Mumbai: The BJP-led Maharashtra government is working on a new strategy to connect with Gen Z, with ministers exploring ways to address issues important to young people.
The move comes amid youth-led protests in Delhi and Ranchi and opposition campaigns focusing on public services such as education and healthcare.
Five Initiatives For Young People
The Devendra Fadnavis government has announced five youth-focused initiatives this week. These range from proposed monthly financial support for female students to using films and social media campaigns to engage younger citizens.
A senior BJP minister said Gen Z has become a major concern for the party as it searches for effective ways to communicate with this group.
Gen Z, generally defined as people born between 1997 and 2012, is estimated to account for around 25% of Maharashtra’s population.
₹2,000 Monthly Support Proposed
Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil said the government is considering giving female students ₹2,000 per month as “pocket money” to help them become financially independent.
He also stressed better healthcare facilities on campuses and regular interaction between students, vice-chancellors and professors.
Films And Instagram Reels
Culture Minister Ashish Shelar said the government plans to support Marathi films designed to appeal to Gen Z.
These films could use modern technology, visual effects and themes that connect with younger audiences, with the government sharing production costs.
The government also plans to involve people aged 15-30 in soil and water conservation campaigns.
Under the “Walk for Water” campaign across Maharashtra’s 36 districts, participants will create 30-60 second Instagram reels. The best entries will receive prizes.
Festivals And Anti-Drug Campaign
The government also wants greater youth participation in festivals through more activities and organised programmes.
Separately, Maharashtra has relaunched its anti-drug campaign statewide amid concerns that substance abuse is spreading to rural areas. Hospitals have been directed to establish anti-drug cells.
The Centre, meanwhile, is also focusing on ministers’ social-media outreach. Union ministers were recently given an analysis of their performance across X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
