Poverty taking toll on career development of Nepal youth

RUPAIDIHA: Despite efforts from the government and non-government sectors to alleviate poverty, it is still taking toll on career development of hundreds of youth in western Nepal.

Poor economic condition has been compelling the Nepali youth to go India, leaving their studies and career prospects, for want of income as they are forced to provide financial support to the family when they reach the teenage.

After hit by poverty, Nepali youth, mostly of the Mid-Western Development Region and Far-Western Development Region go to India to earn their livelihood, quitting school half-way.

Most youth complete Grade X by any possible means, but very few of them continue their higher studies.

Karna Budha (18) of Thala Raikar VDC in Jajarkot district had gone to India after not being able to afford his higher studies after Grade X. Budha says that he did not have any option than to begin working after the 10th grade. Along with him, seven youth of his village are working in Shimla, Capital of Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

Similarly, Kamal Kathayat (19) of Dailekh district among nine other youth from the district has also come to India after they could not afford their studies after Grade X.

According to the Banke District Police Office, Nepalgunj, more than 300 youth of school age have been leaving Nepal via Rupaidiha border point. Likewise, dozens of youth go to India also from Banbasa and Gauriphanta border points.