I 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,
- 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