Government Accused of Trying to Abolish Youth Council Through Backdoor

A proposed bill to amend and integrate the youth-related law has been criticized for allegedly attempting to abolish the National Youth Council through a backdoor approach.

The proposed bill, put forth by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Labour, has been accused of trying to replace the National Youth Council with a National Youth Department.

Concerns Over the Proposed Bill

Former Vice-President of the National Youth Council, Surendra Basnet, expressed concerns that the government is trying to abolish the council through a backdoor approach. Basnet stated that the government is unable to directly abolish the council, which was established after a long struggle by the youth, and is instead trying to do so through a proposed amendment.

The proposed bill has been criticized for giving the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Labour too much control over the National Youth Council. The bill proposes that the Secretary of the Ministry will also serve as the Vice-President of the National Youth Council, and that the Under-Secretary of the Ministry will be the Director-General of the National Youth Department.

Reactions from Youth Leaders

Founder President of Youth Advocacy Nepal, Naren Khatri, accused the government of trying to turn the National Youth Council into a mere shadow of the bureaucracy. Khatri stated that the government is trying to establish a National Youth Department to replace the council.

Other youth leaders, including Arnaab Chaudhary and Yadav Singh, expressed concerns that the proposed bill will weaken the National Youth Council instead of strengthening it. They emphasized the importance of the council in promoting youth empowerment and development.

Calls for Revision

Rajendra Adhikari, another youth leader, called on the government to revise the proposed bill and ensure that it strengthens the National Youth Council instead of weakening it. Adhikari emphasized that the council is essential for youth development and should not be abolished.

President of Youth Advocacy Nepal, Ganesh Dhimal, accused the government of taking a step backward in terms of youth empowerment. Dhimal stated that the government should focus on strengthening the National Youth Council instead of trying to abolish it.