The Balochistan government has announced plans to enroll approximately 400 children of labourers in higher educational institutions across the country on a scholarship basis this year. The Labour and Manpower Department has already registered 200 children and aims to complete the registration of an additional 200 by July 15. This decision was made during a review meeting of the Labour and Manpower Department, chaired by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday.
The meeting also assessed the progress of the Youth Skills Development Program. It was reported that the first group of skilled youth from Balochistan is scheduled to be sent abroad in March 2025, with unskilled youth following in December 2025 for employment opportunities. Key attendees included Adviser to the Chief Minister on Labour and Manpower Sardar Ghulam Rasool Ummrani, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Secretary Labour Welfare, Director General B-TEVTA, and other officials.
The Chief Minister urged for the acceleration of the Youth Skills Development Program and emphasized the need to secure employment for the youth after they have received training. He also directed the immediate operation of the Kuchlak Driving School and instructed B-TEVTA to train 100 people in driving in the first phase, enabling their employment in Oman.
Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted the disparity between the registered number of labourers and the actual figure in Balochistan. He ordered a special survey to accurately collect data and register all labourers, aiming to integrate them into the social security plan for their welfare. Sarfraz Bugti pointed out that industrial owners often underreport the number of workers to minimize social security costs. He emphasized that the government will not tolerate the exploitation of workers and will ensure they receive wages as per government standards and their social security rights. Adviser to the Chief Minister on Labour and Manpower, Sardar Ghulam Rasool Ummrani, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing technical training to the youth of Balochistan. He stated that special measures will be taken to ensure the registration of workers in line with the Chief Minister’s vision.
