Highlights of government’s policies and programs

KATHMANDU, May 22: The government on Monday unveiled its policies and programs for the next fiscal year 2018/19.

The government’s policies and programs has highlighted the promises made in the joint election manifesto of the communist party during the polls, constitution implementation, economic and infrastructure development, capacity enhancement, and administrative facilitation at local and provincial levels.

Here are some highlights of the policies and programs unveiled by the government.

STATUTE IMPLEMENTATION

The government, announcing the policies and programs, has stressed the states’ priority for the effective implementation of the new statute.

The policies and programs have mentioned that the purview of the existing anti-graft laws will be broadened to check corruption even in non-governmental bodies.

It has also promised to formulate laws for the protection of whistle-blowers who tip off the authorities on wrongdoing and irregularities in any sector.

The government has also planned to strengthen the capabilities of the judiciary so that access to justice will be swift, transparent and credible. The policies and programs has also promised to add to resources to the transitional justices commissions in order to conclude the remaining tasks of transitional justice at the earliest.

The government has proposed revamp of various state mechanisms like the bureaucracy, security agencies and other government agencies so as to bring them up to date. A think tank has also been envisioned to suggest revisions to government policies, priorities and strategies at regular intervals.

The government has also announced to formulating national defense laws and policies and assured strengthening the security system in the country.

Nepali diplomatic missions will be mobilized effectively to promote tourism, boost foreign investment in the country, increase exports and uphold the national interest.

The government has also planned to complete reconstruction of three major heritage sites—Dharahara, Kasthamandap and Rani Pokhari by the next three years.

DOUBLING AGRO PRODUCTION

The government has targeted to double the argo production in the next five years.

The government, identifying agriculture as one of the key sources of economic growth, has stated that it would curb fragmentation and encroachment of arable land while also encouraging contract, cooperative and group farming.

The government also plans to pursue a policy to export high-value agro products and become self-reliant on major crops, cattle and fishery products. The farmers will now get agro inputs like fertilizers, seeds and pesticides etc from the agro centers in rural municipalities and municipalities.

Likewise, the government has announced to fix the minimum support price of major crops—paddy, wheat and sugarcane before the start of cultivation of such crops. Furthermore, the government has also vowed to regulate and regularly monitor the availability of agro inputs, production, storage and price of agro products.

The government is also planning to expand crop and cattle insurance program for the risk management of the farm. The policies and programs also promises to encourage investment in agro industries for increasing industrial production and make Nepal self reliant.

The government has said that it would develop small, mid and large scale irrigation projects by utilizing modern technology for providing irrigation facilities to arable land.

INDUSTRIAL VILLAGES IN ALL LOCAL UNITS

The government promises to establish an industrial estate each in all seven provinces—as stated in the manifesto of the then left alliance.

The policies and program states: the government will prioritize industrial sector to increase exports and lesson dependency on other countries even for everyday goods.

The government will also reopen old and closed industries through public-private partnership, while encouraging private sector to further increase their investments by creating investment friendly environment.

The documents further states that it will ensure favorable labor relations and guarantee safety and security of investment.

As per the policies and programs, the needful arrangement will be made to increase production of sugar and pharmaceutical production as well as leather footwear and accessories within the country.

The government document further states: jute, carpet, handicraft, thread and readymade apparels industries will also receive special emphasis in the new fiscal year.

Emphasizing on the importance of entrepreneurship for the development of national economy, women empowerment and skill-based training for youth will be organized throughout the country, the policies and programs document states. The government will take strict action against individuals and groups promoting carteling and syndicates, the document further states.

The government also aims to expand the capacity to store petroleum products.

TWO MORE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS

The government has set deadlines for completing several development projects, mostly in infrastructure.

The fast Tract Highway, Mid-Hill Highway and Postal Highway will be completed within five years.

Gautam Buddha International Airport, which was a sick project until recently, will be completed within a year and also Pokhara Regional International Airport, construction that started last year, is to be completed in the next three years.

The government will enhance aviation safety by installing necessary equipment at the Tribhuvan International Airport and give continuity to TIA expansion works. According to the document, the government plans to open new air routes, expansion and upgradation of domestic airports and renovation of runway are other programs.

Connecting each local level unit with blacktopped roads within the five years is another ambitious program of the government.

Likewise, the government planned to build a new international sports stadium within three years.

(Adopted from Republica)