PM pledges voting rights for Nepalis abroad

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 16:  Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has assured to make arrangements to ensure the voting rights of Nepali citizens living abroad. 

Addressing a virtual programme of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Diaspora Coordination Committee on Friday night, he said, “Such provision will benefit millions of Nepali expatriates spread across the world, so that they don’t have to be deprived of their voting rights.”

Stating that the remittances sent by Nepali migrant workers have boosted the reserves of foreign currency, he said that the participation of migrant workers in the Social Security Fund was meant for the security of the workers. 

“The accumulation of foreign currency reserves required for 11 months, with remittances received from foreign employment is a sign of economic improvement in itself,” the Prime Minister said. 

He further said after he became the Prime Minister, emphasis was given to promote coordination between public and private sectors for economic development in the past three months. 

Describing the CPN (Maoist Centre) as the major force that led to the new constitution and brought the country to its current state, Prime Minister Prachanda said, “There have been positive signs to solve the problems of Nepal’s economy in the past three months.”

There was an improvement in revenue collection in recent days while the rate of interest has also been reduced, said Prime Minister Prachanda while adding that the government had been working to improve the foreign employment sector and would do more for the sector.

In another context, Prime Minister Prachanda said the government was capable of strengthening national unity. 

Sharing thoughts about his imminent visits to neighbouring countries, he also expressed his commitment to address some of the concerns of the Nepali people during those visits.

Referring to his India visit which is likely to take place soon, the Prime Minister said, “Matters relating to reducing the trade deficit, transit policy and air routes will be discussed during the visit.”

Recounting the works he had done during his nine-month-long tenure earlier, he said, “Now the focus should be placed on implementing the policy and programmes.”