However, they placed ´change in mindset´ and ´eagerness to work sincerely´ as prerequisites for extending such support. [break] “We have dreadful experiences of working with highly politicized trade unions. Hence, we are concerned over possible problems our eagerness to help ex-combatants might create,” said Padma Jyoti, chairman of National Business Initiative (NBI).
To address the concern, NBI has proposed to the government and political parties to develop a clear and mutually beneficial labor law.
Talking to the press, Jyoti further disclosed that NBI has already identified how the private sector might support rehabilitation efforts, when and as required by the government and political parties.
Under it, NBI has said the private sector was open to providing training and employment opportunities to ex-combatants in sectors currently facing severe shortages of skilled labor.
“Sectors such as construction, handicraft and vehicle maintenance are facing severe shortages of skilled labor. We can absorb ex-combatants in these sectors,” said Jyoti.
Private sector leaders said they were also open to providing financial and mentoring support to ex-combatants wishing to start their own businesses. “Established businesses can also help in this respect by bringing new micro-enterprise and agro-based producers into their supply chains,” said Pramila Rijal of Women Entrepreneurs Federation (WEF).
Likewise, the private sector has also shown eagerness to support the education of ex-combatants and their dependents wishing to complete their studies by providing scholarships and school placements.
While elaborating on the different supports the private sector might pledge, Jyoti also said NBI was discussing over launching a pilot project on rehabilitation schemes. “Based on its experience we can then implement the schemes at the wider level,” he stated.
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