With the presentation of the common minimum programme (CMP) report to the Prime Minister the other day, the current government is expected to take a steady course. Before complying with the opinions and tips mentioned in the report, the five-party alliance government will go through all points covered in the CMP report presented by a task force formed by the ruling party alliance. The propositions are aimed at aiding the Nepali Congress-led coalition government in carrying out programmes effectively through consensus among alliance partners.

The alliance partners have decided to bring forth the CMP in unison so that the government would carry out its programmes with no dissension among its allies. This would ensure stability in the government and the nation's politics. The CMP report delivered by a task force that had noted leaders from the Nepali Congress, Maoist Centre and Janata Samajbadi Party comprised several recommendations that the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government would enforce. To make the government's task easier, the task force has recommended a high-level political committee at the federal, provincial and local levels to bolster the government's function. A 14-point code of conduct for ministers has also been proposed in the report that has thrashed out a 10-point suggestion for the operation of the alliance government.

The CMP report includes priorities for the current government. It stresses tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, managing relief packages for disaster-affected people, good governance, completion of the peace process, economic policy and programme and balanced foreign policy. The report also contained measures to promote the national interest, effective implementation of federalism and strengthening of the federal democratic system. Likewise, revisions in the constitution through consensus among political parties, presenting the important bills in the parliament, strengthening provincial and local governments and giving preference to economic development and social transformation, improving supplies and controlling corruption are other important suggestions included in the report. Economic packages for industries, tourism sector, media, transport sector, party palaces, cinema halls, entertainment sector, reconstruction and rehabilitation, working-class people and those facing crisis owing to COVID-19 have too been incorporated in the document.

It is now apparent that the CMP report, which represents the aspirations of the alliance partners, is an effective paper. The recommendations incorporated in this report are consequential for the government as they will guide the latter towards accomplishing its objectives and targets by successfully implementing programmes and proposals. The Deuba-led dispensation came to the helm after toppling the preceding KP Sharma Oli-headed government that had earned infamy for its unpopular acts. The Deuba government has made several pledges for the welfare of the nation and the people which the Oli government had neglected to carry out.

The CMP, which has incorporated many programmes that can materialise from government promises, would come into operation only after the top leaders of the alliance partners would work through the recommendations and would recognise them. Hence, the leaders will have to scrutinise and then launch the CMP without delay. Since the leaders had earlier promised that the present cabinet would get full shape after enforcing the CMP, they must aim at commencing the CMP so that the government would proceed smoothly with all significant programmes and policies.