IT dream with 2 lakh salary!

About 40 percent of Nepal’s population is youth, and they are the backbone of the country’s economic and social development.

But sadly, this same group is trapped in deep unemployment. According to the National Planning Commission, Nepal’s youth unemployment rate is above 19 percent, with many being university graduates.

This is not only an economic problem but also a challenge for social stability and mental health. Due to lack of jobs, millions of young people are forced to go abroad, leading to brain drain. As a result, Nepal is losing skilled human resources, and families and society are facing negative impacts.

Recently, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology introduced new guidelines on the cost of IT system development and consultancy. The guidelines propose salaries up to 200,000 rupees per month for skilled IT workers.

This move could attract qualified IT experts to government service, addressing complaints that low salaries push talent away. The government believes better pay for positions like project managers, system architects, and senior developers will support the “Digital Nepal Framework.”

Such provisions may also give opportunities to local youths instead of relying on foreign consultants. It could help reduce inequality and create more jobs within the country.

However, this is only a partial solution. The IT sector cannot cover all unemployed youths. To solve the growing crisis, a broader strategy is needed. Education must become more job-oriented, focusing on technical skills, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship training instead of only theory.

The government should also provide grants, low-interest loans, and support for startups, while promoting jobs in agriculture, tourism, and small enterprises. Programs to help returnee migrant workers use their skills at home, and regular job fairs in partnership with the private sector, can also create more opportunities.

Youth unemployment is not only a national issue but a global one, and it threatens sustainable development worldwide. If solutions are not found in time, the future could be very worrying.

There is also a risk of social unrest. A long-term solution is possible only through joint efforts of the government, private sector, and civil society. The government’s IT salary guidelines are a good start, but similar efforts must expand to other fields so that youths can become active partners in building the nation.