Minister for Youth, Labor and Employment Ramjee Yadav has announced that the next 10 years will be celebrated as the 'Decade for Promoting Domestic Employment'.
Addressing the 114th International Labor Organization (ILO) conference held in Geneva, Switzerland today, he said that a ten-year action plan has been formulated not just to limit to slogans but to create a productive and inclusive labor market to fulfill the aspirations of Nepali youth.
Minister Yadav stated that new challenges have been added in the global labor market with the changes in technology along with artificial intelligence (AI), climate change, and labor dynamics.
He pointed out the risk that these changes could increase inequality and the skills gap if there is no proper planning.
The Labor Minister expressed the view that effective tripartite cooperation and the role of the ILO would be important to ensure human dignity and social justice.
He said that Nepal aims to provide employment domestically through technological and policy reforms for the digital economy and youth self-employment.
The government has announced that it is investing in AI infrastructure, digital startups, and remote work. He also mentioned the need for international standards to ensure clear agreements, data privacy, and business security for gig economy and digitally conducted work.
Minister Yadav informed the ILO gathering that Nepal is going to develop an integrated 'National Care Economy Policy' for the first time in its history, focusing on the 'care economy' and legal reforms.
He stated that in addition, the 'Labor Inspection Convention 1947' and the ' Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labor Convention, 1930' have already been submitted to the Federal Parliament for approval to further systematize the labor sector.
Stating that a zero-tolerance policy on exploitation of migrant workers and ensuring their rights is a high priority for the Government of Nepal, Minister Yadav said the entire immigration system is being digitized to ensure recruitment processes, fair wages, and security.
He stated that the government is committed to leveraging the skills, experience, and savings of non-resident Nepalis (diaspora) and returning migrants for the country's development and that their economic and social reintegration will be prioritized.
The Minister for Youth, Labor and Employment clarified that the government has a 'zero tolerance' policy towards labor exploitation and forced labor.
Mentioning that the ministry's name has been revised to 'Ministry of Youth, Labor and Employment', he said that the future of work and the future of youth are interconnected.
Minister Yadav called on all ILO member states to work together to establish a foundation that ensures human service, dignified employment creation, and safe migration.
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