Skills-Based Programs Must Be Prioritized to Make Youth Self-Employed: Leader Ale

Kailali. In the context of the upcoming House of Representatives elections, Prem Bahadur Ale, a candidate from Kailali Constituency No. 5 representing the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) and a former minister, has expressed that skill-based programs must be given high priority with the goal of making the youth self-employed and self-reliant.

While inspecting and observing the 'Skill and Employment Fair-2082' organized by Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City on Friday, he stated that solving the current growing unemployment problem is only possible through skill development and the promotion of entrepreneurship.

He said, "A large portion of the country's population consists of youth. If youth can be provided with technical and vocational skills in time, they can reach a stage where they provide jobs instead of seeking them. Therefore, it is necessary to make the youth self-employed and self-reliant by learning vocational skills."

Similarly, former minister Ale emphasized that training programs should be conducted based on the interests of the youth and market demand. He mentioned that rather than traditional training, programs based on fields such as information technology, agricultural modernization, tourism, construction, and small and cottage industries can create sustainable employment.

"The government should prioritize various technical and vocational skill trainings and programs according to the desires of the youth," he said. "The self-employment campaign can be effective if concessional loans, market access, and counseling services are provided alongside skill development."

He also pointed out the need to make skill-based training mandatory for youth going for foreign employment. He opined that the state should make pre-departure skill orientation compulsory because there is a high demand for skilled manpower in the international market and wages are paid according to skills.

"After learning a skill, one can start an enterprise within the country. Even when going abroad, there is high demand for skilled manpower, and wages are received according to the skill," he said.

Emphasizing that the state must increase budget and policy priorities to make skill development programs effective, he stated that coordination between local, provincial, and federal governments is necessary. He believes that skill-based training is a long-term solution for reducing unemployment, ending poverty, and achieving economic prosperity.

He mentioned that skill-based training programs inspire youth to become self-reliant and suggested providing subsidies, tax exemptions, and facilitation in the business registration process as incentives for youth engaging in self-employment.

Currently, 22 types of training under 7 categories are being conducted in the 'Skill and Employment Fair-2082' organized by Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City. According to the organizers, the fair, which started on Magh 5, will run for one month.

The fair includes training in tailoring, beautician courses, computer training, electrician work, plumbing, mobile repair, and agriculture and animal husbandry. It is believed that the youth participating in the training can engage in income generation by learning useful skills in a short period.

During the observation of the program, former minister Ale thanked Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City and Mayor Gopal Hamal for organizing the skill-based fair.

He stated that the local level has done exemplary work by bringing youth-friendly programs. Emphasizing that such skill and employment-oriented programs should be continued in the future, he expressed the view that massive employment can be created through collaboration between the government and the private sector.

Stating that building a prosperous nation is only possible by linking skill, labor, and entrepreneurship, he expressed confidence that the country's economic condition would strengthen if opportunities are given to the youth. About six hundred youths are participating in the training.