National Agenda | Delivering real CHANGE
Showing posts with label PM Youth Scheme. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PM Youth Scheme. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Youth programmes - Am engine of socio-economic change
Youth programmes - Am engine of socio-economic change
Nauman AshrafPrime Minister Nawaz Sharif presided over the second computerized balloting for grant of 6000 loans to the youth including women, under Prime Minister’s Youth Business loans Scheme on Wednesday. The first balloting held recently also disbursed loans to the same number of men and women. The Youth Business Loan Scheme initiative differs from the previous failed schemes in many respects.
It is being implemented through commercial banks who can take care of all aspects of the loans without political interference in line with the policies chalked out by the government. Another aspect is the commitment of the government to ensure utmost transparency in advancing these loans to make sure that the loans are given only to the really deserving individuals.
The third salient feature of the scheme is the element of gender equality proposed for these loans. These loans will range between five hundred thousand to two million; fair enough for starting a personal business. This would provide excellent opportunities to skilled, qualified and professional youth of both genders to explore and set up avenues of self-employment in a dignified manner and add to the prosperity of their respective families. As is evident the package of the youth programmes is an engine of socio-economic change in the country.
The Prime Minister had announced the launch of six different schemes in September 2013 namely Small Business Loans Scheme, Micro Interest free Scheme, Youth Training Scheme, Youth Skill Development Scheme, Fee Assistance Scheme and PM Scheme for Lap Tops. The interest-free loan scheme for the youth announced on 13thMay will benefit one million individuals costing Rs.3.5 billion to the exchequer. The scheme envisaging disbursement of loans up to Rs.50,000 through Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund will cover the entire countryespecially rural and far flung areas with 50% share going to young women. The Prime Minister during his election campaign had promised to launch schemes for the youth aimed at helping them start their own businesses and building their capacities for self-employment.
The launch of the interest free loan scheme alsorepresents another step towards the fulfillment of the pledge which constitutes a significant initiative to changethe economic situations of the youth besides triggering a process of sustained socio-economic development in the country. The scheme targeted at the poorer andunderprivileged sections of the society is a very humane gesture on the part of the Prime Minister which indicates his concern and sympathy for the down-trodden masses.Similarly Fee Assistance Scheme for students from the far-flung and comparatively less developed areas of the country will also not only facilitate the youth of those areas to pursue higher studies unruffled by the paucity of resources but would also be a tremendous help to their families as well.
The Youth Skills Development Scheme that envisages to impart technical training to boys and girls who have studied only up to eighth level and on the job training for the graduates with monthly scholarship of Rs.10000 are also prudent policy initiatives. The PM lap top scheme targeting the deserving students with good academic records is also a brilliant idea to encourage them to pursue their studies with more dedication and commitment.
The status of the youth of a nation as architects of its future progress and prosperity, has an unqualified universal recognition in the modern era and that is why the nations all over the world focus considerable attention on harnessing the potential of their young generations—their human capital---through education and imparting of skills to ensure their productive absorption in the workforce as well as the creation of opportunities for their self-employment to accelerate socio-economic development of the country. In most of the developing and poor countries, lack of education, finances and technological skills are the biggest hindrances in their gainful employment in whatever opportunities are available in the job-market. Thus the growing un-employment among the youth not only affects the economic progress of that country but also unleashes disastrous consequence for the society in the shape of lawlessness and crimes.
The idea of targeting the youth from the less privileged classes gained currency during the early fifties , became a wide spread phenomenon in the eighties and now forms an integral part of any growth model evolved in the third world countries. The strategy adopted was to provide micro-credit to the youth for setting up their own business, small industries, improving their technological skills for enhancing their chances of employability or pursing their higher education. This is regarded as a very vital ingredient of a sustained economic growth. Bangladesh and Nepal in our region who adopted this growth model are far ahead of us at the moment though they were far behind us to start with.
Viewed in the backdrop of the foregoing the package for the youth announced by the PML (N) government, is an imaginative move to tackle un-employment among youth and also enhancing their skills and capability to engage productively in the national effort to change the socio-economic profile of the country.
Though Rs.100 billion allocated for the purpose may look pea-nuts to some in view of the snow-balling unemployment among the youth but it still is a very substantial leap in the right direction. Economic recovery permitting and more resources becoming available with the government, these allocations are surely to be enhanced and the scheme will be made a permanent feature of the national economic strategy, as the Prime Minister has promised. As they say it is the first step in the right direction that really matters. The process becomes self-sustained once it is nudged on to the right path.
The country can move forward only when there are greater employment opportunities in the private sector. Pakistan government at present employs only 7% of the work force and with more and more people joining the labour market, the private sector has to play a wider and more expansive role in this area. Pakistani youth are around 35-40% of the total population and any move that ensures and guarantees their gainful employment is bound to accelerate the process of economic progress due to its multiplier effect besides enhancing tax revenues of the government that this newly initiated economic activity will generate.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
GDP growth improved from 2.9 to 5.1 percent
GDP growth improved from 2.9 to 5.1 percent: PM
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Friday said the country's economy had improved as compared to last year with GDP growth raised from 2.9 to 5.1 percent.
"We want to take GDP rate to 7 percent in next four years," the Prime Minister said while talking to a group of parliamentarians from Sahiwal and Multan Divisions who called on him here.
He said the economy was better in 1991 during his first tenure of government and the country was at parity with the neighboring countries and even ahead in some aspects.
"But lack of decisions on important projects has led us to the situation we are facing today," he added.
The Prime Minister said the GSP plus would benefit many sectors including textiles and leather industry.
He said the decision of Asian Development Bank to invest in Jamshoro coal power plant will would pave way for investment in Gadani coal power project.
He said with these projects, Pakistan would be able to achieve its energy targets within three to four years.
The Prime Minister said the newly launched Youth Business Loan Scheme would benefit around three million people in its first phase.
He rejected the impression that the inexperienced youth would waste the loan and said he had the belief that youth were responsible citizens and would utilize the loan in effective and efficient manner.
Nawaz Sharif said banks had been giving large loans to big industrialists. However there was a need to trust and invest in small and medium enterprises, he added.
He said that the SMEs are the backbone of USA, Japan and Germany.
He said the projects had proved that the promises made during election campaign, were being fulfilled.
He said the issue of electricity shortage could not be resolved overnight and added that long-term and short-term plans had been made to overcome energy shortages.
On terrorism, the Prime Minister said the path of dialogue had been chosen according to the decision taken at All Parties Conference and expressed the hope that the dialogue would bear fruit.
He said the operation in Karachi was being carried out successfully and added that necessary legislation had been enacted to bring the culprits before the law so that they could be held for their misdeeds.
The parliamentarians expressed confidence in the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and said the revolutionary steps taken by him would change the destiny of the country.
They also discussed political matters relating to their constituencies.
Shiekh Aftab, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Captain (r) Safdar, MNA, and Hamza Shahbaz, MNA also attended the meeting.
Friday, December 6, 2013
#RoshanPakistan | Ground Breaking of NALTAR-V Hydro Power Project
Radio Pakistan- PM announces a number of Development Schemes for GB
PM announces a number of Development Schemes for GB
The PM said a cardiac center will be established in Gilgit & work on Diamer Basha & Dasu dams will be started immediately.
Addressing party workers in Gilgit on Friday‚ he said a cardiac center will be established in Gilgit so that the heart patients do not go to Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for treatment.
He also announced establishment of a special police force for the area saying it will be equipped with latest weapons and equipment in order to deal with security issues in the area.
The Prime Minister said the government is in the process of purchasing new aircraft for Pakistan International Airlines and with the procurement of these aircraft‚ the service of PIA to Skardu and Gilgit will be improved.
He said focus is being given to the development of Gilgit Baltistan and soon this area will be bracketed among the developed areas of the country.
He said good governance and transparency will be ensured in the development schemes.
Referring to economic trade corridor from Kashgar to Gwadar‚ Nawaz Sharif said this project will benefit Gilgit Baltistan the most as compared to other parts of the country.
This project comprising of motorway type road and railway line‚ will enhance exports of Gilgit-Baltistan's local products including fruits and vegetables. It will pave way for establishment of more industries in the area and thus help generate employment opportunities.
He said work on Diamer Basha and Dasu dams will immediately be started while work on Bunji dam will also be started soon. These projects‚ he said‚ will produce over 15 thousand megawatt of electricity.
Nawaz Sharif said Youth Business loans scheme‚ which has been extended to Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan‚ is being launched tomorrow to help the youth stand on their own feet.Sharing main features of the scheme‚ the Prime Minister said under this scheme‚ the skilled and educated youth can obtain loans up to two million rupees.
Earlier‚ The Prime Minister inaugurated the newly constructed terminal at Gilgit Airport. He visited different parts of the building.Speaking on the occasion‚ he directed to ensure proper maintenance of the airport and passenger lounge to facilitate passengers.
The Prime Minister was informed that new terminal has covered areas of over 39000 square feet having a capacity of 180 passengers.
The Prime Minister presided budget session of Gilgit-Baltistan Council in Gilgit.Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir Affairs Barjees Tahir presented the budget.
Later‚ Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif laid foundation stone of Naltar-5 hydro power project in district Gilgit today (Friday).The 14.4 MW project would cost 3.84 billion rupees and would be completed in 2016 with Chinese cooperation.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had an aerial view of Atta Abad Lake in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He also had an aerial view of the area where Economic Corridor project would pass through. He was briefed about impact of the project on Karakoram Highway.
Earlier on his arrival in Gilgit Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was warmly received by the Governor and Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan at the Airport.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Prime Minister Youth Program | A wonderful response from the YOUTH
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Thursday, October 17, 2013
Speech
PM Nawaz Sharif Address to the Nation
Dated September 21, 2013“My dear elders, brothers, sisters and the youngsters who hold the key to the future.I am not here today with a long speech, but I will briefly state some of the initiatives which had been promised in our manifesto,and I had been mentioning during the election campaign. Today we are beginning a journey for the fulfillment of promises,this is the first step in a long journey.With the passage of time,these steps will not only be enhanced but we will allocate more and more resources towards their fulfillment.
This government aims to immediately resolve all issues confronting Pakistan,so that the economy would be strengthened in such a manner that we shall not require any foreign assistance.
Billions of rupees could be saved each year, which are spent on the government institutions functioning in deficit.This amount could be utilized on the schemes for the welfare of common man, education and training of youth and creating new opportunities for the youngsters.
As I have told before,that every year we spend approximately Rupees 500 billion on the government institutions which are run in losses.These 500 billion, if available to the government, can be utilized on such financial initiatives, that could bring a revolution in the lives of underprivileged classes and youngsters.
Although we face a shortage of resources and financial difficulties, we are fulfilling our promises and initiating programmes though not revolutionary, but they will open new avenues for the welfare of underprivileged segments and youngsters.
The main idea of these initiatives is to provide financial opportunities for making these segments self reliant and self sufficient in their development.
Globally job opportunities in the public sector are decreasing,same is the case in Pakistan where such opportunities are becoming lesser with each day.
One of the reasons behind the weakening state institutions is over-staffing due to rampant nepotism and political appointments. Unable to support such a burden,these institutions have fallen in to rubble.Institutions like PIA, Steel Mills and Railways are just a few examples of nepotism, favoritism and financial mismanagement.
It is in the interest of the nation and the state to strengthen private sector, and to provide the people with opportunities of self reliance.So that instead of running after jobs,they could stand on their own feet to provide a livelihood to their families.
For this purpose,the government is launching SIX programmes for the youth.
MICRO INTEREST FREE LOANS
The first programme is Micro Interest Free Loans, which will be focused on those segments of society who are financially weak. 3.5 billion rupees have been allocated for this scheme. 250 thousand people will benefit from this scheme. These loans would be interest free.
SMALL BUSINESS LOANS SCHEME
The second scheme is Small Business Loans Scheme. This scheme is for those educated youngsters, who wish to start their own business.50 per cent of these loans will be provided to women. These loans ranging from 500 thousand to 2 million rupees, will be given with a discounted interest rate of 8 percent.The rest will be paid by the government.Initially these loans will be provided through the National Bank of Pakistan and First Women Bank. Five billion rupees have been allocated for this scheme.
YOUTH TRAINING SCHEME
It is the third programme, being initiated by the government for educated youngsters. Under this programme, young educated people having acquired 16 years of education from recognized institutions will be provided on-the-job- training, so that they could get job opportunities in the country or abroad. During the training a monthly stipend of rupees 10 thousand will be given to the worker for a training period of 6 months. Four billion rupees have been allocated for the purpose and 50 thousand graduates will benefit from the scheme.
YOUTH SKILL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
The youth skill development scheme is aimed at providing vocational training to such youngsters who are jobless. Boys and girls up to 25 years of age will be able to benefit from the scheme, who have gained middle level education (8th Grade). These youngsters will be given a monthly stipend worth 3-5 thousand rupees, for a period of 6 months. The government will bear their fee. 800 million rupees have been allocated for this programme.
FEE PAYMENT FOR UNDER PRIVILEGED AREAS
The fifth scheme is for (male & female) students who come from far flung areas of the country, and want to acquire higher education. Any talented student should not be deprived of educational opportunities, only because his or her parents cannot afford the academic expenses. Government will bear the fee for youngsters aiming for a post graduate programme for MA, MSc or higher level.Rs 1.2 billion have been allocated for this scheme and 30 thousand students will benefit from this initiative.
PM SCHEME FOR PROVISION OF LAPTOPS
This is the age of Information Technology, in the current time, it is impossible to acquire quality education and research without information technology. IT is key to access the treasure of knowledge globally available.
The government of Punjab had initiated a laptop scheme for the purpose.The federal government has decided to launch this scheme nationwide.100 thousand students will be provided laptops in accordance with the programme. An amount of 4 billion rupees has been allocated for the PM Laptop scheme.
Ladies and gentlemen,the federal cabinet has already given approval to all these initiatives. All arrangements for the implementation of these programmes have been completed. However, to make the schemes completely transparent and on merit, we would like to receive your suggestions and recommendations, as your input and guidance is important to us and more than welcome. These schemes will be placed on a special websitewww.pmo.gov.pk from Monday the 23rd of September. You can give your feedback on the website or you can send an SMS to 80028.
You can also post your suggestions and proposals to the Prime Minister Office Islamabad. An advertisement stating all these initiatives will also be placed in all major newspapers of the country.The process of receiving public opinions and suggestion will continue for 10 days, after which the schemes would be given a final shape in the light of these proposals. Determined youths of the nation.
For these schemes the government has allocated an amount of Rs 20 billion.I admit,that this amount is not a very large one, but we know that the country is passing through serious financial crises.As I have said earlier, every year we waste 500 billion rupees in to the black hole of institutional losses. A time will come,when the taxpayer’s money would be spent in a more constructive manner. We have decided to allocate more money on your welfare and development, in the coming years.
We want to resolve all issues like energy crisis,loadshedding, health and education. We want to spend taxpayers money on the development of industries and trade, for the creation of jobs for the people of Pakistan.
My dear youngster.
I should mention here, that these schemes would be implemented for all four provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Get ready to benefit from these programmes,I believe that youngsters can play the main role in steering Pakistan on the path of self reliance. Stand up with the aim to rewrite your destiny. God Willing the sun of a better future of the country will rise from your efforts. Long Live Pakistan.”
Monday, September 23, 2013
PM Youth Scheme 2013
Prime Minister Youth Scheme 2013
Published in Daily Waqt dated September 22, 2013. |
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