KATHMANDU, MAY 19
The government unveiled its policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year 2080/81 during a parliamentary session.
President Ram Chandra Paudel presented these policies and programs, highlighting the achievements of the newly formed government since the general elections. The president emphasized that the government's focus on improvement and solutions had yielded positive results across all sectors, leading to a positive turnaround in the economy.
President Paudel outlined several key initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year. The government plans to review the existing taxation system, strengthen revenue administration, and diversify revenue collection while cracking down on revenue leakage, illegal transactions, and capital flight. Measures will also be taken to address issues in deposit and microfinance companies, ensuring the protection of investors' interests. Additionally, microfinance companies will be encouraged to invest in production sectors.
Regarding international aid, the government aims to concentrate it on large-scale projects that can generate optimal outcomes. Public debt will be utilized strategically, and international aid will be directed towards transformational, high-priority projects of national importance.
Austerity in government spending will be maintained by dissolving unnecessary boards and committees. The government will introduce laws related to development projects to facilitate their speedy delivery. Efforts will be made to simplify monitoring of development projects, land acquisition, forest area usage, evaluation of environmental impact, and purchase procedures through the formulation of relevant laws.
President Paudel expressed the government's intention to explore possibilities for increasing production and exporting construction materials like stone, gravel, and sand from Nepal. Regulations will be put in place to govern the excavation of these materials. The construction of the Nijgadh International Airport, which has been in limbo, will be pursued. The government aims to standardize international and domestic airports in Nepal, utilizing existing airport facilities to their full potential.
In terms of energy accessibility, the government aims to provide electricity to all Nepalis, especially the poor, within two years. Additionally, the government plans to waive the cost of 50 units of electricity during the monsoon and 30 units in winter for consumers. Efforts will also be made to replace LPG cylinders with electric alternatives, and the possibility of hydrogen fuel production will be studied.
The government intends to relocate the landless population along rivers, including in the Kathmandu Valley, to ensure these areas are free from encroachment. Technological assistance will be provided for waste management and multipurpose usage at the local level.
President Paudel announced plans to draft new ordinances to reduce the cost of telecommunication services and encourage the co-use of telecommunication infrastructure. Furthermore, the restructure of organizations such as the Security Printing Centre and the Currency Department is planned.
The second phase of the Melamchi Drinking Water Project will be carried out to ensure year-round operation, and efforts will be made to make water resources pollution-free. The government also aims to construct 1000 public toilets and resting places (Chhautaras).
President Paudel emphasized that 2025 will be designated as a special tourism year, with enthusiastic promotion of religious and culturally significant places. Time-relevant amendments to existing tourism laws will be made to support this initiative.
Strict measures will be adopted to eliminate syndicates and cartels in the market, with a focus on ensuring proper market monitoring.
According to the Nepalese Constitution, the annual fiscal budget is presented on Jestha 15 each year. Before the budget presentation, the president must disclose the government's policies and programs, which outline the government's plan of action.
