DHARAN, FEBRUARY 11

Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Kedar Karki, has said democracy is essential for development.

Addressing a seminar organized by Democratic Thoughts Society Koshi Province chapter on 'Challenges of Federal Republic: NC's Role', here Saturday, CM Karki viewed, "In democracy, there is debate on thoughts. In absence of democracy, there is only order."

Development works are incomplete when there is no debate on any issue, he said, adding that Koshi Province government was planning to set up a think tank to forward intellectual dialogues. The think tank will focus on how potentials of health, education, agriculture and technology could be unlocked.

He hoped that the institute would play a significant role on province's development. As Nepali Congress is a democratic party, it believes in discussion and dialogue, according to him.

On the occasion, Chairman of Democratic Thoughts Society, Kul Chandra Wagle, said Nepali Congress needs to play an important role again as the federal democratic republic is facing host of challenges. "NC's active role is warranted to correct weakness in the republic system," he underlined.

Also speaking at the programme presided over by Koshi chapter chair of the Society, Jivan Kumar Rai, were former chair of Society, Kedar Narsing KC, senior vice chair Gokarna Aryal, former chief of Koshi Province, Prof Dr Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang, and NC General Secretary in province, Umesh Thapa, among others.