Cracks in the job programme

The Office of the Auditor General called the scheme 'unproductive' in its 57th annual report.

The Prime Minister Employment Programme (PMEP) launched in February 2019 with the aim of creating a minimum of 100 days of employment for 5 million beneficiaries in a single fiscal year. The flagship programme would create jobs for the 18 to 59 age group by tapping into the prospect of involving them in public infrastructure projects in various capacities. Employment Information Centres were established across all 753 local units and tasked with enrolling beneficiaries under the programme. Additionally, an overarching goal was set to mitigate the gaps in demand and supply of labour at all three levels of government as well as curb migration of labourers by creating a mechanism that would involve private, co-operative and non-governmental actors. Under the same programme, willing entrepreneurs were eligible for loans at a subsidised rate to start a venture that matched their skills and choice.