KATHMANDU, JUNE 5
Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Dilendra Prasad Badu has stressed the need for contribution from all stakeholders for the overall development of Sudurpaschim Province.
At a programme organised here today marking the 11th general assembly of Sudurpaschim Concern Forum, Minister Badu stated that Sudurpaschim Province of the country was lagging behind in the terms of development, but state intervention for development of the province was still insufficient.
Sharing the fact that Sudurpaschim region was developed more after the restoration of democracy, Minister Badu said more was left to be done in the field of infrastructure development. The dry port being constructed in Kanchanpur would help in trade facilitation and reduce costs, he added.
On the occasion, former deputy prime minister Bhim Rawal said it was unfortunate that the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year had failed to incorporate religious and archaeological sites of Sudurpaschim Province for their promotion and development. He asked the government to include Khaptad region in the new budget. Likewise, former minister NP Saud said the region had progressed gradually in the areas of road network, health, education and irrigation sectors. Despite some challenges for the development and prosperity of Sudurpaschim, it is achievable with the common efforts of all, according to Saud.
Former minister Ganesh Thagunna, National Planning Commission Vice-chairperson Bishwo Nath Poudel, the forum's founding chairperson and former chief of Nepal Police Motilal Bohara, The forum's Chairperson Bishnu Prasad Khatri and others expressed their opinions on the possibility of Sudurpaschim Province's development.
Meanwhile, a 14-member new working committee of the forum was elected under the chairmanship of Bahadur Singh Bista. Bhaskar Lama and Rajrajeshwori Singh were elected vice-chairs while Laxmi Shah was elected as the general-secretary.
Purna Bahadur Chand and Godawari Singh Shahi made it to the posts of secretary and treasurer, respectively.
Nar Bahadur Bista, Mohan Singh Yetwal, Shamsher Thakurathi, Bhismaraj Ojha, Dev Bahadur Bohara, Arjun Bahadur Singh, Laxmi Prasad Upadhyay and Bijaya Bahadur Shah were picked as members of the working committee.
