Unemployment has long been a problem in Nepal. According to an estimate, more than 400 thousand youths enter the job market every year. But a large majority of them are compelled to leave home in search of jobs abroad, thanks to lack of employment opportunities at home in absence of adequate development of industry as well as service sectors. Successive governments have harped on employment generation schemes to retain youths within the country but the results have been far from satisfactory. This involves huge economic and social costs for the nation. The youth exodus has, on one hand, left a lot of arable land barren resulting in lower agricultural productivity and, on the other, obliged the elderly and minors back home to fend for themselves in difficult circumstances.

Political instability was the main reason behind Nepal’s inability to unleash development and create jobs for increasing number of people. Now the situation has changed for the better with the conclusion of three-tier elections a couple of years ago followed by formation of strong governments in the centre as well the states. The central government has embraced the motto of Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali in an attempt to fulfil people’s long-held dream. Still the situation remains more or less the same. Hence the Gandaki State government’s plan to provide self-employment training to villagers is a matter of general appreciation.

Rather than providing jobs to the citizens, the government plans to train individuals interested in doing something to support themselves. Gandaki has a total of 85 local bodies and the Ministry of Social Development plans to mobilise the local governments to make recommendations about men and women who need and are interested in receiving skill enhancement training. According to a news report in this daily, the Ministry plans to conduct training right from this month and is in the process of identifying individuals who desire to do something on their own. As a preparation for this, the State government is to hold consultations with the representatives of local bodies on requirements of the locals, modality of conducting the training and ways of generating funds.

The news report states that the Gandaki government had set aside a budget of Rs. 90 million for the purpose of employment generation but has been unable to spend the amount. The State is in need of barbers, tailors and farmers willing to learn new methods of farming to increase agricultural productivity but not many people have shown interest to acquire or enhance skills in these areas as many youths from the State aspire to join the British Army or go abroad for foreign employment. It may be also because the government’s message has not reached the grassroots where people are looking for opportunities to learn skills for taking up self-sustaining jobs.

There is a reason to be optimistic this time around as the State government has embraced a policy to cooperate and collaborate with the locals and is working in tandem with their representatives. Let’s hope the initiative of Gandaki government matches with the aspirations of the locals who are in need of income-generating and entrepreneurial skills.

Published on: 19 August 2019 | The Rising Nepal