Looking beyond Boundaries: Impact of Political transition on Nepali Youth
Author Name
Pragya Gautam
Author Address
PhD Student, Centre for the Study of Social Systems (CSSS), School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Keywords
Nepali youth
Abstract
Youth have emerged as one of the major stakeholders in the political process of the country and their role in political activities is remarkable, even so contrary to the fact that large sections of the youth population show a disjuncture towards politics. The reasons for this attitude, which they have developed is due to conflict, political instability and transition in the system of governance. Over the past few decades the country has seen change in the governance system and a shift from unitary to federal structure of governance. The drafting of the new constitution has also brought about new opportunities and conflict. In light of the above factors, inter and intra-country migration has become a rampant phenomenon in Nepal mostly during and after the conflict period. People and mainly the youth migrated for the following reasons, to escape being victimized by the Maoist and the Army and to get better livelihood, education and opportunities. There was migration from the villages to cities for safety and some migrated to other countries as refugees. Foreign education and employment is also becoming a trend in the country and has led to the flourishing business of consultancies.
Nepalese youth are migrating to other countries for labour, as the economy of the country does create enough jobs. Further, even the jobs which are available in Nepal, is not approachable or attractive to the youth and it is not related as per the qualification of this young generation. Migration is not something new and it takes place in all societies where population would move from places of lesser opportunity to places of more opportunities.
The paper looks into the impact of politics on economy and education which in-turn has given a rise to migration. It argues that the condition in the home country forces youth to migrate for better opportunity, but in the host countries there continue to face difficulties due to harsh working conditions. Methodologically, the paper uses a mixed approach with both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Migration trends are looked into by analyzing Nepal Living Standard survey (2010/2011). Content analysis of news reports provides a basis of looking at impact of politics on economy and education as well as work conditions of migrants.
Conference
International Conference on "Global Migration: Rethinking Skills, Knowledge and Culture"