Dechen Dolkar 

Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) President, Pema Chewang, pledged an internship scheme with a salary for one year for youth to gain valuable experience. 

The president campaigned in Orong, Gomdar and Wongphu gewogs of Samdrupjongkhar during the weekend.

The president said that the party will establish a robust skill development ecosystem for a competent workforce that contributes to economic growth. This includes providing internships and opportunities to university or TVET graduates to acquire job experience.

Pema Chewang said that the common challenge faced by youths during job searches is that prior work experience is a necessity. He said that the party’s proposal to address this issue by offering one-year internships, facilitating better job prospects for the youth.

The President said that the BTP would collaborate with the private sector to assist unemployed youths in reskilling, retraining, and acquiring 21st-century skills. The aim is to achieve 100 percent employability both within and outside the country.

The president also said that the party will introduce a youth engagement platform under PMO to give urgent attention to any youth-related issues.

The party pledged to review and support implementing National Youth Policy 2011 for collective attention and action. 

According to the party, the national unemployment rate stands at 5.9 percent, affecting 18,198 people; and the youth unemployment stands at 28.6 percent, affecting 8,496 individuals. Besides, long-term unemployment stands at 1 percent affecting about 3,108 individuals. Conversely, it is projected that around 120,000 youths will enter the job market by 2032. 

The president said that the party endeavours to achieve full employment by 2029, strive to reduce the youth unemployment rate below 10 percent and strengthen a conducive ecosystem for entrepreneurs.

The party also pledged to support development in sports, arts, creative industries, and the digital economy, including providing scholarships and establishing linkages with renowned institutions. 

Additionally, the party promised to address substance abuse problems among the youth by reviewing relevant legislation, strengthening rehabilitation centres, and implementing an effective reintegration program without a cooling period requirement.

 The president said that the party would organise job fairs regularly in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment to connect employers and job seekers.