Kathmandu: Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has advocated for comprehensive planning that considers the aspirations of all stakeholders. Addressing a program organized by the NC’s Economic Policy and Planning Department, Deuba highlighted the necessity for discussions on NC’s economic policies and strategies for achieving the nation’s economic development.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Deuba emphasized the rural development vision of BP Koirala and expressed concerns over the depopulation of rural areas due to outmigration. He noted that many individuals have migrated from hills to Tarai, urging efforts to retain the remaining population in rural regions to curb rural to urban migration.
Deuba also stressed the importance of acknowledging climate change impacts, noting rising sea levels and bare mountains as significant concerns. He highlighted Nepal’s vulnerability to these impacts and called for global awareness and action to protect the nation.
NC leaders Bimalendra Nidhi and Mahalaxmi Upadhyay emphasized the party’s need to focus on promoting agriculture-based enterprises. Prof Dr Govinda Raj Pokhrel, NC central committee member and Chief of the Department, suggested that the upcoming fiscal year’s budget could achieve some success in reducing climate change-induced risks if fully implemented.
Former vice-chairs of the National Planning Commission, Dr Prithvi Raj Ligal and Jagdish Chandra Pokhrel, stressed the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline and creating employment opportunities through the budget.