Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has revised the National Youth Policy after a decade, officially redefining the youth age group as 18 to 35 years. The new policy, endorsed as the National Youth Policy 2082, was approved recently, according to Surendra Basnet, Executive Vice President of the National Youth Council.
Previously, under the National Youth Policy 2072, the age range for youth was defined as 16 to 40 years. The updated policy now aligns Nepal’s youth definition with international practices and the country’s legal framework, particularly the Children’s Act, which defines childhood as up to 18 years.
“The policy clearly states that considering the national and international context, Nepal will recognize individuals aged 18 to 35 as youth,” Basnet explained. He added that based on the 2021 census, 42.56% of Nepal’s population fell within the 16–40 age group. Now, calculations will need to be revised according to the new definition.
Legal Alignment and International Context
Globally, the definition of youth varies. The United Nations considers youth as those aged 15–24, while India also follows the same categorization. Nepal’s earlier definition (16–40) was broader compared to international standards.
Basnet noted that while the new policy is in effect, the National Youth Council Act 2072 still legally defines youth as 16–40. “Until the Act is amended, the legal age definition remains unchanged, but the policy sets a clear framework for reform,” he stated.
Policy Revision After a Decade
Though the National Youth Policy mandates revision every five years, this is the first amendment in 10 years. Experts believe the narrowing of the youth age bracket will help the government design more targeted programs for education, employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities.
The government aims to align the policy with changing demographics and socio-economic needs, while ensuring that development programs for young people remain relevant and practical in the coming years.
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