THIS is with reference to youth-specific schemes worth Rs20 billion announced by the prime minister. The scheme would indeed equip youths to become productive and enable them to serve the nation. But again such initiative seems to be hijacked by politicians like they did during the previous regime in the shape of Benazir Youth Development Programme. There are people who benefited from the programme on the basis of nepotism and political affiliation.

After 66 years of independence we are still struggling to have all basic facilities. But, unfortunately, we are still struggling to have an opportunity to live with dignity. We are unable to give our children quality education and to get quality health services for our families.

Similarly, we lack secure environment to live peacefully. Pakistan is vulnerable to both man-made and natural disasters. Despite tall claims by the government, nothing positive has been done so far.

What will I do with a laptop if I have nothing to feed my family, have no access to safe drinking water, unable to send my children to get quality education in government schools, no facility at government hospitals?

In this scenario, we are expecting from the elected government to ensure the availability of basic necessities of life, along with improved security situation.

While the prime minister also talked about bad governance of the previous governments, he shared no roadmap how his government would tackle the issues of bad governance in the country that, of course, requires serious consideration of the government.On the other hand, rapid unplanned urbanisation is the reason behind the mass settlement in urban areas, which is weakening governance in the rural settings, declining economic opportunities, inadequate basic services, poor infrastructure, worsening security situation.

It portrays bad governance of the previous governments but if the situation remains same, there would be no use of initiating new schemes because such initiatives would again be fruitless and will be a waste of resources.

The government needs to make drastic steps to improve the quality of education, making existing system more transparent, enhancing the accountability and building the capacity of human resource in schools. Above all, the government needs to improve the healthcare system which requires more attention. For this purpose, the government needs to eliminate nepotism and political favoritism.

If the government fails to translate their words into action, it will further weaken the very foundation of the country and national integrity.

AMJAD ALI SURHIO Dadu

Weeding out the unscrupulous

IT has never been a better time to invest in young people of the country. Today’s youths are tomorrow’s workers, entrepreneurs, parents, active citizens and leaders.

The government must encourage the youth to embrace self-employment through appropriate and favourable policy environment that would facilitate skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

The importance of acquiring skills cannot be overemphasised because their role in national development is multi-dimensional. One such role relates to the elimination of hunger and poverty through employment, with which will the reduction of crimes though effective engagement of youths.

The prime minister’s address to the nation telecast on Sept 21 was reflective of the present government’s commitment and step forward towards the right direction.

The government’s announcement to introduce schemes for financial support of the youth to acquire education, skill development and self-employment is destined to bring good results for the nation as a productive and self-reliant workforce will play a very positive role in the overall economy of the country.

On the contrary, doling out government jobs to the youths has always been simply a burden on the exchequer, ultimately ending on more taxes and inflation for the common citizens.

The need, however, remains to put in place from the beginning a proper system of checks and balances for all the six schemes announced by the prime minister.

Considering the past experiences, the government must not be oblivious of unscrupulous elements within and without who always remain out and ready to sabotage the good initiatives for their petty interests.

To achieve the objectives of transparency and genuineness, Nadra’s database can be utilised. The task of implementation and overseeing should be given to upright and honest officials with clean track record not only of integrity but of working selflessly for the good of the people.

With proper implementation of these initiatives alone, the country’s economy can be put on right track, needless to mention the ultimate elimination of unemployment, hunger and poverty in society.

ABDUL SAMAD CHANNA Karachi

Good initiative

THE prime minister’s initiative for giving loans to youngsters is a good effort which will not only boost our economy but also create more jobs. In the US, young entrepreneurs play a vital role in their economy.

In Pakistan, I have seen many youngsters, irrespective of their level of education, who have excellent entrepreneurial ideas and enthusiasm to run a small business successfully. They can’t take initiative because of lack of investment. Now they will get this opportunity to make their dreams come true.

The scheme should focus on business, and the youngsters must be trained in generating business ideas before giving them loans. We can get the help of many NGOs working on promoting entrepreneurs and also business colleges, universities and schools.

MUHAMMAD AATIF
Karachi