The launch of the government’s new employment initiative saw chaotic scenes across the capital yesterday as thousands of unemployed Georgians scrambled to register for a place on the scheme. One jobseeker died and three others sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment in the pandemonium.

The Minister of Health, Labor and Social Affairs, Davit Tkeshelashvili, called for calm to avoid further casualties, and said anyone whose health prevented him from registering in person could do so from home.

Megi Pruidze, a 55-year-old refugee from Abkhazia, collapsed from apparent heart failure while waiting her turn to sign up for the program.

“People with health problems can sign up for the scheme via our hotline,” Tkeshelashvili stated after the incident.

He also said that the first day had seen 15 000 people register for the program. The government has set up special centers for the purpose in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Poti and Batumi, which will be open until December 15.

This latest jobs initiative, announced by Mikheil Saakashvili while he was still president, is expected to employ a total of 100 000 Georgians aged between 25 to 60.

Those who secure a place will be trained at special educational centers, or receive on-the-job training at companies, for three months. The government will pay them a monthly stipend of GEL 200, and, upon completion of the program, all trainees will be encouraged to apply for appropriate vacancies based on the experience and new skills they have acquired.

About 50 000 unemployed people signed up for the government’s 2006 program, when the monthly allowance was GEL 150.

Georgian companies taking part in this year’s scheme have already pledged over 20 000 places, with traineeships being offered in the food and construction industries, trade, and even in the banking and legal sectors.

The Minister of Economic Development, Giorgi Arveladze, explained that there was a skills shortage in certain areas of the jobs market at the moment, and this scheme would address that problem.

The opposition has already branded the new program a government vote-winning gimmick.