Employment Care
The right to life which is guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution can only be given practical effect if work is provided for every person of working age. Therefore, to the NCP, work is a fundamental right. The implication of this policy is that unemployment allowance will be given to anyone of working age who is not employed. For this policy to be attained, the NCP regards the public sector or the state as the engine of economic growth. The NCP government will carry out massive investments in state-owned enterprises. Though private sector participation in the economy will be guaranteed, we oppose privatization of the commanding heights of the economy such as the petroleum sector. The NCP will give effect to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution that state that the wealth of the nation should not be concentrated in a few hands. Corruption and inefficiencies hitherto associated with public enterprises will be discouraged by the power of example of transparent, honest and disciplined life-style of the leadership of the NCP as a party in and out of government and democratic management and control of the public concerns.
The alarming rate of unemployment is disturbing. It cuts across all categories of school leavers including university graduates and professionals like doctors, engineers, lawyers, accountants, etc. Yet, it can be tackled. There is nothing mythical about job creation. Employment creation is a consequence of political, economic and social policies of the particular government in power.
Once conscious, serious, honest and well organized efforts are made to deal with the problems of food, agriculture, education, housing, health, transportation, energy, power & steel, electricity, communication & telecommunication, pipe-borne water, industrialization, etc., millions of jobs will be created automatically in the process. The NCP government will not only create jobs, a living minimum wage will be introduced and it will rise periodically as inflation rises. Employment will not only be provided, there will be job security. Policies will be put in place to discourage arbitrary determination of appointment. Full trade union rights will be jealously protected.
The 10-Care Programme consists of:
