Kathmandu: Lawmakers have suggested that the government’s annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 BS, which are under discussion in the federal parliament, should be made more mature and richer by making necessary modifications. Airing their views on the policies and programmes in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, they suggested incorporating the justified and positive topics related to the policies and programmes raised in the House as the government’s policies and programmes document is amendable.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Nepali Congress lawmaker Arjun Narsingh KC opined that it would be futile to hold discussions in parliament if the policies and programmes were not amended. He emphasized the need for a two-thirds strong government to bring policies and programmes as a more advanced, systematic, and implementable document incorporating the views of all parties. KC mentioned that the budget for the next fiscal year should be brought by incorporating practical plans rather than ambitious ones to make the policies and programmes implementable.
KC remarked that it was positive to bring ‘Gen-G’ generation-oriented programmes in the policies and programmes of the upcoming fiscal year. He suggested that these policies should focus on ensuring the income of marginalized communities and people living below the absolute poverty line by ensuring social justice. He also highlighted concerns over increasing public debt, persistent corruption, lack of good governance, and unemployment, which are causing a sense of despondency among the people. Moreover, KC stressed the need for Nepal to take the initiative to mobilize international cooperation to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Thakur Prasad Gaire underscored the importance of incorporating the issues and suggestions raised in parliament. He noted that the government’s annual policies and programmes are based on the directive principles and policies of the state mentioned in the constitution. Gaire pointed out the necessity for strong coordination among the government’s annual policies and programmes, principles and priorities, annual budget, and medium-term expenditure structure. The UML lawmaker expressed concerns that questions have been raised about the government and the system as they have not been able to fulfill the citizens’ aspirations related to development.
Gaire reiterated that the people have sought strong support and confidence from the state. He acknowledged that positive criticism and suggestions carried more meaning than simply dismissing everything in the policies and programmes as bad. He stressed the need for advancing important laws, including the civil service bill, education bill, and police bill, along with the policies and programmes under discussion in parliament. Gaire also mentioned the need to consider the impact of the recently developed tension between India and Pakistan on Nepal and the role that Nepal can play in fostering peace between the two countries.
Meanwhile, CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Mahendra Bahadur Shahi criticized the government’s policies and programmes, asserting that they have failed to promote federalism and address the development of a self-reliant economy. Shahi argued that the new policies and programmes lacked encouragement for youth and clarity on the State’s view regarding the development of remote areas like Karnali. He added that the policies and programmes have not provided guidance on economic development by maximizing the use of the country’s natural resources.
Shahi stated that although the constitution mentions socialism, the government’s policies and programmes clearly encourage privatization, requiring more clarity on economic issues. He emphasized the need to focus on developing the agriculture sector based on Nepali characteristics, fully automating the country’s 40 customs offices, and making small customs more systematic. Shahi suggested taking effective measures based on past studies, closing unnecessary offices, and reducing the number of employees to minimize recurrent expenditure.
He advocated for developing a capable and self-reliant economy based on national needs and stressed the need for common and meaningful initiatives from all parties to further strengthen local and provincial governments.