Key Takeaways:

• Peace, security and governance are Adhikari's stated priorities for Bara
• Zero-tolerance policy against theft, smuggling, black-marketing and illegal drugs
• Plans to facilitate land ownership certificates for landless, Dalit and squatters
• Industrial security task force, market monitoring and service reforms to be introduced

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 16 Newly transferred Chief District Officer (CDO) Khadananda Adhikari has said maintaining peace and security will be his top priority in Bara. Speaking at an interaction with journalists on Wednesday, Adhikari said he would work to ensure a peaceful environment and improve governance and public service delivery in the district. He pledged a zero-tolerance policy against illegal activities, theft, smuggling and black-marketing, and said controlling the illegal extraction of riverbed materials and smuggling of forest products would be prioritised. Strict measures will also be taken against the production, sale and use of illegal drugs and alcohol, with awareness programmes to be conducted in schools. Adhikari said he would facilitate land ownership certificates for landless, Dalit, squatters and unorganised settlers, and strengthen customs patrols. A special task force will be formed to improve industrial security and create a safe environment. Government and public offices will be regularly monitored to improve service delivery, with action against employees failing to comply with dress codes and working hours. Middlemen will be barred from offices, and services provided directly to citizens. He also pledged market monitoring in coordination with journalists to prevent the sale of expired and unsafe consumer goods.