KATHMANDU, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Nepali government launched the much-awaited "Prime Minister Employment Program" on Wednesday aimed at providing jobs to the capable youth force in public sector.
At a special function held at the City Hall in Kathmandu, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli launched the program which will create a minimum of 100,000 jobs annually.
The campaign aims to create job opportunities within the country and to end dependency of the youths on foreign jobs, said the prime minister.
"This is a new beginning, a new campaign. Among many problems of the country, unemployment is the major one, which is directly linked with poverty. This program aims to resolve both," the prime minister said.
The program has been a step forward towards good governance, development and prosperity, he added.
According to the program, unemployed people between 18 to 59 years of age will be eligible for this scheme where they will be provided jobs as per their qualification and interest areas.
A jobless Nepali citizen will get employment for at least 100 days in a fiscal year along with subsistence allowance. The eligible youths will be mobilized in multiple areas including reconstruction, community infrastructure development, large and national pride projects, information and communication technology, industry and health, among others.
Besides, the unemployed will get vocational and skill-orientated training.
Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Gokarna Bista said that the program will be transparent and impartial, which will contribute to the country's economy.
"We highly believe that the Nepali youths, who can turn desserts into greenery, can contribute to nation building," the minister said.
The program comes at a time when over 4 million Nepali citizens are working abroad, while around 1,500 youths leave the country every day in prospect of good job and better life. Thus, the campaign has been welcomed by young people.
"I am happy with the launching of this program, which will create job opportunities for youths like me. I just wish for its proper implementation," a 20-year-old graduate student Santosh Khadka, shared with Xinhua.
The program will be implemented across the country through Employment Service Center.
