KATHMANDU, July 23: In response to growing concerns over youth migration for education and employment, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced a comprehensive plan to promote job creation within the country, aiming to convince the younger generation that viable opportunities exist at home.
Responding to a question by lawmaker Madhav Sapkota at the meeting of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Prime Minister Oli said the government is prioritizing employment generation within Nepal to discourage outward migration and utilize the skills of returnee migrants.
According to data cited in Sapkota’s question, over 522,000 students appeared for the recent Secondary Education Examination (SEE), and more than 511,000 sat for the Grade 12 exams — most aged between 16 and 18. Studies suggest a majority of these students consider foreign education and jobs as their primary option. Meanwhile, over 120,000 students took educational loans in fiscal year 2081/82 BS, and more than 830,000 individuals officially went abroad for work, not accounting for those who crossed open borders.
Rs 19.9 million allocated for national employment promotion pro...
Domestic employment promotion decade
In response, the PM Oli stated that the government has declared 2082–2092 BS as the “Internal Employment Promotion Decade.” He claimed that major investment is being made in key sectors such as agriculture, industry, tourism, energy, and infrastructure, both through public and private channels, to create large-scale job opportunities.
He also said the Prime Minister Employment Program is being restructured into a “National Employment Promotion Program” to make it more skill-oriented and employment-focused. In fiscal year 2080/81 BS alone, over 757,000 individuals, including 450,000 women, registered under the program.
Programs targeting returnee migrants and youth
PM Oli also highlighted special initiatives under the “ReMi Project” being implemented in 20 municipalities across Koshi and Madhesh Provinces to support reintegration and entrepreneurship among returnee migrants. Likewise, programs aimed at Generation Z, including startup and innovation grants, are being promoted to nurture entrepreneurial growth.
Reviving industrial enterprises for jobs
Addressing concerns about dormant industrial infrastructure, PM Oli revealed plans to restart operations at Nepal Orient Magnesite Pvt. Ltd. in Lisankhu Pakhar, Sindhupalchok, and its associated factory in Lamosanghu, Balephi Rural Municipality. A cabinet decision on April 28 approved management reforms for seven state-owned enterprises, including Orient Magnesite. The Ministry of Finance has since initiated the process to appoint consultants for investment management.
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