Naujwan Programme
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is taking a big step to support the province’s young people by launching two new programs: the Naujwan Programme and the Chief Minister Youth Internship Program. These initiatives aim to empower the youth by providing them with opportunities to start their own businesses and gain valuable work experience. The launch ceremony took place at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, where Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur officially introduced both programs. Additionally, the government unveiled the Ehsas Naujwan online portal, which allows young individuals across the province to apply for interest-free loans to kickstart their entrepreneurial ventures under the Ehsas Nawjawan Program.
Launch of the Naujwan Programme
During the launch event, Chief Minister Gandapur announced the introduction of the Ehsas Naujwan Program, a three-year project with a total budget of Rs. 3 billion. This program is designed to provide financial support to young entrepreneurs, helping them establish and grow their businesses. The Ehsas Naujwan online portal was also launched, making it easier for youth to apply for loans and access the resources they need. By offering interest-free loans, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on young entrepreneurs and encourage them to pursue their business ideas with confidence and support.
Partnership and Implementation
To ensure the successful implementation of the Naujwan Programme, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Youth Affairs, Bank of Khyber, and Akhuwat Microfinance. This partnership brings together the expertise and resources of these organizations to provide comprehensive support to young entrepreneurs. The Ehsas Naujwan Program is divided into two main components. The first component, in collaboration with the Bank of Khyber, will allocate Rs. 1 billion in interest-free loans to groups of three to five young people aged between 18 and 35. These loans will range from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 5 million, with a repayment period of eight years and a 20-month grace period before repayments begin.
Financial Support for Small Businesses
The second component of the Ehsas Naujwan Program, in partnership with Akhuwat Microfinance Bank, focuses on providing Rs. 2 billion in loans specifically for small businesses. These loans will range from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 500,000 and are available to individuals aged 18 to 40. To ensure inclusivity, 15% of the funds are reserved for young women, 2.5% for special persons, 5% for madrassa students, and another 2.5% for minorities. This targeted approach ensures that diverse groups within the youth population have access to the financial support they need to start and grow their businesses. The program operates as a revolving fund, meaning that repaid loans will be reinvested to support even more young entrepreneurs in the future.
Chief Minister Youth Internship Program
In addition to the Naujwan Programme, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is launching the Chief Minister Youth Internship Program. This initiative will provide internships to 400 students each year, lasting three months with a monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000. Over three years, a total of 1,200 students will benefit from this program. To be eligible, individuals must be up to 29 years old and have completed at least 16 years of education or hold an equivalent degree recognized by the Higher Education Commission. Upon completing their internships, participants will have the opportunity to find employment in both public and private sectors, gaining valuable work experience and enhancing their employability.
Government’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment
During the event, Chief Minister Gandapur emphasized that these programs align with former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of making the nation self-reliant. He highlighted that initiatives like Ehsaas Naujwan, Ehsaas Hunar, Ehsaas Rozgar, and Ehsaas Apna Ghar are all part of the government’s strategy to promote financial independence among the youth. Gandapur assured that the government remains committed to providing affordable housing and welfare projects despite financial challenges. He encouraged young people to bring forward innovative ideas and assured them that the government is ready to support deserving individuals without any discrimination. The focus is on empowering youth with entrepreneurial opportunities rather than offering only basic jobs, fostering a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency.
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Conclusion
The launch of the Naujwan Programme and the Chief Minister Youth Internship Program by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur marks a significant milestone in empowering the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. By providing interest-free loans and valuable internship opportunities, the government is creating pathways for young individuals to achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully to the economy. These initiatives not only support the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth but also ensure that they gain the necessary skills and experience to succeed in their chosen fields. As the Ehsas Naujwan Program and the Youth Internship Program take effect, they promise to transform the lives of many young people in the province, fostering a generation of skilled, self-reliant, and innovative leaders who will drive the region’s growth and prosperity.