September 2: Youth unemployment rate has shot up from 9.9% in 2007 to 12.9% in 2009 according to a survey conducted by the labour ministry. The overall unemployment rate increased from 3.7% in 2007 to 4% in 2009.

If you visit the labour ministry during the early office hours, you will see many young job seekers lingering around the office complex. For many of them, the ministry is their only hope.

The more courageous ones venture inside the office and meet the officials while others remain outside undecided, hesitating.

Those who come from remote villages need friends or relatives to accompany them inside. A group of girls who appeared undecided whether they should go in, ran away as we approached them.

There are many such unemployed youth now. And the number is increasing every year. According to a survey conducted by the labour ministry earlier this year, there are now 13,000 unemployed youth. The majority of them are between 15 and 24 years. Many leave home every morning with a Kabney on their shoulder, frustrated. Some blame nepotism and favouritism.

The labour and human resources minister said recruitment must be based on merit alone.

 “If there are any agencies practicing this kind of practices the ministry must be informed, because the ministry is the right body to deal with it” Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi said.

In the town, unemployed youth whiling away their time playing carom are common. They said it is better to hang around with the friends with similar problems than go home and face their disappointed parents.

The Labour and Human Resources Minister said the ministry will reduce the unemployment rate to 2.5% by the end of the 10th plan.

The ministry will also strictly implement the Labour Act to improve working conditions and make employment in private and corporate sectors more attractive.