The youth unemployment rate has increased to 10.7 percent from 9.4 percent in 2014, the latest National Labour Force Survey Report, says. The labour ministry conducted the survey five months ago.
The report launched in Thimphu, yesterday says unemployment rate among male youth decreased by 0.4 percent from 8.6 percent in 2014. However, female youth unemployment rate increased to 12.7 percent from 10.0 percent, the same year.
Labour minister, Ngeema Sangay Tshempo said the increase in youth unemployment rate is because of mismatch between qualification and available jobs in the market.
“Most of the works we have are in construction and tourism sectors. It involves lot of physical work and women do not tend to join these sectors. They prefer to work more at child care and family-oriented businesses.”
Lyonpo said they have taken several measures to tackle women unemployment, including several trainings in hospitality and tourism sectors, geared towards employing women.
The minister said also said the government has come up Education Blue Print 2014-24 to reform the education system and to combat mismatch between qualification and jobs available.
The reform is intended to produce a pool of skilled youth.
The ministry is also starting micro businesses such as floriculture to employ more women.
Lyonpo said 70 percent of the Overseas Employment Scheme beneficiaries are women.
More than 1,400 job seekers have been sent for Overseas Employment.
