Policy and program of Nepal government for Fiscal Year 2073-74 (Full Text in English)



PRESIDENT2I feel honored to be present at this august Legislature- Parliament to present the Policies and Programmes of the Government of Nepal for the first time following the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal through democratic process by the Constituent Assembly elected by the Nepali people. I would like to recall with pleasure that historic event which institutionalized the achievements made through seven-decade long sacrificial struggle as well as unity and collaboration of major political parties. The Constitution has institutionalized such significant achievements as federal democratic republic, proportional inclusive governance system with social justice, fundamental rights, unity among diversity, tolerance and secularism.

The country is advancing through the stage of implementation of the Constitution. A new era of national independence and dignity, democracy, durable peace, good governance, development and prosperity has begun. I would like to pay heartfelt tribute to martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the movements in different periods for these historic achievements. I highly commend the contribution of leaders who steered for almost a century various movements and revolutions for nationhood, democracy and people’s livelihood. I thank and congratulate all political parties, civil society, media and sisters and brothers who contributed by participating in fronts of struggle.

 

The political struggle for achievement of rights has mainly been accomplished with the promulgation of the Constitution institutionalizing achievements of the

struggles and people’s rights. The phase of peace process has essentially been completed after the promulgation of the Constitution. All tasks related to peace process will be accomplished once the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission for the Investigation of Disappeared Persons formed as per the Comprehensive Peace Accord complete their works. The country has now moved towards the direction of prosperity by means of equitable and sustainable economic growth. For the attainment of this objective, I would now like to present before this august Housethe Policies and Programmes of the Government of Nepal for Fiscal Year 2073-74.

 

Madam Speaker,

 

The Government of Nepal has been active as per the directives of the Constitution for national independence, territorial integrity and unity and will remain committed forever to national interest, enhancement of national strength and dignity. Accordingly, with a motto as ‘Implementation of Constitution: Socio-economic Progress of Nepal and Nepalis’, the Government of Nepal will remain active in the implementation of the Constitution that started with the election of the Prime Minister. 193 laws incompatible with the Constitution have been amended by this very esteemed House and additional 138 laws will be enacted next fiscal year. Socialism-oriented governance system envisaged by the Constitution will be directed towards the destination of Happy Nepalis and Prosperous Nepal. I believe that the Government will receive thoughtful cooperation of all political parties to this end.

 

For the implementation of federalism and administrativerestructuring, a High Level Steering Committee at political level and a Coordination Committee at administrative level have been constituted. For the restructuring of the local level, the Commission constituted to determine the number and boundary of Village Bodies, Municipalities and Special, Protected or Autonomous Areas has been working.

 

Since it will take some time to determine number and boundary and legal basis of local level as per federal structure, election for the local bodies, remaining without people’s representatives for last 14 years, will be held within November/December 2016 under the transitional provisions. This will help ensure democratic exercise at people’s level, rule of law and leadership of people’s representatives in local development ending the condition of absence of people’s representatives at local bodies.

 

Coming year will be taken as the year of implementation of Constitution and transformation of governance system. The Government of Nepal has already constituted a political committee to address the dissatisfaction about the demarcation of States and is ready to advance work by giving full shape to the Committee.

Madam Speaker,

 

The unimaginable loss of lives and property and scenes of devastation in the country caused by the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015 and the aftershocks that followed are still fresh in our memory. The fact is clear before all of us that the Terai-Madhes agitation and obstruction at the southern border following the promulgation of the Constitution further ruined the economy of the country while we were still facing challenges created by destruction and shocks of the earthquake. While recalling the patience, dignity and unity demonstrated by the Nepali people in such a difficult situation, I would like to thank all.

 

The reconstruction works have now been intensified although it took some time to prepare necessary institutional and legal foundation for reconstruction due to unfavourable situation created in the country. Transfer of the first installment of the grant to be provided by the Government for reconstruction of private houses has already been started.

 

All eligible beneficiaries will be provided with grants smoothly with a view to completing construction of all private houses within two years. For private houses, in addition to grant of Rs. 200,000, soft loan of Rs. 300,000 will be provided without security under collective guarantee of house owners, and soft loan of Rs. 1.5 million in rural areas and Rs. 2.5 million in Kathmandu valley will be provided with security. To help build safe houses, trained technicians have already been mobilized to provide technical assistance in the affected areas. As it will take some time to build private houses damaged by earthquake, the construction of community shelters are being carried out to bring the home-less people under the roof immediately.

 

One House, One Employment programme will be implemented in earthquake affected areas and this will be gradually expanded to other sectors.

 

The reconstruction and rehabilitation five-year strategic framework will be prepared and implemented in planned manner in accordance with the spirit of the Nepali people that the courage and energy have not collapsed despite the collapse of houses by the earthquake. The construction process of the archeological heritages,

Office of the President, Office and Residence of the Vice President, Office of the Prime Minister, Parliament Building, Supreme Court, Nepali Army Headquarters,

Office of the Election Commission, Office of National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Rastra Bank and other important government buildings damaged by the earthquake will be carried forward. The Dharahara will be reconstructed in three years time by advancing the campaign “I Will Build My Dharahara”.

 

The work will be intensified for the reconstruction of all schools and most of the hospitals and health posts within next three years. Under the five-year plan of action, the National Reconstruction Authority will be mobilized to complete the construction of all private houses within two years and all structures damaged by the earthquake within five years.

 

The earthquake and obstructions at the border points have exposed the risk of our development and dependence on others. This incident has taught us a lesson to move towards self-reliance-oriented, multi-interdependent economic system realizing the challenges that excessive dependence on one country in trade, investment and supply system may generate. Now the Government will move ahead towards self-reliance in essential goods and services while diversifying trade relations and transactions.

 

The country will move towards building sustainable, independent, self-reliant and just economy moving on the path of self-reliance particularly on food, medicine and energy.
In agriculture sector, the Government will increase investment in agriculture to become basically self-reliant within two years in major food items and will attain food security.

 

The efforts of the Government would be focused on becoming self-reliant on medical treatment by increasing the production of basic medicines and medical equipment, and on maintaining health security.

 

In order to manage insecurity in energy supply brought about by dependence on a single source in the supply of petroleum products, the source of supply will be diversified and import substitution and energy security will be maintained by increasing the production of renewable energy.

 

Job and employment opportunities will be created in the reconstruction and new construction areas along with the expansion of agriculture, tourism, industry and service sectors. The dependence on foreign labour markets for employment will be gradually reduced by generating sufficient opportunities of employment and self-employment within the country.

 

The Government will prepare the Fourteenth Three-year Plan, with the purpose of building socialism-oriented prosperous nation based on the norms and values of democracy, and will implement it from coming fiscal year. The objective of the plan will be to build an independent and prosperous state while ensuring basic social services and maintaining food, health, energy and job security to build a welfare state.

 

The economic policies will be focused on the path of prosperity while strengthening national economy through

participation, independent development and complementary role of public, private and cooperatives

sector.

 

Upcoming fiscal year will be the year of departure towards prosperity. Next five years will be the period of development. Next ten years will be the years to move up the ladder of prosperity. The Government, through all

these efforts, is determined to graduate Nepal from a Least Developed Country to a Developing Country soon

and to attain the category of middle-income countries

within next 15 years. The Sustainable Development

Goals, as endorsed by the United Nations, will be

incorporated into the plans and annual programmes, and

the development goals and strategies up to 2030 will be

determined.

 

A Financial Sector Development Strategy will be

implemented with a view to supporting the economic

growth while attaining financial sector stability. Financial

means and resources will be mobilized in agriculture,

energy, tourism and physical infrastructure sectors.

 

In order to ensure access of all to financial services,

provision will be made, with the encouragement of the

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Government, for all Nepalese to have bank accounts.

Financial literacy programme will be made effective.

 

A modern and reliable capital market will be developed

to attract national and international savings and

investment while developing the capital market as an

important mechanism of country’s economic

development. In addition to making the service provision

of banks and financial institutions effective, operation of

financial institutions will be arranged commensurate with

the federal and provincial structure.

 

Necessary legal arrangements will be made for publicprivate

partnership to develop physical infrastructure with

the participation of the private sector. Likewise, the

investment required for operating large-scale projects will

be ensured with the establishment of Infrastructure

Development Bank.

 

The Government will play the role of a facilitator for the

promotion of efficient, competitive private sector with

social responsibility. The private sector will be developed

as the main engine of employment generation and

contribution to revenue as well as partner in economic

growth and infrastructure development.

 

The cooperative movement will be carried forward for

empowering communities through social transformation

and equitable economic growth through institutionalized

mobilization of means and resources available with the

communities at the local level.

 

New production relations will be developed while

eliminating all the remnants of feudalism inherent in

society. Economic policies will be oriented towards

national capital formation and development.

Madam Speaker,

 

Agriculture will be developed as a dignified, safe,

respected and attractive occupation through

commercialization and modernization of this sector.

Special programmes will be conducted by determining

different parts of the country as the pocket areas of

different food products according to the prospects of

comparative and competitive advantage and geographical

and ecological conditions. The farmers will be gradually

brought to the social security net by building social

security fund with their own participation.Youths will be

attracted to agriculture and those youths who have

returned from foreign employment will also be integrated

to it.

 

Collective and cooperative agriculture system will be

developed to encourage mechanization of agriculture.

Fertilizers, seeds, irrigation, technology, and access to

market of agricultural products will be ensured. Easy

access of farmers to agricultural loan, crops and livestock

insurance will be arranged. For this, cooperative

organizations will also be mobilized alongside the private

sector. Small farmers will be socially and economically

empowered through the promotion of agriculture

cooperatives.

 

The agricultural technical service will be provided for the

implementation of major strategies and programmes

under recently launched Agriculture Development

Strategy. Agricultural grant will be provided on the basis

of work performance and productivity. Likewise,

arrangement will made for the dissemination of

information related to agriculture through mobile phones.

Production and distribution of high breeds of livestock

such as cows, buffalos, goats and others will be made

systematic by developing Livestock Resource Centers

through public, cooperative, private partnership.

Integrated programme will be implemented to make the

country self-reliant in animal products within two years

through establishment of resource centers in each

province.

 

Farmers will be provided with concessional loans under

livestock development programmes for the employment

and income generation.

 

In order to promote livestock market, livestock open-air

markets (Haat-bazaars)and modern slaughterhouses will

be established at different places of the country.

Madam Speaker,

 

Land Use Act will be introduced for proper utilization of

land and sustainable development. Mandatory selfdeclaration

of land ownership will be implemented. The

Government will work towards solving the problem of

landless people forever by guaranteeing one-time access

to land for all while implementing scientific land reform.

In addition, the rehabilitation of freed Kamiyas and

Haliyas will be concluded within this fiscal year.

 

Accuracy and reliability of land survey and geographical

information will be enhanced by carrying out timely

reform in land administration. Use of state-of-the-art

technology will be enhanced in land administration and

land management.

 

Community-based forest management system will be

strengthened for conservation, management as well as

sustainable use of forest and for clean environment.

Programmes relating to biodiversity conservation,

environmental services and livelihood will be conducted.

 

Forest-based entrepreneurship will be promoted through

research and studies, conservation, farming and

production growth of plant resources, non-wood forest

products and herb species, and establishment of

processing centers. The country will be made self-reliant

on production and utilization of wood, and import will be

substituted. Programmes will be conducted in waste land

by classifying them as agriculture, private and

community forest areas. Employment opportunities will be generated from forest sector by widening public

participation through community forests and

cooperatives. Production and supply of wood will be

arranged for the reconstruction of structures damaged by

earthquake.

 

Master plan for the conservation of Chure Area and other

areas with biodiversity and ecological importance

including watersheds and wetlands will be prepared and

implemented. In order to control encroachment of forest

areas and wildfires, approved strategy will be

implemented along with the formulation of necessary

action plan.

 

Madam Speaker,

Competitive and sustainable industrial development

works will be carried forward for economic

transformation. Initiative will be taken from this year to

establish at least one major industrial estate in each

province within three years for the development of

industrial infrastructure. Policy, legal, and procedural

arrangements will be made to attract domestic and

foreign investors for the infrastructure development and

operation of Industrial Estates and Special Economic

Zones. Construction of roads and electricity transmission

lines linking identified large industries and the industries

that are suitable for industrial production will be carried

forward with priority.

 

Arrangements to guarantee One House, One

Employment will be made to establish employment as an

important link of social security. For this, necessary legal

provisions will be made. Emphasis will be laid on effective implementation of

Trade Policy, 2072 and Nepal Integrated Trade Strategy

in order to export to the world market developing

exportable goods that are competitive and of comparative

advantage and diversifying markets. Construction works

of Special Economic Zone will be initiated in Simara

within two years in a way to provide all infrastructure

facilities for the development and expansion of

readymade garment industries having growing prospect

in the international market.

 

All services and facilities to be provided from the

Government of Nepal will be made effective in order to

encourage the private sector for export promotion.

Emphasis will be given to the development of products

and services having export potentials and import

substitution in order to reduce ever-increasing foreign

trade deficit of Nepal.

 

To protect consumers’ interests, legal provision will be

made to mark maximum retail price, date of production

and consumption, raw materials used and nutritional

value on the packets of all consumer food items. Market

monitoring and supply system will be made systematic.

Market Monitoring Office with manpower will be

established in each province.

 

In order to mitigate dependence on petroleum products

and gas, exploration and drilling works of petroleum

products and gas within the country will be carried

forward with priority. Storage capacity will be increased,

covering all seven provinces, for meeting minimum of 90

day-demand in order to ensure regular and smooth supply

of petroleum products.

 

Supply arrangement will be made more effective for food

security in remote and inaccessible areas, including

Karnali zone, of the country. Additional food grains will

be sent to drought-affected districts and settlements.

Technical and practical orientation programmes on

dietary change will be conducted to bring about changes

in food habit and also to increase food production at the

local level.

 

Madam Speaker,

 

The Government will advance the production works of

hydropower and other renewable energy so as to supply

electricity at basic level within a year and to meet actual

demand within two years. By implementing the National

Energy Crisis Reduction and Electricity Development

Decade Action Plan- 2072, hydropower production

programme for 10,000 megawatts by 2082 B.S. will be

undertaken with priority.

 

Special priority will be accorded for the timely

completion of electricity production, transmission and

distribution projects under construction. Besides, nationwide

network-building master plan of electricity

transmission line will be prepared; and construction

works of necessary domestic and cross-border

transmission lines will be expedited. Electricity

distribution system will be strengthened. Smart meter and

grid system will be gradually made effective.

 

Detailed study will be commissioned with a view to

construct at least one reservoir electricity project in all

provinces having natural feasibility. Construction works

of reservoir electricity projects including Budhigandaki

and West Seti Hydropower Project will be expedited. By

promoting solar, wind, thermal and bio energy, access to

modern energy for all will be gradually made.

 

Emphasis will be given to the implementation of

multipurpose reservoir project for the development of

irrigation, energy and drinking water in a way to ensure

ecological balance and sustainability through integrated

hydropower development management. New study will

be undertaken in order to ascertain hydropower

production capacity potential. To take maximum benefits

from water resources, formulation of basin plan of all

rivers and hydropower development master plan will be

initiated.

 

Madam Speaker,

Various irrigation projects will be implemented including

by using innovative technology in order to provide yearround

irrigation facility to all arable land within few

years. Special programme for prosperous Terai-Madhes

irrigation development will be launched in 22 districts of

Terai and inner-Madhes.

 

Construction work will be intensified for the timely

completion of the ongoing Sikta, Bheri-Babai Diversion,

Babai and Rani Jamara Kularia irrigation projects

mobilizing necessary resources. Sunakoshi-Marin

Irrigation Project will be advanced. Bheri Corridor

Multipurpose Development Project will be launched. The

study and implementation of Kankai Multipurpose

Irrigation and Kaligandaki-Tinau Diversion will be

carried forward.

 

Environmental standards will be revised for controlling

air, water, sound and land pollution; and emphasis will be

given to environment-friendly infrastructure

development. In this context, emphasis will also be given

to the implementation of climate change treaties and

conventions to which Nepal is a party.

 

Hydrology and meteorology forecast will be developed in

an automated system. Flood monitoring information

system will be extended to areas of important river

system with high risks.

 

In order to manage risks associated with natural disaster,

the People’s Embankment programme launched from

big rivers will be implemented as a campaign with the

participation of local people. Green development will be

promoted by using bio-engineering technique in river

training.

 

Emphasis will be given to the development of renewable

energy; and concerned agencies will be mobilized in

order to take benefits from the mechanisms, including

clean development mechanism, under the Kyoto Protocol.

The grant and loan system will be simplified in order to

move forward, as a campaign, the Illuminated Nepal,

Prosperous Nepal programmeand the smoke-free, clean

and lighted home programme.
Clean drinking water and basic sanitation programmes

will be launched for all people within the next two years.

High priority will be given to the reconstruction of

drinking water and sanitation structures that have been

damaged due to natural disasters including earthquake.

Arrangement will be made to provide integrated drinking

water and sanitation services in the settlements under

reconstruction. Drinking water improvement programme

will be commenced in Terai-Madhes.

 

In order to supply the drinking water in Kathmandu

Valley, the construction of tunnel and water processing

centers of Melamchi Drinking Water Project and most of

other related works on infrastructures for the distribution

of water will be completed.

 

The ‘People’s Drinking Water with People’s Participation‘ programmes will be

conducted in other large and small cities. Medium and

higher level drinking water expansion projects, drinking

water projects based on co-financing and the projects

intended to enhance the quality of drinking water will be

carried forward. Special pumping projects will be run in

draught-affected settlements and schools without

sustainable source of drinking water. A bulk distribution

system will be constructed and implemented to supply

drinking water in Terai-Madhesh, Chure Bhawar and

inner Madhes regions.

 

Studies and researches will be carried out on the

depletion or drying of the sources and decrease of flow of

water due, inter alia, to climate change and natural

disasters. Appropriate technology will be utilized in order

to harvest rain water and reservoir based drinking water

system will be developed along with protection of

watershed areas. The concept of climate-smart village

will be gradually implemented by carrying forward the

climate change adaptation programme.

Madam Speaker,

 

The investment will be increased in the transport services

that are the backbone of national and international

connectivity as well as economic prosperity. A five- year

strategic plan for the development of road, rail and other

modes of transportation will be implemented. All roads

which are strategic and connect centers of the provinces

will be upgraded to at least two-lanes and black-topped.

 

The works of upgrading the Kakarbhitta-Butwal sector of

the East-West Highway to a four-lane expressway will be

initiated. The works of black-topping and construction of

bridges along the various sections of the underconstruction

‘Pushpalal Midhill Highway’ will be moved

forward with priority. The construction of the sections of

the postal highway will be completed phase wise within

the stipulated timeframe.

 

The construction of Kathmandu-Nijgadh fast-track will

begin from the coming fiscal year with the investment of

the Government of Nepal. The speedy construction of the

roads connecting the commercial border points in the

north and south including Seti Mahakali Highway will be

prioritized.

 

The works of expanding the roads in Kathmandu valley

will be expeditiously carried forward while the works of

expanding the roads in other major cities will also be

moved forward. All the roads within the Ring Road of the

Kathmandu valley will be blacktopped within a year.

 

The plan for the construction of East-West electric

railway will be moved forward. Construction works of

Rasuwagadi-Kathmandu-Pokhara-Lumbini railway will

be initiated after preparation of detailed project report

within two years. In line with the agreements signed

recently with the friendly Government of the People’s

Republic of China, the operationalisation of transit

facility, expansion of electric transmission line,

construction and upgradation of Rasuwagadi and

Kimathanka roads will be carried out and Tatopani

customs point will be brought in operation along with the

up-gradation of the Araniko Highway.

 

District Headquarters of Humla and Dolpa will be linked

to the road network within two years. All the village

development committees (VDCs), except those which are

not feasible due to natural and technical reasons, will be

linked by road networks.

 

Public Tuins (wire bridges) that are being used in risky

manner in remote and rural areas, will be replaced by the

suspension bridges within the next fiscal year. Embossed number plates will be implemented in

vehicles. While continuing the works of replacing driving

licences with smart cards, vehicles ownership certificates

will also be transformed into smartcards.

Madam Speaker,

 

Cities will be made the base of economic growth by

developing rural-urban inter-linkages. Cities will be

developed as per the concept of ‘One city, One Identity’

in order to promote tourism and diversify trade and

business. Few smart cities will be built in various parts of

the country. ‘National Building Code’ will be strictly

enforced. Arrangement will be made for the construction,

repair and maintenance, protection and supervision of the

Government-owned buildings through a single entity. For

the establishment of well-managed city, one integrated

city or a valley development authority will be constituted

in each State.

 

In order to protect the historical, religious and cultural

identities of urban civilization evolved on the banks of

various river systems of the country, protection and

beautification of river banks will be maintained with the

conservation of river eco-system, water purification and

maintenance of minimum flows of water in the rivers.

 

For the sustainable garbage management in Kathmandu

valley, the infrastructure building of the landfill site for

the long-term use will be completed within coming three

years. The project to convert the garbage into energy and

manure will be expedited.

Madam Speaker,

 

Emphasis will be given to upgradation of tourist

destinations, identification and infrastructure

development as well as marketing of new destinations for

the development of tourism sector. A Ten Year National

Strategic Tourism Plan will be implemented while

introducing promotional programmes for attracting

tourists from neighboring countries. Promotional

programme will be launched to observe the year 2018 as

Nepal Visit Year with the goal of bringing in one million

tourists.

 

Income and employment will be generated through

internal tourism by observing the Year 2073 B.S. as

Internal Visit Year. Touristic area and destination will be

developed in every province by identifying at least one

prime location as the center point. Historical, religious

and cultural heritage sites will be preserved for the

promotion of religious tourism.

 

Arrangements of granting permits to tourists for trekking

and mountaineering will be integrated. Mobile

information system will be developed and implemented

to inform about tourism destination and tourism services

and facilities. In order to make mountain tourism safer,

arrangement will be made for weather forecasting and

prior dissemination of information. Construction work of

integrated rescue center will be started in the Everest and

Annapurna regions.

 

While enhancing religious, social, cultural harmony and

unity and ensuring full religious equality and freedom in

the country, emphasis will be laid on the promotion and

protection of the religion and culture handed down from

time immemorial. Construction work of a National

Cultural Museum in Kathmandu Valley will be advanced

for the preservation and strengthening of cultural

diversity of the nation by reflecting the lifestyle,

traditions, language and literature, culture and custom of

various ethnic and linguistic groups. One each Model

Peace and Cultural Village in every province will be

established for sustainable peace and development.

Narayanhiti Museum will be developed as a Historical

Museum of Nepal.

 

Sacred birth place of Lord Buddha – Lumbini, touristic

place Pokhara, Nepal’s lowest lying land Kechana, and

Damak, where the world’s tallest Buddha Statue is to be

established, will be linked with the International Buddhist

Circuit.

 

Additional airports will be constructed with the objective

of expanding air transport to the rural areas. Airports not

in operation will be brought into operation. Helipad

construction programmes will be started, gradually, in all

municipal-villages while giving priority to villages in

remote areas. Feasibility study will be conducted for

construction in accordance with the concept of one

provincial international airport in every province.

 

Tribhuvan International Airport will be upgraded.

Construction work of the Gautam Buddha International

Airport and Pokhara Regional International Airport will

be expedited and completed within specified time.

Construction work for Bara International Airport will be

started by completing land acquisition and demarcation

work.

 

Air safety standards will be strictly implemented as per

the international standard in order to make the civil

aviation of Nepal safer. Radar system will be upgraded

for the improvement of internal aviation safety. National

Flag Carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation will be made

competitive and its image will be enhanced.

Madam Speaker,

 

High school education up to class 12 will be gradually

made compulsory and free while ensuring the right of all

citizens tobasic education. School education will be made

employment friendly. In school education, a 6-year

school sector development programme will be

implemented. All levels of education will be made free

for children from Dalit and marginalized communities.

 

Gap in educational quality between community and

private schools will be reduced. Community schools will

be upgraded and model schools with facilities will be

developed. Useful education and result oriented teacher

management working procedure will be implemented by

promoting quality of school education. Performance

appraisal system will be introduced in schools based on

contracts between Headmasters and Teachers.

 

Elementary child education teacher will be arranged by

including elementary child education in the framework of

school education. Curriculum for civic education will be

introduced from school class levels in order to build

citizens competent and conscious about the nation.

Schools and teachers will be reallocated based on school

mapping and posts of teachers in excess in primary levels

will be adjusted to classes 6 and 8.

 

Incentive programmes will be focused towards targeted

groups for equitable participation in school education.

 

Programmes such as scholarship, free schoolbooks,

residential facilities and day meals will be reviewed and

directed towards students from poor groups. Concessional

loan facility will be arranged for bright students studying

science, technology and vocational education. Technical

and vocational education will be expanded and skillenhancing

education will be emphasized for the

development of entrepreneurships and employment.

Organizational structure of the Scout will be

strengthened in order to make it effective.

 

Internet services will be expanded to schools and

colleges. Information and communication technology will

be utilized in teaching learning process. For this, a

separate educational channel will be made operational in

coordination with Nepal Television.

 

In order to develop required qualified manpower in

science, technology, and information technology, Madan

Bhandari Science and Technology Institute will be

established and operationalised within coming fiscal year.

Improvement will be made in the educational quality in

universities. Education will be integrated with nation

building by making provision of internship service as part

of curriculum for bachelor’s degree students. A Highlevel

Education Commission will be established for

progress in education and the entire educational system

will be strengthened based on its recommendation.

Agriculture campuses will be gradually expanded to

produce skilled manpower needed for the country in the

agricultural sector. Work will start for the establishment

of Bidushi Yogmaya Ayurved University.

 

Institutional development of distance learning system

including Open University will be made for remote areas

having no access to higher education and for those

requiring alternative access. Interest free educational loan

will be made available for acquiring higher education in

scientific, technical and employment-oriented vocational

areas based on educational certificate.

 

While giving continuity to the act of declaring all districts

literate, 30 districts will be declared literate in the coming

year. Newly literates will be provided with lifelong

education.

Madam Speaker,

 

The Government will be committed to implementing the

fundamental rights of each citizen to free basic health

services and equal access to such services. Emphasis will

be laid on free health services, distribution of medicines,

maternal, neonatal and child health, reproductive health

and safe motherhood. Golden thousand days programme

will be intensively advanced. Likewise, intensive

emergency maternity service and neonatal service will be

expanded gradually to 75 districts. National health

insurance will be carried forward as an integral part of

health security.

 

One window system will be launched on experimental

basis to provide Ayurved and other complementary

medical services with modern medical services. For the

credibility of Ayurvedic medicines, appropriate

production process will be adopted in Singhadurbar

Baidyakhana.

 

Work related to operation of hospitals-owned pharmacies,

strengthening of lab of Department of Medicines,

monitoring of pharmacies and control of quality and price

of medicine will be made effective together with

improvement of physical conditions of hospitals and

enhancement of their resources.

 

Recognizing the social contribution of women health

volunteers, their incentive allowance will be increased

and will be brought within the scope of social security.

 

Voluntary organizations will be encouraged in the health

services.

 

Children protection programme, initiated with the

objective of producing healthy citizens through proper

nurturing of children, will be gradually expanded to cover

all children in the country.

 

The Social Security programmes will be implemented for

women, children and senior citizens. Programmes to

honour long service of senior citizens and health

insurance will be introduced. Collaboration will be forged

with community organizations for the establishment of

day care service centres for the elderly.

 

Continuity will be given to the campaign against

traditionally prevailing social malpractices and evils.

Care-related and employment oriented training will be

provided to a family member of a fully incapacitated

individual or a person with disabilities.

 

President Women Advancement Programme will be

conducted while ensuring the rights of women, covering

more than half of population, in order to ensure equal

participation in all stages of nation building as well as to

promote economic progress and prestige and dignity of

Nepali women. This programme will be conducted to

increase women’s self-esteem and contribution to socio

economic transformation while ending gender violence,

trafficking in women and social stigmatization. Toilets

for women will be made mandatorily provisioned in

public places, offices and schools.

 

Provisions will made for the operation of cooperative

institutions in accordance with the norms and ideals of

cooperatives while encouraging them to carry out

agricultural production, processing and marketing, to

increase industrial production by developing

entrepreneurship, to provide financial services and to

increase access of public to education, health and other

services.

 

The distribution of identity card will be completed on the

criteria of poor person, family, community and

geographical region.

 

Targeting the communities who are backward from the

perspective of human development index, special

programmes will be launched for awareness and

economic development in the VDCs and wards of

municipalities of 20 districts of Terai-Madhesh in

addition to backward areas.

 

As the basic shelter facility is the right of citizens and

managing the same is the duty of the State, a Citizen

Shelter Programme will be operated by targeting the lowincome

groups. Under this programme, 20,000 houses

will be built and handed over to the Dalits, and

endangered and the poor sections of society in the next

fiscal year.

Madam Speaker,

  1. 50,000 youths will be self-employed every year through

Youth Self-Employment Programme, which will be

gradually expanded for the development of

entrepreneurship of youths linking them to production.

Ten Youths One Youth Enterprise Programme will be

run as a model in the upcoming fiscal year while

coordinating among Youth Self Employment Programme,

Agricultural Pocket Area Development Programme, and

Micro and Cottage Industries Programme. Research

fellowships will be provisioned to encourage young

scientists. Unemployed youth will be provided with

concessional loan on the basis of project proposal and by

submitting academic certificates as guarantee.

 

Social Security Programme for the workers based on their

contribution will be initiated from this fiscal year by

adopting the bill formulated to replace current Labour

Act and Social Security bill from Parliament. The current

provision of provident fund and gratuity for

workers/employees will be reviewed in order to make

provisions for pension after 60 years of age. Social

Security will be provisioned also for workers and farmers

working in the informal sector including agriculture.

 

Insurance of workers in the industrial, tourism, transport

and construction sectors will be made mandatory from

this fiscal year.

 

At least one labour office will be arranged in each

province and labour inspection system will be

implemented to avoid labour dispute. Initiative will be

taken for the formation of a multi-stakeholder socioeconomic

mechanism within the Parliament for policy

dialogue.

 

In order to make foreign employment systematic,

dignified and reliable, policy and legal provisions will be

made and skilled, professional and technical manpower

will be sent to attractive and safe destinations and the

knowledge, skill, experience and remittance to be

obtained from foreign employment will be utilized in the

economic development of the country. Programmes like

Hydroelectricity with the Investment of People will be

implemented while utilizing the remittance of the laborers

engaged in foreign employment in specified projects.

Gradual access of laborers to the means of production

will be enhanced while building other development

infrastructures with the participation of the people.

 

Arrangements will be made for establishing workers’

ownership in the capital and management of Public

Enterprises. The productivity of labor force will be raised

by ensuring dignified remuneration and expanding the

just share of labourers in the benefits of production

through collective bargaining.

 

The process of issuing certificates by testing skills of

workers who have returned from foreign employment

will be started by engaging agencies such as the Council

for Technical Education and Vocational Training

(CTEVT). The programmes of integrating returnees from

foreign employment to the domestic labor market will be

implemented.

 

A Master Plan will be prepared and implemented for the

elimination of child labor while continuing with the

current programmes for ending child labor.

 

While making the pension of civil servants based on

contribution, overall pension system will be reformed.

Madam Speaker,

 

Emphasis will be laid on the development of sports as a

way of creating a healthy and disciplined society. In order

to strengthen national unity through sports, policy will be

adopted to build a stadium or a multi-purpose covered

hall in every province. The work of building necessary

infrastructure and upgrading stadium for the Thirteenth

South Asian Games will be undertaken on priority basis.

Construction of a stadium of international standard in

Lakhanpur of Jhapa district will be commenced from this

fiscal year.

 

With a view to making mass communication media

dignified and professional, Mass Communication Policy

will be brought into implementation. Code of Conduct for

journalists will be implemented by prescribing

qualifications and standards in order to make reliable and

dignified dissemination of information. Continuity will be

given to the monitoring of the status of implementation of

the provisions for paying minimum remuneration to

working journalists.

 

The communications media will be classified and

specialized by setting specific criteria and standards. A

 

Plan of Action for structural and managerial reform of

public organizations and associations active in the field of

mass media will be implemented. The Gorkhapatra, the

eldest publication institution in the country, will begin

regional publications from Biratnagar in the east and

Kohalpur of Banke in the west.

 

Structural and managerial reforms in the postal services

will be carried out to make it professional and compatible

to modern technology. Express Mail Service will be

provided in Metropolitan and Sub-Metropolitan cities.

The services currently provided by extended postal units

will be carried out in co-ordination with local bodies.

 

Law relating to security printing will be reformed, and

the process of setting up security printing press will be

initiated.

 

The expansion of communications technology, radio and

TV services will be initiated by developing Nepal’s own

satellites. Optical fibers will be laid down in Mid-Hill

Highway and Postal Highway by mobilizing Rural

Telecommunications Fund. Internet services at

community schools and primary health posts through

microwave transmissions will be initiated.

 

Information technology services will be provided in the

urban centers along the Pushpalal Mid-Hills Highway and

newly declared municipalities as per the concept of

modern city. Free internet services will be initiated at

important public places on a cost sharing basis between

telecommunication service providers and concerned

agencies.

Madam Speaker,

 

Focus will be laid on institutional strengthening and

capacity development for search, rescue and relief, and

reconstruction works while modifying the existing

institutional structures for disaster management as per the

 

federal set-up. A new Act on disaster management will be

enacted and implemented. Arrangements will be made for

necessary equipment including heavy equipment in all

provinces. Emergency operation centres will be gradually

expanded in all districts.

 

Suitable programmes for developing a competent police

administration equipped with technology will be executed

with a view to protecting the life, liberty and property of

the people by maintaining law and order in the country.

All services provided by the home administration

including in the field of immigration and prisons will be

made more competent, customer-friendly and driven by

information technology. Boundary pillars will be

protected, repaired and constructed while strengthening

border security.

 

While making necessary legal and structural reform to

control the transction and abuse of narcotic drugs,

awareness-creating activities will be carried out as a

special campaign.

 

Relief and needful medical treatment to those injured in

incidents including those related to the armed conflict and

the people’s movement will be managed effectively as

per the spirit of the Comprehensive Peace Accord.
The distribution of National ID Cards will be carried out

with priority. The system of issuing visas electronically

and the use of modern technology in prisons management

will be started.

 

The rule of law will be further strengthened by carrying

out public awareness programmes on the Constitution,

human rights and other humanitarian laws. The bills on

civil and criminal codes, civil and criminal procedures

codes and on prescribing punishment under criminal laws

currently under consideration of the Legislature-

Parliament will be enacted.

 

The access of the people to justice will be ensured while

making the judicial system independent, fair, efficient

and transparent. The judicial system will be restructured

in line with the federal structure.

 

The strategic plan of the Office of the Attorney General

will be implemented, and the capacity of the government

attorney offices will be strengthened.

 

For the overall national interest of Nepal, the National

Security Policy will be implemented and a Defense

Policy will be prepared. Law on the National Security

Council will be formulated. Nepali Army will be made

capable and equipped with resources in line with current

realities. And engagement of Nepali Army in disaster

management and infrastructure development will be

continued. The contribution of Nepali Army in

international peacekeeping will be enhanced. The youth

will be engaged in the task of nation building by

expanding the National Cadet Corps.

 

Institutional capacity of all constitutional bodies will be

enhanced and necessary resources and means will be

arranged. The Office of the Prime Minister and Council

of Ministers will be further strenthened as the executive

governing centre of the country and central secretariat of

the federal governance system.

 

As per the constitutional provision, laws relating to

election and laws on the political parties for thier

management and regulation will be enacted. Necessary

preparation will be made for holding the elections in

coming days in a free and fair manner including those of

the State legislature, local level and House of

Representatives.

 

The civil service will be reorganised as per the federal

structure. Motivation and performance contract and

methods of evaluation will be strenthened in order to

develop a clean, transparent and people friendly civil

service.

 

Among the offices delivering services, one appropriate

office in each district will be developed as a model office.

Civil servants will be made more responsible and

accountable by making transfer, promotion and career

development predictable. Provision of training will be

made at all levels of service entry. Services of the Civil

Hospital will be expanded to all provinces in coordination

with government hospitals.
Preventive and promotional programmes will be

conducted for corruption alleviation. In order to perfom

the technical audit of the projects of national pride and

other mega projects, capacity of the human resouces

along with necessary resources, means and procedures

will be developed. Property details to be submitted

regularly by persons holding public posts will be

montitored.

 

Single portal based online procurement system will be

operated effectively to make public procurement process

further open, transparent, objective and reliable.

Similarly, access of all stakeholders to information will

be enhanced by establishing public procurement

information management system.

 

The quality of audits will be enhanced to ensure financial

accountability of the public expenditure. The

comprehensive and agency wise procedures of internal

control system will be formulated to make public

financial management effective.

 

The single revenue management information system, with

reform, will be extended to additional 35 districts and

Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad. Reforming the

current payment system, the tax deducted at source will

be linked with permanent account number and from the

next year, arrangement will be made to directly transfer

the payment exceeding stipulated amount to the bank

account of the payee. Transfer of government fees to epayment

system will be started from the next fiscal year

on trail basis.

 

The capacity of the designated department and

subordinate offices will be enhanced to make the works

related to control of revenue leakage and misuse of

foreign currency and anti money laundering effective.

Tax system will be made progressive, investment friendly

and simple. Unified tax code will be formulated and

revenue administration will be reformed.

 

Development cooperation will be mobilized in the

priority areas of increasing national production and

capacity. Development cooperation will be mobilized

through national system. Bilateral financial agreements

will be concluded as per the pledges made by the

international community for the post earthquake

reconstruction. Coordination with donor agencies will be

enhanced for mobilizing additional financial resources

required for reconstruction.

 

In order to improve the distribution of basic and essential

goods and services to people, the policy of increasing

government investment together with reform of public

enterpries will be pursued. Reform in the existing

arrangements and standards related to appointment and

qualifications of officials in public enterprises will be

undertaken.

 

The amounts of constituency development programme

and VDC and municipality grant programmes will be

increased. Build Your Own Village programme will be

made more effective by linking it with local infrastructure

and production.

 

Political, economic and cultural relations with all friendly

countries will be strengthened by pursuing a balanced

foreign policy based on the Charter of United Nations and

‘Panchasheel’. National interest will be safeguarded by

conducting international relations on the basis of

sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and

national dignity. The relations with neighbouring

countries, India and china, will be further strenthened on

the basis of mutual interest, equality, cooperation and

cordiality. The projects and programmes emanated from

the bilateral treaties, agreements and understandings

reached during the State and official visits of the Prime

Minister to friendly neighbouring countries will be

implemented.

 

Active role will be played in South Asian Association for

Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Bay of Bengal

Initiatiave for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic

Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and preparation for the fourth

Summit of BIMSTEC will be made.

 

The role being played by Nepal in the United Nations for

promoting world peace will be made more effective.

Similarly, Nepal will continue to play an active role in

international forums for the cause of the least developed

and land locked countries. Conherence will be made

between foreign policy and national security policy of the

country.

 

Madam Speaker,

It is in Nepal’s interest to move forward with dialogue,

consensus and colabaration for the protection and

institutional development of the historical achievments

made by the Nepali people through the Constitution of

Nepal. The culture of solidarity, maturity, thoughtful

participation and collaboration shown by Nepali political

parties during difficult times in the country has been

appreciated by the international community. Refining and

broadening this culture of collective journey, that we

initiated in our national inrterest, will be reflective of the

aspirations of the Nepali people. As the country is

entering into the phase of full implementation of the

 

Constitution, the Government remains committed to

keeping the national pride high by promoitng naitonal

unity and enhancing national capacity.

 

Realising the aspiration for a ‘Beautiful, Peaceful and

Equitable Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali‘ is

possible and it is my belief that this Constitution will be a

means for achieving this end. These Policies and

Programmes will contribute to the implementation of the

Constitution, post-earthquake reconstruction, promotion

of national unity and enhancement of national capacity. I

expect that the Government will receive cooperation from

all sides in creating a durable peace and prosperous

society by strenthening national unity through the

campaign towards a just economic development, creation

of self-relient economy and prosperity.

 

I express cordial thanks to all friendly countries, United

Nations, international organizations, civil servents,

security personnel, private sector, civil society

organizations, non-resident Nepalis and all fellow

countrymen for their important support in Constitution

making and its implementation as well as for the post

earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Long Live Nepal and Nepalis !

Thank You .

Presented at the Parliament by:

Bidya Devi Bhandari, President of Nepal

May 8, 2016


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