Parliamentarians on Monday debated the draft of the Right to Employment Bill, which requires the government to ensure every Nepali at least 100 days of work annually or provide sustenance allowance equal to a half of the salary fixed for the period in case of failing to do so.

The current basic monthly salary determined by the government is Rs13,450. This makes it the right of every unemployed citizen to receive Rs22,416 in sustenance allowance every year once the law comes into force.

Addressing the concerns put forward by parliamentarians, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Gokarna Bista said the government was working to create employment opportunities beyond 100 days.

“The government wants to work on long-term solutions and create decent jobs for all Nepalis. The proposed number of days is to ensure the right to employment, enshrined in the Constitution,” the minister said. The bill, approved by the Cabinet last week, needs to be endorsed by the federal parliament before it gets the presidential seal.

The bill envisages an Employment Service Centre in every local federal unit to keep a record of all employed and unemployed citizens while the Central Directive Committee led by the minister for labour, employment and social security oversees the process across the country. The law has also listed four roles of the three-tier government in creating jobs. They provide information on employment opportunities, conduct skill-based training, provide concessional loans, and promote entrepreneurship.