Ram Prasad Koirala, of Kankai Ward No. 1, has been working as an electrician for eight years. But, as he didn’t have the necessary equipment for him to work solo, he had been working with his friends, who supplement the equipment he lacks.

But with the Kankai Municipality recently announcing a drive to provide loans to youths without collateral, Koirala is looking forward to working alone. “It’s more profitable to work alone than in a group in my profession,” Koirala said.

The municipality has provided him with a loan of Rs100, 000 which he has to repay in three years.

Many youths like Koirala are excited by the local unit’s move. A total of 32 youths have received loans under the municipality’s scheme aimed at empowering skilled workers.

“We have invested Rs3.2 million on the programme this fiscal year,” said Kankai Municipality Mayor Rajendra Prasad Pokharel. The beneficiaries will have to pay a 6 percent interest. “A ‘Youth Self-employment Fund’ has been established, to empower the youths and stop them from flying abroad for work.”

Last fiscal year, the municipality had invested Rs2.25 million to provide loans to the youths. The beneficiaries of the loans have started beekeeping, poultry farming, horticulture and vegetables and cash crop production.

“I have started a pickle industry—Pathibhara Achaar Udhyog—with the loan I received,” said Mina Pathak, a local youth. “Even though Rs100,000 might not suffice to start a business, it has provided a source of inspiration and encouragement to pursue a business. I have been receiving the desired return from my business.”

Likewise, another youth Suresh Gautam is currently engaged in beekeeping. “My business is currently small-scale, but I have hopes that I’d make it big someday,” said Gautam, the beneficiary of last year’s programme. “The municipality’s help has motivated me.”

This year, the municipality had received applications by 264 youths, out of which the best applicants were chosen, according to Chuwalal Rajbanshi, chair of the self-employment programme. “Our aim is to motivate youths who have the capacity to run a business. We also train them in the process,” Rajbanshi said.