The government is mulling to formulate a National Youth Policy with the aim of involving youths in national development mainstream by enhancing their knowledge, skills and capabilities, reports said.

Critics, however, said the new policy aims at mobilising support among youths in the name of nation and nationalism as was the case during the Panchayt days.

Minister for Education and Sports Radha Krishna Mainali

Minister for Education and Sports Radha Krishna Mainali (File photo)
The policy aims to prepare committed citizens by instilling in them the values and norms guaranteed by the constitution of the kingdom of Nepal as well as values on nation, national unity and democracy, reports said.

The proposed policy will have action plans such as education, youth development, empowerment, youth mobilisation, participation, employment and entrepreneurship, development, sustainable development and environment, sports and entertainment, health and family welfare and conflict resolution.

Inaugurating a workshop organized to discuss the draft of the policy, Minister for Education and Sports Radha Krishna Mainali said that the government is bringing the policy with the objective of overall development of the youths.

He further said technical and professional education should be emphasised in the policy as the present education system is literacy oriented rather than employment-oriented.

Speaking at the same programme, other speakers emphasised on the role of youth in the national development.