CPN-UML Unveils Election Manifesto Focusing on Youth Employment, Digital Transformation, and Social Security

Kathmandu. The CPN (UML) has unveiled its election manifesto for the upcoming House of Representatives elections, centering on youth self-employment, digital transformation, and social security. The UML has put forward an attractive plan specifically targeting Gen Z and the younger generation, promising to provide 10 GB of free internet data every month for one year to youths aged between 18 and 28.

The party aims to make one million youths self-employed by providing a bank card equivalent to US$10,000 per person for those interested in information technology and startups. The UML has also made significant commitments in the fields of education and employment.

The manifesto mentions providing up to NPR 2 million in interest-free loans to students wishing to pursue technical higher education and arranging midday meals for students up to grade 10. Furthermore, the UML has introduced a plan to raise the minimum monthly wage for laborers to NPR 25,000 and to enroll teachers in private and community schools in contribution-based social security while defining their seniority structure. The UML is also committed to increasing the annual allowance for female health volunteers to NPR 20,000.

Prioritizing women's empowerment and maternal and child health, the UML has announced free life insurance coverage up to NPR 500,000 for pregnant women and a maternity and child nutrition allowance of NPR 20,000 after delivery. It has also been stated that interest-free loans up to NPR 2 million and free insurance for the same will be provided to women entrepreneurs. The UML's strategy includes waiving loans up to NPR 25,000 taken by impoverished families until Bhadra 2082 and bringing them under the social security net.

The manifesto includes a provision to add NPR 5,000 annually from the government to the bank accounts of Nepalis working abroad and ensuring their continuity in the social security system. By expressing a commitment to ensuring a dignified livelihood and healthcare for serving and retired security personnel, the UML appears to have attempted to encompass all classes and sectors in this election.