As per census 2001, the youth population in the age group of 13-35 years is 41.1 % of the total population of India. This information was given by Shri Pratik Prakashbapu Patil, Minister of State of Youth Affairs & Sports in the Rajya Sabha  by Shri Parimal Nathwani.

The Minister further stated that the main features of the National Youth Policy, 2003, is to develop qualities of citizenship and community service, reinforce volunteerism in youth, engage rural youth in nation building activities, training & research in youth development, encourage adventure activities, promote youth travel, create an International perspective in youth and convergence with other Departments on youth matters.

The National Youth Policy has helped to sustain and reinforce the spirit of volunteerism amongst the youth through the youth network comprising approximately 3 lakh village based Youth Clubs and more than 3.2 million student volunteers of the National Service Scheme (NSS). It has helped to build up individual character and also to make the youth more responsive towards nation building, the Minister added