Minister Bhandari Urges Youth to Build Confidence and Seek Opportunities Within Nepal

Minister of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Sharatsingh Bhandari, has called on Nepali youth to believe in their potential and develop a strong sense of self-confidence to succeed within the country. Speaking at a Youth Entrepreneurship Promotion Conference organized by the National Youth Council on Monday, he said that energetic youth are the driving force of the nation and should focus on starting enterprises in Nepal rather than seeking opportunities abroad out of compulsion.

He shared that the government has launched a ten-year plan to promote domestic employment and gradually end forced foreign employment. “Foreign employment should be voluntary, not a compulsion. We cannot stop those who go abroad by choice. But we must create enough jobs within the country for those who feel forced to leave due to a lack of opportunity,” he explained.

Minister Bhandari also emphasized that job creation is primarily the responsibility of the private sector. He noted that as production and productivity increase, more jobs will naturally be created. He urged for better coordination with the private sector and improvements in policies to create employment opportunities within Nepal.

He expressed concern over the country’s failure to fully tap into the employment potential that exists within. Encouraging self-employment, he said it’s better for Nepalis to stay and work in their own country rather than going abroad for small earnings.

He also pointed out that many Nepalis not only go abroad for work but also return with new skills, knowledge, and sometimes capital. If properly supported, these returnees can contribute significantly to Nepal’s economy.

Minister Bhandari added that nearly 500,000 people enter Nepal’s labor market each year. With proper skill development and training, the country can make use of this workforce and create job opportunities at home.