Kathmandu, June 30 : Prime Minister Pushpa kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has stated that no one should be spared from their responsibility in terms of economic and social development in the name of the trnsitional.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the inter-provincial chief ministers’ meeting held in Pokhara on Friday, the Prime Minister stated that the political turmoil has ended with the recent elections and our common goal now is to build a prosperous Nepal through good governance and development. He urged everyone not to evade responsibility by showing the transitional as an excuse.

In the program, the Prime Minister said, “We have spent a long time in political turmoil. It has hindered the overall economic and social development of the country. The recent elections have brought an end to the political turmoil. Therefore, our shared goal now is to build a prosperous Nepal through good governance and development. Without coordination and cooperation among the three tiers of government, this objective cannot be achieved. The constitution clearly defines the responsibilities and powers of the three levels of government. We all need to make efforts to fulfill our responsibilities by effectively utilizing the available resources. Although the government is coming and going, the system remains institutionalized, and with the end of political turmoil, no one can use the excuse of the pandemic to hinder economic and social development.”

“Prime Minister’s Address

First of all, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the honorable Chief Minister of the Gandaki Provincial ministerial Council for organizing this meeting in the panoramic city of Pokhara. I wish the meeting great success.

After the promulgation of the constitution of Nepal, this meeting, being held for the second time, plays a significant role in strengthening the federal democratic republic in the country and fostering strong relations between the provinces. I have faith that it will be carried out based on the principles of cooperation, coexistence, and harmony as envisioned by the constitution, which poses a challenging task for us in operating the federal governance system.

However, the representatives elected from all three levels have been working diligently, utilizing limited resources, to advance the development agenda and fulfill the aspirations of the people, thereby institutionalizing the federal democratic system. I commend all the honorable Chief Ministers who have taken the lead in steering the provincial governments in this endeavor.

In the seven years since the promulgation of the constitution, we have achieved significant progress. The second term of all three levels of elections has been completed, and the provincial capitals and names have been designated. Financial transfers have been organized at the provincial and local levels in accordance with the recommendations of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission. The work of employee adjustment has been completed. Approximately 80 laws related to federalism have been formulated, and 165 laws have been amended, while some crucial laws are in the translation phase. The Federalism Coordination, Province, and Local Level Coordination and Interrelation Act of 2077 are being implemented. The structures for coordination outlined in the same act have been made functional. In accordance with this act, the first meeting of the National Coordination Council, established by the constitution, will be held in Pokhara, the capital of Gandaki Province.

From the Prime Minister’s level, there have been discussions and interactions with the Chief Ministers from time to time. The development of a method to hold meetings of the National Development Problem Solution Committee in their participation has been carried out. This has provided significant support in understanding and finding appropriate solutions to the problems in the provincial level.

Honorable Chief Ministers,

We have spent a considerable amount of time immersed in political turmoil, which has hindered the overall economic and social development of the country. The elections at all three levels have brought an end to the political upheaval. Hence, our current shared goal is to build a prosperous Nepal through good governance and development.

However, achieving the full implementation of federalism requires greater coordination and cooperation among the three tiers of government. The Constitution clearly delineates the responsibilities and powers of the three levels of government. We must all make efforts to effectively fulfill these responsibilities by maximizing the utilization of available resources. Although there may be changes in government administrations, the institutional framework and the conclusion of political turmoil should not hinder our progress towards economic and social development.

Amidst the achievements we have made, there is still much work left for the complete implementation of federalism. It is essential to enhance clarity among the three tiers of government regarding resource allocation, service delivery, production, and distribution regulations, quality standards, policies, and benchmarks.

The elaboration of the single and shared authority and responsibilities of the three levels of government, as outlined in the progress report, has highlighted the need for further clarity. The Government of Nepal has expressed its commitment to update this elaboration through policies and programs in the upcoming fiscal year. Suggestions from provincial and local governments will also be incorporated to make it work-oriented. Once there is clarity in the elaboration, organizational structure and management will proceed accordingly, leading to effective implementation. I expect that the discussions in this meeting and the upcoming National Coordination Council meeting will identify and address the existing ambiguities in the working areas.

For the implementation of federalism, the government has prioritized the formulation of crucial laws such as the Federal Administration Act and the Federal Education Act. Significant progress has been made in this regard. I believe that these will be enacted soon.

Honorable Chief ministers

During the discussion on the budget and programs for the fiscal year 2080/81, I stated in the representative assembly that we are not disappointed or discouraged, but we do not have an alternative to moving forward with hope and confidence.

The six-month period has not been sufficient for the comprehensive evaluation of the government’s performance, although significant work has been done in the areas of social justice, governance, and prosperity. Action has been taken against the accused involved in organized crime, who make Nepali citizens fake Bhutanese refugees, and the Lalita Nivas land case has been reopened. The government’s efforts to control corruption and promote good governance have created a new sense of hope among the general public.

Positive improvements have been made in the overall economic indicators. Remittances have increased, tourist arrivals have grown, the interest rate of banks has been reduced, a business-friendly environment has been created, long-term issues of microfinance and cooperatives have been addressed, and there has been a positive growth in foreign currency reserves. The current government’s initiatives have brought the country’s economy back on track in challenging circumstances. However, there are still many tasks remaining to be addressed.

A social security program based on the contributions of Nepalis living abroad has been implemented, benefiting hundreds of thousands of Nepali workers. Labor help desks, online labor approval and visa renewal systems, the rescue, relief, and repatriation of Nepalis stranded abroad, citizenship, travel facilitation, national identity card services, and the simplification of service delivery have been established in Nepali embassies abroad.

For the first time in history, textbooks have been delivered to school students across the country, including remote areas, well in advance. Proper management of chemical fertilizers has been carried out this year. A policy has been adopted to promote domestically produced vehicles with registration.

The system has been set up to provide 700 beds for free to the poor and helpless citizens at Bir Hospital. Measures have been taken to address the problems of earthquake-affected farmers through the formulation of laws and the formation of task forces, and the process of action has been expedited. The allowance for peace and security work has been abolished. Players are being encouraged and rewarded. These efforts by the government and others have shown that challenges can also be turned into opportunities through strong determination, honest efforts, and proactive steps.

In order to further progress and achieve more success, cooperation from everyone is needed by building on the achievements already obtained in the field of development. We need to be cautious when criticizing, as criticizing good work can mislead the general public. This not only creates negativity in the system but also hinders the progress of the country towards becoming a developed and prosperous nation, freeing itself from the vicious cycle of poverty, with the dream of three crore Nepalis.

Therefore, I urge everyone to eliminate mutual animosity and move forward hand in hand for the development of the country. If we all work honestly within the boundaries of the constitution and make improvements based on our past mistakes and experiences, I believe that the rapid development and prosperity of Nepal will not be difficult to achieve.

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the honorable Chief Ministers, ministers, and all the residents of Gandaki Province for organizing the meeting of the Inter-provincial Chief Ministers and for the successful completion of this meeting. Along with this, I wish to express my best wishes that this meeting will come up with important conclusions to strengthen federalism.

Thank you!