10,000 e-Rozgar Centres to be set up for freelancers

Govt will kick off project on Jan 11, provide centres with latest facilities

ISLAMABAD:

Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Dr Umar Saif on Wednesday disclosed that the government would initiate a project on January 11 to establish 10,000 e-Rozgar Centres across the country that would be equipped with the latest facilities for freelancers and start-ups.

“This historic initiative is aimed at addressing the challenges faced by approximately 1.5 million freelancers, who lack suitable workspaces,” he remarked while speaking in an interview with a news channel.

“Freelancers equipped with the required tools and environment to thrive in the digital landscape is the need of the hour.”

The minister elaborated that the establishment of joint e-Rozgar Centres would help increase investment in Pakistan and create new employment opportunities.

Umar urged the youth to become entrepreneurs as they could easily earn more per month through e-Rozgar. Replying to a question, the minister said that from January 7 another project would be initiated to introduce a standardised test for IT graduates through the Higher Education Commission to gauge their skills and offer them internships.

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“Those who clear the test will be given a mandatory internship in the IT industry. Pakistani universities produce around 75,000 IT graduates every year, out of which, only 3,000 are eligible for employment in IT companies.”

He voiced hope that IT exports would soar to $4 billion after the State Bank of Pakistan allowed IT companies to retain 50% of their receipts in dollar accounts. “We want to empower the youth with info-tech skills and are making all-out efforts for the purpose,” he added.

“The IT and telecom ministry is working on all those projects that will create employment opportunities for youngsters.” It is also trying to take Pakistan forward in the field of education through the provision of IT skills and empowering the skilled manpower.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2024.

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