Development Priorities

With the passage of the government's policies and programmes from the House of Representatives on Sunday, the foundation for the budget for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 has been laid down. The policy document has clearly set out the roadmap for the development and prosperity of the country. It aligns with the minimum common programme of the coalition government of the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress. Covering health, infrastructure, agriculture, economy, technology, etc., it aims to ensure good governance, equitable distribution of resources and long-term national progress. 

However, the policies and programmes are often criticised for being repetitive and ritualistic. If they are effectively implemented, working in tandem with three tiers of government and the implementing bodies, they are expected to bring about positive change in the socio-economic conditions of the people. Based on the policy document, the new budget will accord priority to completing the national pride projects and large infrastructure works with high returns. They will focus on reviewing and re-prioritising all infrastructure projects and reforming the development model. 

Completing the ongoing project remains the top priority rather than starting new ones that may hit a snag. For the success of the government, the plans should address the needs of the citizens and be transparent and accountable to the citizens. Priority has been given to multispectral reforms, collaboration between federal, provincial and local governments as well as between private, public, cooperative and community sectors for balanced development. However, to strengthen federalism, the government should expedite the passage of the Provincial Civil Service Bill, amendments to laws concerning the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force. After the formulation of the necessary laws, the provincial government will be empowered and could function more efficiently. 

Development projects, be it national pride projects or those carried out at the local level, need to be implemented effectively and on time. In our context, the projects get delayed for multiple years, which increases the cost of the project and erodes people's trust in the implementing agencies. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the ongoing projects will be classified and rescheduled to be completed by the fiscal year 2025/26, which has instilled hope in the public. The passage of the Federal Civil Service Bill, the School Education Bill, the Bill for the Establishment and Regulation of the Nepal Aviation Services Authority and amendments to laws related to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal are also very important for the smooth implementation of the policies and programmes. 

It is relevant to note here that Nepal is facing the unprecedented exodus of its youth in search of job opportunities abroad. The government's policy and programmes should focus on addressing this situation by improving the infrastructure of the country and creating more job opportunities so that the most energetic force can get totally engaged in nation-building. Moreover, the government has to make every possible effort to translate the programmes and policies into tangible outcomes also to end the growing frustration gripping the people. This will eventually enable the government to deliver goods and services to the citizens effectively and efficiently.