KP govt launches 4 initiatives to empower youth

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Thursday launched four initiatives for youth empowerment.

The initiatives included the Ehsaas Hunar Programme worth Rs 4 billion, the Rural Economic Transformation Project worth Rs 11.4 billion, the upgrading of technical educational institutes, and an on-job training programme for TEVTA graduates.

The launching ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s House, with Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur as the chief guest. It was attended by provincial cabinet members, the deputy speaker of the KP Assembly, MPAs , government officials, and selected beneficiaries.

The Ehsaas Hunar Programme to be implemented through Akhuwat Microfinance, aims to provide interest-free loans of up to Rs 500,000 to skilled youth for start-ups and entrepreneurs. The provincial government has allocated Rs 2 billion for this initiative in the current fiscal year. More than 35,000 skilled youth are expected to benefit from the programme.

The Rural Economic Transformation Project was launched in collaboration with IFAD and the European Union.

This project worth Rs 11.4 billion will offer free technical and vocational training to 60,000 youth males and females from rural areas. Additionally, financial assistance averaging $300 per person will be provided to 42,000 skilled individuals to promote self-employment. The programme will also facilitate internships and employment for 25,000 TEVTA graduates.

The third initiative of upgrading the selected Technical and Vocational Educational Institutes would be funded by the GIZ-European Union.

Under the initiative, two Government Colleges of Technology in Nowshera and Abbottabad would be upgraded to the status of Centres of Excellence. Moreover, 22 technical institutions across the province will be upgraded to model institutes, and nine other institutes have been selected to offer DAE Level-5 certifications.

On the Job Training Programme for TEVTA Graduates has been launched with an investment of Rs. 177 million.

Under this programme over 3,000 graduates would be placed in the selected industries for internships in a phased manner.

In the first phase, 168 students will be offered three-month internships, each receiving a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000. The cost of the first phase is estimated at Rs. 7.56 million.

Addressing the gathering, the chief minister underlined the importance of empowering the youth, terming them the nation’s most valuable asset. He emphasized that creating employment opportunities for the youth is vital for the nation’s progress and self-reliance.

He underscored the need for youth to take advantage of the opportunities being provided, stating ‘the government cannot offer everyone public-sector jobs, it is committed to creating avenues in the private sector’.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Technical Education, Tufail Anjum, also addressed the event, reiterating the government’s dedication to skill development and youth empowerment.