Progressive Youth Forum

PYF, in partnership with NABARD, launched an Integrated Water Development Scheme in five Firozpur district villages. This programme balances land and water resource conservation and utilization, enhancing agriculture and clean water access. It promotes economic growth, employment, and ecological balance. It focuses on environmental protection, fertile topsoil preservation, rainwater conservation, and groundwater recharge. Economic growth includes increased cropping intensity and income-generating activities. Community engagement features village water committees, self-help groups, skill enhancement, and empowering marginalized individuals and women. PYF ensures equitable benefits distribution and inclusive community participation.

PYF has implemented various employment and income generation programs to uplift rural communities. It has established Self Help Groups to encourage savings among economically disadvantaged women. Additionally, it offers Micro-Entrepreneurship Development Programmes, providing training in skills like dressmaking, embroidery, food preservation, and more. Another initiative, the Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme focuses on Phulkari embroidery and fashion design training. PYF also conducts Skill Development Initiatives, offering training in trades like bee-keeping and organic farming for unemployed youth, and facilitating market connections. Furthermore, it has created Off-Farm Producer Organisations, specifically a Cluster for Phulkari Handicrafts, aiming to enhance income and skills for members through material procurement and product marketing in the Sangrur district.

PYF addresses various health-related issues, with a focus on safe drinking water. It works on the formation of Gram Panchayat and Water and Sanitation Committees, while also building the capacity of beneficiaries and ensuring the maintenance of water infrastructure. In the area of sanitation, PYF promotes and monitors the construction of low-cost sewerage tanks to enhance sanitary conditions. Furthermore, it installs Water Recycling Units as part of the Water Conservation and Management Programme, encouraging rural communities to abandon open water disposal, adopt water recycling units, improve the environment, and popularize cost-effective techniques for water conservation.

PYF actively promotes education, especially among rural students, by introducing the "S. Nand Singh Sekhon Memorial trophy." This award encourages competition and includes cash prizes and trophies. In the 2018-19 academic year, Miss Parveen Kaur received a trophy and Rs. 5000 for securing the 1st position in class VIII at Govt. Middle School Bhootgarh (Patiala). Mr. Santu Singh, who stood 2nd, was awarded a trophy and Rs. 3000, while Mr. Lovepreet Singh, the 3rd position holder, received Rs. 2000 along with a trophy. These awards motivate students to excel in their studies and recognize their academic achievements.

PYF has initiated the E-Shakti program, in collaboration with NABARD, to digitize Self Help Groups (SHG) in Patiala, Sangrur, Firozpur, and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts. This digital transformation aims to integrate SHG members into the national Financial Inclusion agenda. It seeks to enhance the quality of interactions between SHG members and banks, ensuring efficient and hassle-free delivery of financial services through technology. Additionally, E-Shakti promotes convergence of the delivery system with SHGs using Aadhaar-linked identity, making it easier for SHG members to access a wider range of financial services and increasing bankers' confidence in credit appraisal and linkage processes.