KATHMANDU: Minister for Youth, Labor, and Employment Ramjee Yadav said the ministry’s top priority is to create employment opportunities within Nepal while ensuring the systematic management of foreign employment.

Speaking at a ministry program on Thursday, Yadav said the ministry aims to support young entrepreneurs and honored returnee migrant workers who have established businesses in Nepal. Lok Bahadur Rai of Prashamsa Honey Firm in Morang received the Outstanding Entrepreneur National Award, while Manika Rai, Dev Lal Yadav, Yam Kumar Gole, Shiva Kumar Chhetri, Dinesh Khatri, and Karma Raj Malla received the Entrepreneur National Award.

The ministry also honored 13 local units declared child labor-free and recognized six business establishments for meeting standards for employed workers, including Navajeevan Hospital Private, Hongshi Shivam Cement, Ambe Steels, Asian Paints Nepal, Maruti Cements, and Mainawati Steel Industries.

At the program, Ministry Secretary Dipak Kafle said the ministry remains committed to protecting workers’ rights, promoting employment, and eliminating child labor through sustained reforms.