And when UPA was re-elected to power in 2009, much credit went to Rahul Gandhi, who helped Congress to consolidate its position in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab among other states through his aam aadmi ka sipahi' (AAKS) programme.
Now, the AICC general secretary is all set to launch the state level convention of aam aadmi ka sipahi' (AAKS) here on July 18.
The idea is to train local youngsters in different ways of communicating at the grassroots and popularizing the UPA's flagship programme NREGA and use of RTI. Accompanying him will be a Microsoft team ready to train people in e-governance and computer literacy.
The report card on implementation of the NREGA is below par and funds are largely unutilized. State chief co-ordinator of AAKS Jayanta Malla Baruah said the programme will help them stand up for their rights.
"People have to learn to stand against misuse of public funds by the bureaucracy and politicians. They must raise their voice against the guilty, even if it happens to be the ruling party. We are working as a socio-political organization," Baruah said.
On a broader perspective, Rahul will show how lack of development in the state leads to unemployment and, in many cases, forces a number of youths to join rebel groups. Baruah said Gandhi will also hold discussions with youth groups, including NSUI, on how to develop the state and stop youths from doing anti-social activities.
About 800 people are expected to turn up for the three-day programme. Officials from the State Institute of Rural Development and National Institute of Rural Development will host the programme and talk about the NREGA. Simultaneously, the team from Microsoft will elaborately talk about e-governance and computer education.
"After the training, these people will go back to their respective blocks and districts and train the masses. They will help people get a job card, know the daily wage offered, how to get the money and lots more about the NREGA," Assam Pradesh Youth Congress spokesman Prabir Kalita said.
"On the first day 6,500 youths from the state and about 500 other representatives from other states besides chief ministers from the region," he added.
