83pc of economically inactive people literate
KATHMANDU:
Almost 83 per cent of the people who have chosen not to work or are making very little contribution to the labour market are ‘literate’, shows a latest survey, laying bare the problem of economic inactiveness among relatively educated population in the country.
Urban centres of the country have a population of 3.65 million aged 10 and above, who can make contribution to the labour market.
Of these people residing in various municipalities, and sub-metropolitan and metropolitan cities, 1.50 million, or 41.11 per cent, are employed. Another 38,145 people — or one per cent of population above age of 10 — are unemployed, while 36,785, or another one per cent, have not mentioned their economic activity.
The rest of the population aged 10 and above — or 2.07 million people — are economically inactive or partially active in the labour market, shows the latest Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) report. This means these people do not want a job, are not looking for one, cannot make themselves available even if they find a work, or rarely work.
Of these people who are economically inactive or partially active, 1.72 million, or 82.89 per cent, are literate. Surprisingly, 32.82 per cent of the economically inactive or partially active population has passed 10th grade, or equivalent, or obtained higher academic degrees.
“Low level of labour participation affects production, which affects economic growth,” Senior Economist Bishwambher Pyakurel said. “But more important agenda should be to find out why so many people are economically inactive. If it is because of lack of employment opportunities, then policies should be framed accordingly. Otherwise, these problems could boil over and create social disorder.”
Of the people who are economically inactive or making partial contribution to the labour market, 1.16 million, or 55.71 per cent, have cited ‘studies’ as the reason.
Earlier, CBS Deputy Director General Rudra Suwal had told The Himalayan Times that many students may not have been able to make active participation in the labour market due to lack of part-time jobs.
“So, until we introduce the practice of paying workers on hourly basis — as in many foreign countries — many students may not be able to make positive contribution to the economy,” he said.
Then there is a problem of family obligations. At least 33.31 per cent of economically inactive or partially active population has cited ‘household duties’ as reason for not being able to join the labour force.
Of these people, who have cited household obligations as the reason for economic inactiveness, almost 95 per cent are females.
In a country like Nepal, it is obvious for many women to remain economically inactive because they have to look after children, do household chores and even take care of in-laws if they are living in joint families. Also, in a male dominated society, where many females do not get equal opportunities, lack of certain qualification may be holding women back from taking up a job.
This is probably the reason why 63 per cent of total economically inactive or partially active population is made up of females. Among others, old age, physical or mental sickness and chronic disease are holding back many from making active participation in the labour market, shows the CBS report.
Source: THT
