The PMs Introduce new schemes in his youth policy address on 21st September 2013.
Some schemes, like the one year internship program, had also been introduced by the previous government. Other schemes, such as the laptops for the youth and housing for the poor (Ashiyana Housing scheme) were introduced by Punjab chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, but will now be implemented on a federal level.
It is in the interest of the nation and the state to strengthen private sector, and to provide the people with opportunities of self reliance. So that instead of running after jobs, they could stand on their own feet to provide a livelihood to their families.
For this purpose, the government is launching SIX programs for the youth.
1- MICRO INTEREST FREE LOANS
The first program is Micro Interest Free Loans, which will be focused on those segments of society who are financially weak. 3 billion rupees have been allocated for this scheme. 250 thousand people will benefit from this scheme. These loans would be interest free.
2- SMALL BUSINESS LOANS SCHEME
The second scheme is Small Business Loans Scheme. This scheme is for those educated youngsters, who wish to start their own business. 50 per cent of these loans will be provided to women. These loans ranging from 500 thousand to 2 million rupees, will be given with a discounted interest rate of 8 percent. The rest will be paid by the government. Initially these loans will be provided through the National Bank of Pakistan and First Women Bank. Five billion rupees have been allocated for this scheme.
3- YOUTH TRAINING SCHEME
It is the third program, being initiated by the government for educated youngsters. Under this program, young educated people having acquired 16 years of education from recognized institutions will be provided on-the-job- training, so that they could get job opportunities in the country or abroad. During the training a monthly stippned of rupees 10 thousand will be given to the worker for a training period of 6 months. 4 billion rupees have been allocated for the purpose and 50 thousand graduates will benefit from the scheme.
4- YOUTH SKILL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
The youth skill development scheme is aimed at providing vocational training to such youngsters who are jobless. Boys and girls up to 25 years of age will be able to benefit from the scheme, who have gained middle level education (8th Grade). These youngsters will be given a monthly stippned worth 3-5 thousand rupees, for a period of 6 months. The government will bear their fee. 800 million rupees have been allocated for this program.
5- FEE PAYMENT FOR UNDER PREVILIGED AREAS
The fifth scheme is for (male & female) students who come from far flung areas of the country, and want to acquire higher education. Any talented student should not be deprived of educational opportunities, only because his or her parents cannot afford the academic expenses. Government will bear the fee for youngsters aiming for a post graduate program for MA, MSc or higher level. 1.2 billion rupees have been allocated for this scheme and 30 thousand students will benefit from this initiative.
6- PM SCHEME FOR PROVISION OF LAPTOPS
This is the age of Information Technology, in the current time, it is impossible to acquire quality education and research without information technology. IT is key to access the treasure of knowledge globally available.
The government of Punjab had initiated a laptop scheme for the purpose. The federal government has decided to launch this scheme nationwide. 100 thousand students will be provided laptops in accordance with the program. An amount of 4 billion rupees has been allocated for the PM Laptop scheme.
The federal cabinet has already given approval to all these initiatives. All arrangements for the implementation of these programs have been completed. However, to make the schemes completely transparent and on merit, we would like to receive your suggestions and recommendations, as your input and guidance is important to us and more than welcome.
These schemes will be placed on website www.pmo.gov.pk from Monday the 23rd of September.
You can give your feedback on the website or you can send an SMS to 80028.
Register for PM youth programs at special website http://pmyouth.pitb.gov.pk/user/register and submit your feedback/suggestions .
You can also post your suggestions and proposals to the Prime Minister Office Islamabad.
An advertisement stating all these initiatives will also be placed in all major newspapers of the country.
The process of receiving public opinions and suggestion will continue for 10 days, after which the schemes would be given a final shape in the light of these proposals.
Final Words of PM Address:
"For these schemes the government has allocated an amount of 20 billion. I admit, that this amount is not a very large one, but we know that the country is passing through serious financial crises. As I have said earlier, every year we waste 500 billion rupees in to the black hole of institutional losses.
I should mention here, that these schemes would be implemented for all four provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
Get ready to benefit from these programs; I believe that youngsters can play the main role in steering Pakistan on the path of self reliance. Stand up with the aim to rewrite your destiny."