Kathmandu witnessed extraordinary scenes as tens of thousands of unemployed Nepalese youth queued for temporary police positions ahead of March elections, revealing the Himalayan nation’s profound economic distress. Over 27,000 applications flooded police stations during the first two recruitment days alone, with queues spanning all 77 districts including on public holidays.
The massive turnout follows September’s youth-led uprising that toppled the government after protests initially sparked by social media restrictions evolved into widespread demonstrations against systemic corruption and economic hardship. The violent crackdown resulted in approximately 77 fatalities and parliamentary arson, with economic losses estimated at $586 million and nearly 15,000 jobs vanished.
Police spokesman Abinarayan Kafle reported unprecedented enthusiasm among applicants, mostly young adults seeking the 149,090 temporary positions offering $280 for 40 days of service. This compensation represents significant earnings in a nation where per capita income stagnates at $1,404 annually.
Applicants like 20-year-old Sarika Karki expressed hopes to ‘earn some pocket money’ while contributing to electoral security. Thirty-year-old former cook Nischal Poudel, currently jobless, echoed the desperation: ‘Only God knows if I will be selected, but now that I’ve applied I am sure something good will happen.’
The recruitment drive highlights Nepal’s severe employment crisis, with 82% of workers in informal employment and over 839,000 citizens leaving abroad for work in the past year from the 30-million population nation. Successful applicants will perform logistical duties including queue management and ballot transportation during the pivotal polls.