100,000 low-skilled youth to be recruited to task force

• Cabinet approval given to establish Multi-Purpose Development Task Force

 The Cabinet yesterday approved the establishment of a Multi-Purpose Development Task Force, with the aim of recruiting 100,000 low income youth who will be directed to fill many unskilled employment opportunities in Government and affiliated institutions. 

A Cabinet paper seen by Daily FT pointed to a need to create a “professionally managed pool of human resources of such unskilled poor youth”, which “will be providing a development initiative as it can undertake a multiplicity of tasks with the participation of youth in the low income category with lesser educational qualifications.” The Government aims to reduce the dependency of low income youth on public welfare assistance by giving them employment in the public sector with a steady pay, allowing them to improve their skills while working. 

The decision came after a proposal by the President, who had observed that there were many unskilled employment opportunities unexploited in the public sector. 

The Cabinet announcement claims that the recruitment will be made transparent at District level. The operations of the Task Force / Department are to commence on 15 January 2020. Government institutions, affiliated institutions, and the private sector will be able to access the services of the Task Force on a cost-effective basis.