KATHMANDU, JUNE 19
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has unveiled the policies and programmes of the city budget for the coming fiscal year 2022-23 as Mayor Balendra Shah addressed the first meeting of the 11th session of the Municipal Council today. During the meeting, Mayor Shah announced plans to develop the cultural city Kathmandu as a model city.
He said that the economic, social, and cultural reform and development works of the entire metropolis would be carried out maintaining ecological balance and ensuring greenery. Mayor Shah has brought the budget for the coming fiscal year within oneand-a-half months after winning the mayoral post as independent candidate. He has also announced that the city will be developed as a hub for international film-making and that Kathmandu Metropolitan City would be developed as a fully literate city through the policies and programmes.
Following are the highlights of KMC's plans and policies: Sustainable and systematic solution for waste management of Kathmandu will be sought to make the city clean and ecological.
Upgradation and improvement of wards will be done in direct connection with the people. Road network and drinking water will be managed.
Provision of Rs 50 million has been made for construction of Madan Bhandari Memorial college, Rs 40 million for construction of National Health Child Care Hospital building, and Rs 50 million for construction of Chhetrapati Free Clinic.
Melamchi Municipality and Panchpokhari Village Municipality will be provided Rs 25 million and Rs five million respectively for disaster management.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City will be declared as a literate metropolis.
Infrastructure ambulance will be continued and necessary materials will be provided for traditional fencing in public transport waiting rooms.
Monasteries and stupas and chaityas at the World Heritage sites will be preserved and promoted.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City will be developed as an international film and historical centre. International branding of Newari-produced beverages will be carried out.
CCTV cameras will be installed in all the offices within the metropolis.
The mayor's programme will be held on the first Sunday of every month to discuss revenue and finance issues. Apps will be developed to keep electronic data. Companies will be managed for real estate business.
Tax rates will be modified - online system for tax collection will be further improved.
Size and location of promotional materials, including advertisements, hoarding boards. Tax rates of multi-storey buildings within the municipality will be revised.
Grants will be provided for production of local and foreign films. Tax offices will be open even on holidays.
Parking lots will be managed effectively.
CCTV surveillance with GPS tracking will be ensured in public vehicles and places.
Private sector will be encouraged.
Feasibility study for underground parking with reverse boring will be carried out in the metropolis. KMC's own mart will open and senior citizens' meeting centre will be put in place.
Banks and financial institutions will be encouraged to arrange disability-friendly banks and ATMs. Infrastructure for open gymnasium, aerobics, yoga and other sports will be developed.
Sports projects in collaboration with national and international clubs will be launched. Flood lights for night sports will also be arranged.
Skill development and entrepreneurship will be promoted.
Trainings related to sculpture, woodwork and metalwork will be provided to interested youths. Technical assistance will be provided to industries and start-up businesses.
Tax exemption and concessions will be provided on need basis. Sale and distribution of local products in shopping centres and department stores will be encouraged. Arrangements will be made to keep the night business safe and dignified.
Policy related to cooperatives will be introduced. Arrangements will be made to renew the registration and renewal of cooperatives electronically.
E-cooperative programme for institutional development, expansion and improvement of organisations will be introduced.
A version of this article appears in the print on June 20, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
