Nepal, Feb. 18 -- Initiatives like Prime Minister Employment Program do not necessarily enhance long-term employability. Focus should be on training and workforce development

Public Employment Programs (PEPs), where governments provide employment to those who seek work but cannot find work, are one of the most common 'active' labor market programs. From Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNRGES) in India, to Jefes de Hogar in Argentina to Trabajar Urbano program in Peru, these programs aim to achieve two development objectives: Building community assets and smoothening consumption patterns to hedge against shocks.

Typically, these programs guarantee certain days of employment in areas such as building community ...