The Ministry of Labour and Human Resoucres is said to have spent quite a sum to organise the National Graduates Orientation Programme. Some sources say the amount spent was over Nu 5 M this year. However, the ministry refused to reveal the figure.
In the last 14 years, more than 19,000 graduates attended the National Graduates Orientation Programme. Some of the university graduates who attended the programme in the past shared their views.
A graduate, Sonam Tashi said the program said of least importance to many of the graduates. “They are constantly distracted by other things and in some cases, I must say, this program is just wastage of government’s money…”
Another university graduate, Ugyen Wangdi said it is not important for the government to organize activities like National Graduates Orientation Program. “It will be interesting and exciting for the graduates if government actually initiates a programme of employment distribution for the graduates.”
But there were others who believed such program is helpful. Pema Tobgyel, another University Graduate said he learnt about the country a lot more, its development and polices by listening to good resource people giving them talks during their orientation.
During the orientation, meals, refreshments, and medical services are provided to the graduates. The annual National Graduates Orientation Program started in 1980.
