MUMBAI: Having introduced the right to education model in schools, the state has plans to replicate it in higher education too. A plan to enact legislation in this regard is included in the state's first youth policy, which came into force from August 4 onwards. Applicable for a period of ten years, the much-awaited policy has drafted a blueprint for improvement of the youth development index (YDI) in the state. The RTE provisions make it mandatory for schools to fill up 25% seats at the entry level with economically weaker and socially backward class students residing in the neighbourhood. No fees are to be charged from the students. The cost of their education is to be borne by the state and the school. Further, to improve quality of education in schools, the RTE Act has enacted new norms regarding the teacher/pupil ratio, the number of students' classrooms and the qualification of teachers, among others. Implementing similar provisions for professional courses (engineering, medical, pharmaceutical, etc) is one of the 20 new schemes proposed in the youth policy. The state has adopted the new policy on the basis of recommendations made by a 29-member committee, which was headed by sports and youth welfare minister Padmakar Walvi. The policy has proposed an independent 'youth budget' and setting up of a fund for youth welfare activities. It has proposed income tax exemptions for individual contributing towards the fund. It proposed setting up of a state youth panel on the lines of the women's commission. The government has been asked to make the YDI report public every three years. In order to recognise social work of youngsters and youth outfits, it has decided to initiate a "social credit" system. "A panel has been appointed to fix parameters for the system," Walvi said. To increase employment opportunities, the government has initiate a portal, where youngsters could register and mention their skill level. Impetus of improving infrastructure- youth training and skill development centres, counselling centers, hostels- at the state and district level has been given in the policy.