On Friday, November 8th, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur launched the Youth Internship Program and Ehsaas Youth Program in Peshawar. These initiatives aim to empower young people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) by providing them with financial support and job opportunities to become more independent. Through this program, young entrepreneurs can access soft loans of up to Rs 5,000,000 to start new businesses, while interns can gain valuable work experience. Additionally, an online portal has been launched, allowing applicants to apply for loans and internships from home. This program is a crucial step toward the financial and professional empowerment of youth in KPK.
Goals of the Youth Internship and Ehsaas Naujawan Programs
The Youth Internship Program and Ehsaas Naujawan Program share common goals to support young people in KPK:
- The Youth Internship Program offers job opportunities for 400 interns each year over three years, reaching a total of 1,200 interns. Each intern receives a salary of up to Rs 25,000 during a three-month internship.
- The Ehsaas Naujawan Program provides soft loans to help young people establish businesses, encouraging them to become financially self-sufficient. Through these programs, the government aims to boost employment and reduce dependency on low-paying jobs. By offering both financial assistance and job opportunities, these programs contribute to the economic growth and stability of the region.
Creating Job Opportunities for Youth in KPK
The Youth Internship Program is a key part of KPK’s efforts to create job opportunities for the youth. The program offers internships for 400 young people each year in both public and private sectors. This initiative helps interns gain essential work experience, building a solid foundation for their careers. Each internship lasts for three months, with a salary of up to Rs 25,000 per intern. By providing these opportunities, the KPK government hopes to reduce youth unemployment and promote economic independence. This initiative is expected to empower the youth to develop career skills and contribute to the province’s development.
Eligibility Criteria for the Internship Program in 2024-25
To be eligible for the Youth Internship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age Limit: Must be 29 years or younger.
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Education: Must have completed at least 16 years of education or hold an equivalent degree recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
- Motivation and Qualifications: Applicants should have a strong interest in building their careers and contributing to the community.
This structure ensures that qualified young individuals in KPK have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and build a stable future.
Launch of the Ehsaas Naujawan Program
The Ehsaas Naujawan Program was also launched by Chief Minister Gandapur to support young entrepreneurs in KPK. This program offers soft loans up to Rs 5 million to groups of three to five people, enabling them to start their own businesses. With a budget of Rs 3 billion over three years, the program provides financial support to encourage entrepreneurship among youth in KPK. Applications for the program can be submitted online via the portal at https://ehsaasnaujawan.bok.com.pk. By providing an accessible application process and significant financial assistance, the Ehsaas Naujawan Program supports young people in realizing their entrepreneurial dreams.
Special Quotas and Repayment Plan
The Ehsaas Naujawan Program includes special quotas to support diverse groups within the youth population:
- 15% for Women: This allocation helps women start small businesses from home.
- 2.5% for People with Disabilities: Ensures inclusivity for youth with special abilities.
- 5% for Madrassa Students: Provides support for students from religious institutions.
- 2.5% for Minorities: Encourages participation from minority communities.
The program’s repayment plan is designed to be manageable, with a repayment period of eight years and a 20-month grace period at the beginning. This allows new businesses to stabilize before they begin repayments, increasing their chances of success and long-term growth.
Conclusion
The Youth Internship Program and Ehsaas Naujawan Program, launched by the KB Government under Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, represent significant opportunities for young people in KPK. By offering interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 million, job opportunities, and special quotas for women, madrassa students, and minorities, these programs are focused on empowering youth and promoting financial independence. Through these initiatives, the government is working toward the economic progress and stability of KPK, ensuring that the younger generation can actively contribute to the region’s development.
also read more:How to Apply for the Benazir Hari Card
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the Youth Internship Program in 2025?
Young residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa aged 29 or below with a minimum of 16 years of education recognized by HEC.
2. How do I apply for the Ehsaas Naujawan Program?
Applications can be submitted online through the portal https://ehsaasnaujawan.bok.com.pk.
3. What is the loan repayment period for the Ehsaas Naujawan Program?
The loan repayment period is eight years, with a 20-month grace period at the start.
4. Are there any special quotas in the Ehsaas Naujawan Program?
Yes, there are quotas for women (15%), people with disabilities (2.5%), madrassa students (5%), and minorities (2.5%).