The Pradhan Mantri Young, Upcoming and Versatile Authors (PM-YUVA) scheme is a dedicated mentorship program launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It aims to train and nurture young and budding authors below the age of 30 years to promote a culture of reading, writing, and book publishing in the country. The scheme is designed to project India and its rich cultural heritage, historical milestones, and democratic traditions globally by building a cadre of modern writers. It aligns closely with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by encouraging literature in various Indian languages and highlighting India’s soft power on the international stage.
Key Facts and Figures
| Parameter | Details and Specifications |
| Full Form | Young, Upcoming and Versatile Authors |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Implementing Agency | National Book Trust (NBT), India |
| Target Audience | Aspiring Indian authors below 30 years of age |
| Number of Beneficiaries | 75 authors selected per phase |
| Financial Assistance | Consolidated scholarship of Rs. 50,000 per month |
| Duration of Scholarship | 6 months per selected author |
| Eligible Languages | English and 22 recognized Indian languages (Schedule VIII) |
Core Objectives and Vision
The primary vision of the PM-YUVA scheme is to bring the unsung heroes of India, its diverse culture, and historical democratic frameworks into the literary mainstream.
- The scheme seeks to develop a stream of young writers who can confidently articulate India’s historical journey, heritage, culture, and democratic ethos.
- It aims to provide a structured mentorship platform where established writers and literature experts guide young minds to refine their writing skills.
- The initiative promotes indigenous literature by actively encouraging writing in all recognized regional languages alongside English.
- The scheme facilitates the translation of the published works into multiple Indian languages to foster national integration and the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
Evolution and Thematic Phases of PM-YUVA
The Ministry of Education has rolled out the PM-YUVA scheme in distinct phases, each aligned with a specific national theme to guide the creative focus of the applicants.
PM-YUVA Phase I (Launched in May 2021)
- The first phase was launched under the umbrella of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, commemorating 75 years of Indian Independence.
- The focal theme for this phase was the Indian National Movement, specifically targeting unsung heroes, forgotten freedom fighters, and lesser-known historical events of the freedom struggle.
- The initiative successfully selected 75 young authors whose works were later published by the National Book Trust and showcased at international platforms like the New Delhi World Book Fair.
PM-YUVA 2.0 (Launched in October 2022)
- The second phase was launched to continue the momentum of training young writers, shifting the thematic focus from the freedom struggle to the concept of Democracy.
- The overarching theme for PM-YUVA 2.0 was “Democracy (Institutions, Events, People, Constitutional Values – Past, Present, Future)”.
- This phase encouraged writers to explore the evolution of democratic institutions in India, the drafting of the Constitution, and the civic values that bind the nation together.
Implementation and Selection Mechanism
The implementation architecture of PM-YUVA ensures a transparent, competitive, and accessible pan-India selection process.
- All-India Contest: The selection of the 75 authors is executed through an All-India Contest hosted on the MyGov platform.
- Evaluation Process: Participants are required to submit a manuscript proposal or an extended synopsis which is evaluated by a specialized committee of experts constituted by the National Book Trust.
- Mentorship Phase: Post-selection, the authors undergo an intensive six-month mentorship program organized by the NBT, where they interact with eminent authors and literary experts to develop their final manuscripts.
- Publication Phase: Upon the successful completion of the mentorship, the finalized books are published by the National Book Trust under the aegis of the Ministry of Education.
Financial Assistance and Incentives
The scheme incorporates robust financial incentives to allow young authors to focus entirely on their literary pursuits without economic constraints.
- Monthly Stipend: Each selected author receives a stipend of Rs. 50,000 per month for a total duration of six months, amounting to an overall financial support of Rs. 3,00,000 per author.
- Royalty Payments: In addition to the scholarship, authors receive a standard royalty of 10 percent on the sales of their published books.
- Global Exposure: The published authors are provided platforms to present their work at various national and international literary festivals, book fairs, and cultural exchange programs.
Interlinkages with Other Government Initiatives
- Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: The inaugural phase of the scheme directly contributed to the national celebration by producing original literature on India’s independence movement.
- Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat: By mandating the translation of the selected books into various Schedule VIII languages, the scheme facilitates cross-cultural literary exchange among different Indian states.
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The scheme operationalizes the NEP’s mandate of promoting multilingualism, preserving Indian languages, and fostering a research-oriented analytical mindset among the youth.