February 14: The government has launched the Prime Minister Employment Programme in a bid to end the problem of unemployment faced by the country.

The government aims to end unemployment by creating new jobs within the country in collaboration with the private and cooperative sectors in coordination among federal, provincial and local levels.

Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) reported that the programme has been brought in line with Article 33 of the constitution which guarantees every Nepali the right to employment. It is also as per the Employment Rights Act 2075.

The programme is aimed at discouraging Nepalis to leave the country for foreign employment due to compulsion in the coming five years.

The government has announced a minimum of 100 days employment for unemployed youths in a year. Similarly, subsistence allowance would be provided to the families having no job holders.

Inaugurating the programme, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said the government was moving ahead with clear policy and vision.

"We want to change Nepal's identity. Nepal is not poor, but a prosperous country; not a least developed but a developed country," RSS quoted Oli as saying.

 He added that life insurance, social security allowance and agriculture modernization programmes were launched to ensure prosperity in Nepal.

From coming Falgun 1, the country will mark this day as 'employment day', he said.

On the occasion, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Gokarna Bista, said the employment programme is for those who are unable to get minimum wage for livelihood.

"It is not that every unemployed person will be given allowance," he made it clear.

Chief Minister of Province 3, Dormani Poudel, hoped the programme would contribute to making society equitable and prosperous through socialism.