The Women, Children and Youth Committee said investing more in sports will help reduce stabbing cases amongst youth.
The committee reports of over Nu 8 M allocated to Department of Youth and Sports this financial year, minimal amount has been portioned out for sports.
The Member of Parliament from Nyishog Saephu Constituency, MP Kuenga said in recent years there were as many as 80 incidences of stabbing cases reported a year.
Most of these cases occurred during winter and summer vacations when students were unoccupied.
“Alcohol consumption is the most common factor that triggers youth to involve in stabbing case. Most of the cases occur in urban areas. I want to recommend the government look into this, as well,” said MP Kuenga.
Some of the initiatives of the Department of Youth and Sports to address youth related issue in this financial year include capacity building for out-of-school youth, leadership skill trainings, and National Youth Award, among others.
The Chairperson of Women, Children and Youth Committee, MP Tshewang Jurmey said more budget needs to be allocated in sports to tackle such issues.
“If we allocate more budget for sports, that will keep the youth engaged during the vacations. This in turn will let them refrain from drug and alcohol consumption and stabbing cases. So, it will be of great benefit to our nation, if this is considered seriously”
The recommendations will be submitted to the government.