Comprehensive labour reform needed for prosperity, says Minister Bhandari

Kathmandu, July 2

Labour, Employment and Social Security Minister Sarat Singh Bhandari has stressed the need for comprehensive development in the labour and employment sectors.

"The country cannot achieve prosperity through physical infrastructure alone, we must give equal importance to human development, employment, and social security," he said while speaking during discussions on the Appropriation Bill 2082 at the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Responding to concerns and suggestions raised by the lawmakers, Minister Bhandari underlined the need to adopt a multi-dimensional approach to labour and employment.

He proposed launching a nationwide campaign over the next decade to generate domestic employment as it would play a crucial role not only in poverty reduction but also in driving economic and social development.

Minister Bhandari expressed the ministry’s commitment to maximising the utilisation of Nepal’s natural and human resources in order to achieve national prosperity and self-reliance. He called for parliamentary support in this endeavour.

He announced plans to make the National Vocational Training Institute more effective.

“Labour is an individual’s capital, and productivity must be tied to skills,” he noted while adding that his Ministry is working to employ youth domestically by incorporating advanced technologies in employment services for both Nepalis in the country and abroad.

Minister Bhandari further informed the House that the ministry has already initiated robust policy and institutional reforms to make foreign employment safe, dignified, and well-regulated. Labour agreements have been proposed with 13 new European countries, and legal amendments are underway to crack down on fraud through the use of local administrative and judicial mechanisms.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 3 July 2025.