KATHMANDU, APRIL 21
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has stated that government service delivery should be made more effective by strengthening institutions such as the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the Policy Research Institute, rather than dismantling them.
During a discussion with office-bearers and staff of the NPC at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Tuesday, the Prime Minister noted that efficient service delivery would be possible only if policy formulation and planning processes are conducted in a systematic and coordinated manner. "Strengthening such institutions will significantly enhance the overall functioning of the government," he argued.
Referring to the Policy Research Institute, the Prime Minister underscored the need for experts capable of undertaking in-depth research and articulating a long-term vision. He assured that the government would fully own and utilize the academic contributions of such experts.
He also directed both institutions to work with a results-oriented approach, free from hesitation. "Every task must be guided by a concrete plan and effective implementation. The role of subject-matter experts in national development is indispensable," he added.
Prime Minister Shah further cautioned that budgetary and legal constraints should not be cited as excuses for underperformance. "Meaningful outcomes are achievable only through rigorous study and research. The country cannot attain prosperity without revising outdated policies and laws," he said.
Similarly, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle emphasized that the current moment should be seized as a golden opportunity for reform. He urged that expert knowledge be translated into actionable government policies, programmes, and budgets.
Minister Wagle also stressed the importance of proposals featuring clear objectives, adequate funding, well-defined responsibilities, and measurable outcomes, to be implemented through the respective ministries.
The government, he noted, has adopted a strategy of launching innovative programmes as pilot projects and scaling them up nationwide upon proven success.
Likewise, officials of the Commission briefed the Prime Minister on the current status of progress, key challenges, and budgetary constraints.
They also highlighted that studies and research conducted by the Institute have been crucial to improving government functioning and called for additional resources, including increased human capital.
