Proposing a youth policy
Bhutanese monarch is youth. Most parliamentarians are youths and all ministers are not too old. In totality, the country is dominated by youths. Unfortunately, the country does not have a youth policy. The young people are feeling they need policies to address their issues, their talents and their services.
It gives me immense pleasure to see that a young student has proposed for a youth policy to the cabinet and is awaiting response. Youths have knowledge, courage, talents, creativity and enthusiasm which have not been adequately used in Bhutanese society. Youths are always taken inexperienced, incapable and incompetent. In fact, youths have far overtaken the older generation in all fields. The only problems with them is not being able to get seat in the decision making level.
21-year old Vishma Rai from Chuka, a second year computer-engineering student in New Delhi, India, who invented a pedal powered washing machine, says “Since we don’t have a national youth policy, it will provide a direction that facilitates a logical and evidence-based approach to delivering programs for the Bhutanese youth. It will also provide guidance to the government, while implementing youth- and student-related programs, and help identify future priorities and emerging issues.”
Almost 59 percent of the 670,000 Bhutanese population are below 24 years. Interestingly, Asian people regard themselves not old when they cross 25. In longer run, they assume themselves to be very old by 50. Here in Australia, people of 35 years are still youths and at 75 they are still doing job. So for me, even in Bhutan, people at 30 are not too old that they should not be called youths.
If as proposed, government gives attention to the concern put forth by youths, the country will see a positive path to overall development of Bhutanese youths. The crux of the policy must steer the youths from being involved in drug abuse and street crimes to responsible and learned citizens.