KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr Shekhar Koirala has underlined the need of engaging youths in the nation-building campaign.

Giving his best wishes on the occasion of the Nepali New Year 2080 BS today, the leader was of the opinion of utilising youths’ power, knowledge and capacity for the cause of nation and addressing the issue of unemployment among them.

The year 2079 BS remained as the election year and around 360,000 people’s representatives have been assigned the responsibility for building the nation through the peaceful polls and it is their responsibility to bring youths to the mainstream of nation building, according to the leader.

Stating that corruption, lack of good governance and uncontrolled price rise have provided a room for the people to question about the role of political parties and their leaders, the leader urged the public administration and political parties to focus on citizen-centric approach and action.

“Only taking pride in the Constitution won’t be enough for the people’s respite and for winning their trust.”

The past decade saw many ups and downs, the leader said, adding that earthquake, economic blockade and COVID-19 pandemic were setbacks for the country’s socio-economic development.