Baglung Students Question Mayor on Youth Migration Plans

Baglung Students Question Mayor on Youth Migration Plans

Baglung students from grades 10 to 12 questioned the mayor about plans to prevent youth migration abroad. Expressing concern over the large number of young people leaving Nepal each year for employment and higher education, the students suggested that timely educational programs and initiatives to create local employment should be introduced to keep youth in the country.

During the "Mayor with Students" program organized by Baglung Jaycees, student Asim Rizal asked Mayor Basanta Kumar Shrestha, “Immediately after completing grade 12, most youths leave the country either for further studies or for employment. To stop this brain drain, the municipality should introduce employment programs.” Rizal emphasized that arranging higher education opportunities in the country according to demand would help retain talent.

Students also raised questions on contemporary issues and on plans to make Baglung self-reliant. They asked the mayor to monitor the implementation of the child-friendly city declaration, manage stray dogs, and ensure quality education in schools. Grade 11 student Nikesh Khadka remarked, “Beyond just constructing roads, the municipality must think about how to make them sustainable. Policies and programs should align with sustainable development goals.”

After the child-friendly city declaration, students suggested that regular science exhibitions should be held to identify student talents. They also pointed out that child labor issues remain unresolved and should be prioritized by the municipality. Other concerns included study-and-earn programs, tourism development activities, and municipal plans for quality education.

Responding to the questions, Mayor Shrestha expressed happiness that students were aware of the child-friendly concept. He assured that the municipality is committed to preventing youth migration and has already carried out several initiatives. “The municipality has introduced free education plans for underprivileged groups. Law faculty students are being educated free of cost, and scholarships are being provided for those interested in agriculture. We are also offering scholarships for uniforms and necessary educational investments,” he said.

Shrestha also outlined upcoming municipal plans. By Tihar, a dog shelter will be established to manage stray dogs. HiMax electric lights will brighten the city. A science exhibition will soon be organized to showcase students’ creative activities. Every classroom will be equipped with smart boards. Additional toilets and a children’s park will be built at Vidyamandir Secondary School. Religious sites will be promoted to strengthen tourism, aiming to make the district and municipality prosperous.