Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has stressed the need to ensure easy and easy loan at the local level for the workers aspiring for foreign employment.

During a meeting with newly appointed Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Rajendra Singh Bhandari at the Ministry of Labour on Monday, Dhakal drew the attention of FNCCI on the present situation of Nepal’s labour market, challenges in the private sector and various issues related to workers’ welfare.

Stating that those aspiring to go for foreign employment are compelled to pay up to 36 percent high interest rate, Dhakal said that arrangements should be made to provide loans at the local level by coordinating with financial institutions like banks, financial institutions, money transfer, social security fund and insurance.

Saying a huge amount of contribution to the social security fund has been collected but it could not be mobilized in productive sectors, he said the fund should be invested linking it with industry, agriculture and tourism sectors.

“A large amount of workers’ contributions have been deposited in the Social Security Fund. If this amount can be invested in productive sectors such as industry, agriculture, energy and tourism, it will contribute significantly to creating employment and expanding economic activities in the country. Dhakal said.

Stating that the FNCCI has emphasized on producing skilled human resources for both domestic and foreign markets, Dhakal expressed the view that the security of workers, good income and economic progress of the country would be possible at the same time if skilled human resources could be prepared as per the needs of the industry.

Stating that the industries are at risk due to bandhs and strikes in industrial corridors, he said that a special industrial security force was necessary for the safety of the industries.

On the occasion, President of Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs’ Association, Bhuwan Singh Gurung, said that the foreign employment entrepreneurs are not able to send workers in the service charge fixed by the government.

On the occasion, Minister Bhandari expressed commitment to take necessary initiatives for policy reform, facilitation and implementation of the policy, saying the issues raised by the Federation and Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs Association were positive. He said that the government would take appropriate decision by prioritizing workers’ welfare, employment generation and expansion of economic activities in collaboration with the private sector.