Job creation-the urgent need

The urgent need, mostly neglected but demanded seriously by the economy in Nepal, these days is creation of job. Sustaining the same over time is equally essential. However, the theme appears not to be in priority list of policy makers, planners and implementers. As a result of this, the number of youths leaving the country for jobs abroad is increasing in number – some 2,000 leaving home daily for abroad seeking job. The landscape of unemployment – 10.69% – also indicates how urgent it is for the country to create jobs to engage people entering the labour market – nearly 700,000 – each year. Statistics related to poverty – rural: 24.66%; urban: 18.34% – clarify the scenario more efficiently. As discussants express views in the fifth National Labour and Employment Conference being organized in Kathmandu this week they should in no way sideline the backdrop mentioned above. A better way to contribute to the national need is to understand the problem facing the country and work out pragmatic path to responding to it. Various segments such as unorganized sector of economy, myriad fronts of agriculture ranging from traditional crop farming, cash crop, to livestock and horticulture, technology-generated job opportunities, and federalism-motivated windows of work at three levels of government –central, provincial and local -could be explored for expanding the job market. Lip service in this regard would not do. Specific time-bound schemes with promise for sustainability and dedication to the public interest could offer a reliable alternative to expansion of employment. All components related to job – knowledge, skill, capital and technology–demand prompt response, governance and monitoring. Utilizing the latest ICT available in the country should also be stressed. For all these to be a reality, the concept and approach to job creation in the economy should be revisited by all concerned. Financial institutions spread over various wards of 753 local governments including rural municipalities in the seven provinces could take steps towards this direction through their innovative approaches and portfolios for making resources available at the doorsteps of entrepreneurs. The Private Sector, of course, could emerge as a major player in this regard. It should be trusted and assisted by the government. At the moment the trust is not at a functionally desirable level.  But the same could be re-structured through some forward looking investment schemes. A significant step towards job –creation in the economy during 2025 could serve as a reliable alternative for Nepali youths to dedicate themselves to work inside the country rather than take risk far from home.