Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram 2026

1. Reducing violence, abuse, and substance use.  

1. Increasing community participation through adolescent-friendly health services and peer education is encouraged.  

This integrated approach ensures adolescents are not only emotionally healthy and socially responsible but physically healthy. 

RKSK’s Six Strategic Priorities 

RKSK focuses on six main priority areas to effectively address the diverse needs of adolescents.

• Nutrition – Preventing malnutrition, anaemia, and promoting healthy eating habits.
• Mental Health – Addressing anxiety, depression, and emotional distress.
• Violence and Injury Prevention – Raising awareness and providing support for intervention.
• Substance Abuse – Preventing tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.
• Reproductive and Sexual Health – Providing accurate information and services.
• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) - Early screening and lifestyle awareness.

Priority areas ensure that adolescent issues are addressed holistically rather than in isolation.

Implementation Mechanism 

The RKSK programme is implemented through a convergence model with multiple stakeholders, including health departments, education systems, youth affairs, and the NGO sector. Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHC) are central to the approach by providing free health check-ups, counselling, and referrals. The certified peer educators work as an interface between adolescents and healthcare providers, especially in rural and other underserved areas.  

Role of Peer Educators

The peer educational model is one of RKSK’s unique and powerful elements. A selected group of adolescents, both girls and boys, are trained as community health ambassadors. To increase outreach and effectiveness, each peer educator is responsible for educating a group of 15-20 adolescents on health-related issues. The peer education process builds better communication and trust, especially when discussing sensitive issues. 

The Reach and Impact of RKSK

Over the years, RKSK has made a measurable impact. It has helped

1. Education people about menstrual hygiene.

1. De-stigmatizing mental health.

1. Increasing access to safe reproductive health care.

1. Empowering adolescents to participate in health-related decision-making.

With support from institutions and community leaders, the programme is slowly redefining the conversation around adolescent health in India.

Community and Digital Platform Connectivity

RKSK also integrates technology and digital platforms into outreach and access. Information sharing and progress tracking is done through social media campaigns, mobile applications, and health portals. Digital projects to establish a friendly area for youth are paired with community-based projects, like youth clubs and school health programmes.

Challenges and Way Forward

Despite Its careful planning, RKSK faces challenges such as 

1. Lack of peer educators and certified counsellors

1. Social and cultural taboos surrounding reproductive health

1. Inadequate infrastructure in rural areas

To overcome these challenges, the government is strengthening convergence between ministries, increasing digital awareness campaigns, and improving training modules.