Demand for Effective Youth Participation in Policy Decisions

The Koshi Province-level Youth Conference held in Biratnagar has called for ensuring effective youth participation in policy decision-making processes. The conference requested at least 20 percent representation of youth civic society in planning processes and the formulation of youth-friendly budgets. Additionally, it demanded collateral-free loans for young entrepreneurs and allocation of 5 percent of the total health budget to mental health.

The provincial youth conference, organized on Jestha 28 and 29 in Biratnagar with participation from youth across 14 districts of Koshi Province, also passed a resolution affirming that youth participation is the cornerstone of a prosperous province. The conference urged strengthening the Youth Council by enhancing its capabilities and resource base.

The conference emphasized the need to ensure at least 20 percent effective representation of youth civic society in local and provincial planning processes and incorporating youth priorities in budget creation. Furthermore, it called for establishing Provincial Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation Centers to preserve traditional skills of communities including Kirat, Dhimal, Rajbanshi, Santhal, Rai, and Limbu.

To promote young entrepreneurs, the conference demanded tax exemptions, unsecured youth innovation loans, and facilitation for patent registration of domestic products. It also urged allocating 5 percent of the total health budget for mental health and appointing counselors at the local government level. The conference elected new leadership for the Koshi Province CSO Youth Forum, appointing Yuva Timsina as coordinator and Neha Agrahari as co-coordinator.