Four programs launched for youth employment

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Friday said it it has taken a significant step towards youth empowerment and employment by launching four major programs worth billions of rupees.

These programs included Ehsaas Hunar Program worth Rs4 billion, the Rural Economic Transformation Project worth Rs11.4 billion, upgradation of technical educational institutes and an on-job training program for TEVTA graduates.
The launch ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s House with Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur as chief guest was attended by provincial cabinet members, Deputy Speaker of Provincial Assembly Suriya Bibi, members of the assembly, government officials and selected beneficiaries.
The Ehsaas Hunar Program to be implemented through Akhuwat Microfinance aims to provide interest-free loans of up to Rs500,000 to skilled youth for start-ups and entrepreneurs. The provincial government has allocated Rs2 billion for this initiative in the current fiscal year. More than 35,000 skilled youth are expected to benefit from the program.
The Rural Economic Transformation Project was launched in collaboration with IFAD and the European Union. This project of Rs11.4 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 program will also facilitate internships and employment for 25,000 TEVTA graduates.
The third initiative regarding upgradation of the selected technical and vocational educational institutes would be funded by GIZ-European Union. Under the initiative, two government colleges of technology in Nowshera and Abbottabad would be upgraded to the status of centers of excellence.

Moreover, 22 technical institutions across the province will be upgraded into model institutes, and nine other institutes have been selected to offer DAE Level-five certifications.
The on-the-job training program for TEVTA graduates has been launched with investment of Rs177 million. Under this program, 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 Rs15,000. The cost of the first phase is estimated at Rs7.56 million.