KP government launches two initiatives to empower youths

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Friday launched two new initiatives - Naujwan Programme and the Chief Minister Youth Internship Programme - for the empowerment of youth.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur formally launched both the initiatives at a ceremony here, said a handout.The chief minister also launched the online portal of Ehsas Naujwan online portal, through which, youth from across the province can apply online for interest-free loans to start their own business under the Ehsas Nawjawan Programme. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Department of Youth Affairs, Bank of Khyber, and Akhuwat Microfinance to implement the programme.

The Ehsaas Naujwan Programme, a three-year project, would be implemented at a cost of Rs3.00 billion. Under the first component of this programme, interest-free loans worth Rs1.00 billion would be provided in partnership with the Bank of Khyber. Under this component, clusters of three to five young men aged 18 to 35, will receive interest free loans ranging from Rs1.00 million to Rs5.00 million. The repayment period will span eight years, with the first 20-month as grace period during which no repayments will be required.

The second component of the programme would be implemented in partnership with Akhuwat Microfinance Bank at a cost of Rs2.00 billion. It will provide interest-free loans ranging from Rs100,000 to 500,000 for small-scale businesses to individuals aged 18 to 40. A quota of 15percent has been reserved for young women, 2.5% for special persons, 5% for madrassa students, and 2.5percent for minorities. Notably, the Ehsas Naujwan Programme will continue in the future as a revolving fund, allowing the amount repaid by beneficiaries to be made available to assist more youth for starting new business or expanding existing ones.

Additionally, the Chief Minister Youth Internship Programme, will offer internships to 400 students annually, each lasting three months and providing a monthly stipend of Rs25,000. Over three years, a total of 1,200 students will benefit from this program. Young individuals aged up to 29 with 16 years of education or an equivalent degree recognized by the Higher Education Commission will be eligible. Upon completion, internees will be provided with employment opportunities in various public and private sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that Imran Khan’s vision was to empower the people. “Programmes like Ehsaas Naujwan, Ehsaas Hunar, Ehsaas Rozgar, and Ehsaas Apna Ghar are practical steps towards realizing that vision,” he said, adding these initiatives were aimed at providing loans for starting businesses and helping individuals to achieve financial independence.

Similarly, he said that his government had realised and intended to provide affordable housing facilities for those unable to afford it. Despite financial challenges, the government is committed to launching public welfare projects in the province.