Empowering Nepal's Youth: MP Rana Calls for Domestic Opportunity Creation and Policy Reform

In a significant address emphasizing the critical need for national development, Member of Parliament Bidushi Rana asserted that leaving Nepal should be a choice, not a compulsion, for the nation's youth. Speaking at a crucial dialogue organized by the Nepal Automobiles Importers and Manufacturers Association (Naima), titled 'Bridging the Education, Skills, and Entrepreneurship Gap in Nepal through the Process of Attracting Talent and Sending Workers Abroad,' MP Rana, herself an entrepreneur, highlighted the pressing issue of young Nepalis being compelled to seek opportunities abroad due to a scarcity of adequate employment and entrepreneurial avenues within the country.

MP Rana underscored the collective responsibility of both the government and the private sector to foster an environment conducive to generating ample opportunities domestically. She articulated a vision where the decision to work or live abroad stems from personal preference rather than economic necessity. "No young person should be forced to leave their country; it should always be their choice. However, the current lack of opportunities in Nepal often leaves them with no alternative," she stated, urging concerted efforts from the government and entrepreneurs to create a supportive ecosystem that encourages Nepali youth to stay and contribute to the national economy.

The lawmaker pointed out the vast, yet largely untapped, potential across various sectors, including industry, hospitality, information technology, and the burgeoning automobile sector. She stressed that the nation's inability to fully leverage these opportunities is a significant impediment to retaining talent. To unlock this potential, MP Rana advocated for the urgent removal of bureaucratic hurdles, policy complexities, and legal obstacles that frequently deter businesses from establishing and operating efficiently in Nepal.

Furthermore, MP Rana highlighted a concerning trend: the exodus of skilled professionals across diverse fields, including engineering, IT, finance, and chartered accountancy. While acknowledging the natural allure of better opportunities abroad, she emphasized the imperative to cultivate an environment in Nepal that not only retains these professionals but also encourages those who have left to return and apply their expertise for national growth. This calls for strategic initiatives that make domestic employment competitive and rewarding.

Crucially, MP Rana stressed the vital importance of integrating education with industry needs. She cited specific examples, noting the demand for e-vehicle engineers in the automobile sector, machine operators in manufacturing, designers in the garment industry, and specialized personnel in the IT sector. She lamented the current educational curriculum's failure to align with these evolving industrial requirements, leading to a significant skill gap. To bridge this, she proposed moving beyond traditional classroom learning, advocating for practical, hands-on experience through effective apprenticeship and internship programs in industries, factories, workshops, hotels, and production centers. She also suggested that the government provide incentives and concessions to industries that offer such learning opportunities, creating a mutually beneficial scenario where students gain practical skills and industries secure a pipeline of well-trained talent.

To further stimulate entrepreneurship and job creation, MP Rana called for the implementation of a 'one-window system' for business registration. This streamlined approach would eliminate the current cumbersome process where young entrepreneurs must navigate multiple offices for registration, taxation, financial sourcing, permits, and other approvals. Such a system would significantly enhance the ease of doing business, encouraging more individuals to venture into entrepreneurship.

Finally, MP Rana urged a fundamental shift in societal perception towards entrepreneurs and industrialists, advocating for a view that recognizes them as crucial job creators and economic drivers. She clarified that the government's role extends beyond mere regulation to actively facilitating and incentivizing businesses. Identifying and supporting industries that create employment, boost exports, substitute imports, and add value within the country is paramount for sustainable economic development and investor confidence. Her remarks serve as a clarion call for a holistic approach to economic policy, talent retention, and industrial growth, positioning Nepal for a future where its youth thrive domestically.