is and will continue to be in Asia (UNFPA 1998). India has an adolescent population of 200 million and overall youth (10-24 years) of around 300million and this age group is rapidly expanding in India and many countries (read more)