Kathmandu, May 24
President Bidya Devi Bhandari, on behalf of the government of Nepal, on Tuesday presented the annual policy and programme for the next fiscal year 2022/23.
In her nearly two-hour address to the joint meeting of two houses of the federal parliament, the president, like in the past years, has spelt out dozens of promises in the form of the government’s policy and programme.
Following the same annual policy and programme, the government will table the budget plan for the next fiscal year coming Sunday.
Here are some of the key promises made by the president today:
1. Plan for Nepal’s graduation into a developing country
The president says the government will prepare a concrete plan to prepare Nepal for its graduation into a developing country as mandated by the United Nations.
While focusing on economic growth, the president says the government will control inflation to a certain point.
The government says the new policy and programme are focused on implementing the spirit of federalism.
2. New development law
The government plans to formulate a new development to address problems appearing in the development process and capital expenditure spending. Likewise, the government will make necessary amendments to the public procurement laws to make the development process smooth.
3. Restarting factories
The president says the government will restore various factories from different industries that have been shut for years.
The government says it will make efforts to reform public utilities and if that is not possible, they will be dissolved.
4. Agriculture development
The government will develop a new agriculture policy that will focus on its modernisation, mechanisation and climate adaptation among other aspects.
Efforts will be made to make local units independent for seeds while producing climate-friendly seeds. The government will make sure chemical fertilisers are available.
5. Restructuring PM’s employment project
The government says it will restructure the Prime Minister’s Employment Programme. The project has been controversial in recent years.
Young people will be encouraged to work in Nepal instead of going abroad.
6. Promotion of Nepali products
The president also announces that a new Prime Minister Nepali Production Project will kick off next fiscal year. Likewise, various other initiatives will be taken to promote made-in-Nepal products.
She says the government will celebrate one whole decade as a Nepali Production and Consumption Promotion Decade.
7. Automated fuel price determination system
The president says the government will develop an automated fuel price determination system on scientific bases.
8. Nijgadh airport and fast track
The government says it will finalise the development and investment models for the ambitious Nijgadh international airport. The government announces the airport construction work will begin in the fiscal year 2023/24.
Likewise, the government will make sure the Kathmandu-Terai fast track will come into operation by the set deadline.
Airlines will be encouraged to carry flights from new international airports located outside Kathmandu.
9. Kathmandu’s outer ring road
The government will move forward with the outer ring road project in Kathmandu. Pedestrian pavements will be widened in the Kathmandu valley.
10. Hydroelectricity promotion
The government will establish more high-capacity hydropower projects. The government will construct the Budhigandaki hydropower project with its own investment.
Ensuring a smooth electricity supply, the government will also promote electricity domestic consumption and foreign trade. The use of electric vehicles and electric cooking stoves will be promoted. For this, the electricity tariff will be reviewed.
President Bhandari says the government will also involve the private sector in the electricity trade.
11. Deforestation control
The government will target to reduce the deforestation rate to 0 by 2030. Likewise, carbon emissions will also be reduced. The government says it will adopt a policy of balancing the environment and development.
Community forest management will be connected to production and employment. Efforts will be made to reduce human-wildlife conflict. All infrastructures will be made wildlife-friendly.
12. International stadium in each province
The government says it will begin constructing an international stadium in each province with training facilities. Likewise, the BK Koirala Sports Village will be developed in Gaindakot of Nawalpur.
13. Jail reforms
The government will launch a jail reform programme. Efforts will be made to reduce the number of prisoners in overpopulated jails. Likewise, a concept of the open prison will be developed.
14. Citizenship law reform
The government says it will move forward with the bill to amend the Citizenship Act based on political consensus. Likewise, national identity card distribution and civil registration.
Institutional arrangements will be made to complete pending tasks of the peace process.
The e-passport obtaining process will be made easier whereas non-resident Nepalis will be provided with a digital id card.
15. Medical college in PM’s district
The government’s plan says a new medical college will be established in Dadeldhura, which is Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s home district.
