The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched four programs to empower the youth, focusing on skill development and economic independence. The Ehsaas Hunar Scheme, with a budget of Rs. 4 billion, offers interest-free loans of up to Rs. 500,000 to skilled young individuals. The government has allocated Rs. 2 billion for this scheme in the current fiscal year, aiming to assist over 35,000 young people in setting up their ventures. The aim is to help them become financially independent and create job opportunities for others, contributing to the province’s economic growth.
Training and Financial Assistance for the Rural Economic Transformation Project
The Rural Economic Transformation Project, a collaboration between the KP government, the European Union, and IFAD, aims to provide free technical training to 60,000 rural youth, focusing on women, and financial support to 42,000 skilled youth. The initiative aims to promote long-term economic growth in rural areas.
The KP government is upgrading two colleges in Abbottabad and Nowshera into Centres of Excellence, offering modern training programs. Additionally, 22 other colleges will be improved to meet the demands of the job market. These improvements aim to help students develop marketable skills and increase their chances of finding good jobs locally and internationally.
Training on the Job for TEVTA Graduates
The KP government is implementing on-the-job training for graduates of the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) to bridge the knowledge gap between classroom instruction and real-world experience. This will enhance the employability of TEVTA graduates and help businesses find skilled workers, thereby improving workforce quality in the region.
The government’s youth empowerment initiatives, which include financial support, skill development, and better education, aim to reduce unemployment and create economic opportunities for young people, ultimately fostering a more prosperous and self-reliant youth population.
Conclusion
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is investing Rs. 15 billion in youth empowerment initiatives to address unemployment and promote economic independence. These include interest-free loans, technical training, and financial assistance. The Rural Economic Transformation Project aims to upgrade educational institutions into Centers of Excellence, while on-the-job training for TEVTA graduates bridges the education-to-employment gap. These efforts aim for long-term economic growth and self-sufficiency.