The Himalayan Times
12 December 2011
The decision of the then government led by Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to implement the Employment Scheme for Youth (ESFY) sounded very encouraging and thought to be extremely beneficial with regard to helping the unemployed youths to earn their livelihood. The possible misuse of the fund was ignored as many unemployed youths would directly benefit out of this scheme.
As anticipated, after two years of its implementation, the scheme has now landed in hot soup due to faulty programming and poor management system in place. It seems that the programs to support and engage the unemployed youths were not properly identified and detailed out. There had to be extensive discussions among the stakeholders about the nature and types of program activities to be included in ESFY for which the government would then have disbursed the necessary funds to the concerned financial institutions. The target groups had to be properly scrutinized with a view to identifying the needy individuals before involving them in such schemes. Proper records of such identified individuals had to be maintained and effective monitoring system should have been formulated and introduced.
Still, this scheme seems to be useful, relevant and very much needed to tackle the increasing rate of unemployment in the country. If this situation is not addressed in time, it may became more worse which ultimately may increase crime rates and invite social instability creating un-necessary havoc in the society. Time has come for the government to be serious in identifying the weaknesses and loopholes in the existing ESFY program and take necessary measures to correct for its effective implementation without any delay. It should not be given any political flavor and should be kept free from political influences.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharjgunj, Kathmandu
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