1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

numbering about 60,000 and coming to 15% of the country’s total population is
too high.
The fruit from the schools and educational facilities established by the
Government in all parts of the country are now ripening. School enrolment has
reached 72% and annually around 4,500 students between class six and college
graduates seek employment. The number is expected to increase every year, and
in the next ten years, it is estimated that a total of 91,000 students would enter
the job market. These estimates are based on official figures relating to the
Government supported schools and institutions. If the students on private
scholarships were also accounted for, the number of students seeking
employment in the next ten years would be over 100,000. The responsibility for
employing these young people falls not only on the Government but also on all
sections of the Bhutanese society.
The Minister also pointed out that if the business and manufacturing policies are
limited to the Bhutanese market alone, trade and commerce would not flourish
and it would not open up any employment opportunities for the youth. This is an
age of unreserved international interaction, business, trade and commerce;
therefore, the Government’s policies are also geared towards ensuring Bhutan’s
ability to participate in the international arena of trade, commerce and
economics. Furthermore, by ensuring that we collaborate and participate in
businesses requiring expertise, skill and knowledge more employment
opportunities can be created and made available to our youth.
The Minister informed the Assembly that the NEB was established last year.
The chairmanship rotates after every six-month among the Ministers. The
central policy objective is the attainment of Gross National Happiness by
making all citizens self-reliant, ensuring employment and a means of livelihood.
It is clear from the experiences of other countries that civil unrest, war and the
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