National
Appointment row puts youth council in limbo
Five months after the endorsement of Youth Council Act, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is yet to form National Youth Council due the differences among the parties over the appointment of vice-chairman who leads the council.Prahlad Rijal
Five months after the endorsement of Youth Council Act, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is yet to form National Youth Council due the differences among the parties over the appointment of vice-chairman who leads the council. The ruling CPN-UML and main opposition Nepali Congress have been staking their claim for the post.
Although the Act has already come into effect with the ministry already launching Youth Vision 2025, a strategic work plan for the council, there has been no headway in the appointment process, leaving the formation of the council and local level committees in shambles.
In the absence of a governing council, government’s policy on youth related projects, development of youth targeted programmes and establishment of District Youth Committees could not be implemented.
This has raised doubt among the youths about government’s plans to develop self-sustainability in youths, create employment opportunities and of youth inclusion in policy making and implementation.
“Hopes were high when the government announced its policy. But this lackadaisical approach has raised concerns about ministry’s commitment,” said Sushant Sharma Banjara, a student leader affiliated to All Nepal National Free Students Union of Eastern Region Campus, Dharan.
“The government collected our opinions and promised us so much. But our motivation has since dropped and we are confused about our future.”
The bill endorsed on August 13, 2015 coinciding with the International Youth Day requires a council to be formed with the authority to formulate long-term plans and policies for youths, implement youth-related programmes and mobilise youths in development and social service as volunteers.
“The process of appointing a chief executive will begin soon,” said Mahendra Prasad Poudel, information officer at the ministry.
After that, Poudel explained, the ministry would incorporate 15 active
youths and 25 various organisations to give the required legitimacy to the council and to form local level committees to oversee council’s work plans.
According to Poudel, the ministry has formed a three-member panel led by Chief Secretary Dipendra Nath Sharma and will soon forward the names of candidates to the Cabinet.
As per the Act, the minister or the state minister for youth and sports will head the council while the secretaries from Ministry of Finance, Industry Ministry, Agriculture Development Ministry, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Education Ministry, along with representatives from other sectors will serve as its members.
This has raised doubt among the youths over government’s plans to develop self-sustainability in youths