Kathmandu: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, emphasized the importance of leveraging employment opportunities within the country during a discussion on ‘Promotion of internal employment and reintegration of returnee workers.’ This event was organized by his ministry, where Minister Bhandari highlighted the need to dispel the prevailing despair regarding the bleak prospects of domestic employment.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Bhandari pointed out that despite the availability of numerous opportunities, employers in the country often struggle to find suitable local employees and resort to hiring from abroad. He emphasized the government’s efforts to create a labour market that aligns with the qualifications and skills of aspiring employees. This initiative is expected to be linked with the Nagarik App to enhance accessibility. The Minister also noted the government’s ongoing efforts to reintegrate returnee workers and engage job seekers within the country.
National Planning Commission’s Vice-Chairperson, Prof Dr Shivaraj Adhikari, also addressed the event, emphasizing the need to create jobs in productive sectors. He advocated for investments in potential areas such as agriculture, construction, and tourism, estimating that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals would require more than Rs 323 billion in investment.
The Ministry’s Secretary, Krishna Hhari Puskar, identified the shortage of skilled human resources as a significant hurdle in the employment sector. He highlighted the paradoxical attitude of individuals who are reluctant to work in the country but willing to perform similar tasks abroad, contributing to domestic unemployment.
Furthermore, Social Security Fund’s Executive Director, Kabiraj Adhikari, discussed the Fund’s role in providing health security and financial support post-retirement for contributors. Meanwhile, Domestic Employment Promotion Division Chief, Krishna Prasad Sapkota, expressed confidence that the participant suggestions on labour market management, industrial environment creation, and social security would significantly benefit the ministry.
Lastly, Returnee Network Nepal’s President, Uttam Adhikari, urged the effective implementation of the ‘start-up’ project to engage and empower foreign employment returnees, ensuring their skills are utilized effectively on a larger scale.