Pledge For Better Results

The coalition government, led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, has completed one year in office on Wednesday (Dec 11). In the initial days when the government came into existence amidst chaotic political environment, the PM faced challenges in choosing the right allies. However, the confusion was gradually over and the PM succeeded in mustering the support of the political parties, enabling him to command more than majority in the federal parliament. Then, the government picked up the momentum, with a series of measures to attain good governance, economic recovery, and effective service delivery. Its anti-corruption crusade drew praise from the public and the COVID-hit economy was brought back on track through stimulus and flexible monetary policy. The government’s climate diplomacy put spotlight on the precious Himalayas that are melting fast due to rising global warming. Significant gain was made in the hydropower development. 

On Tuesday when the Prime Minister addressed the nation on the occasion, he did not mince his words. He said that the government did not fail but the outcomes fell short of his expectations. The PM did not only mention the progress made in the last one year but also rolled out his schemes for coming year. Formed following the second general elections under the new constitution, the people have pinned high hopes on the current dispensation obliged to resolve burning issues related to basic service delivery, development, employment and implementation of federalism, among others. Unsatisfied with the current style of working, the PM has vowed to change operational approach of the government in order to have better results. For this, he is set to overhaul the Prime Minister’s Office this week to give a message of change. PM Prachanda has announced that the 2080s would be the decade of rapid development.

Positive indicators have been witnessed in the economic sector. For instance, the consumer price has gone down by 2.7 per cent. The government is now focusing on lowering the inflation that has caused economic hardships to the people. It is going to effectively implement the Health Insurance Act to integrate all free programmes, excluding the fundamental ones, into a unified health insurance framework. Some high profile political leaders and senior government officials are now behind bars for their involvement in various corruption cases and forgeries. This shows that the government is determined to check corruption and end impunity. The PM said that the government would appoint the top officials in the universities based on meritocracy and end the practice of political appointment that has been blamed for the erosion of quality of education and prestige of the country's oldest university – Tribhuvan University.  

This year, a total of 776.61 kilometres of roads have been blacktopped and 587.5 kilometres graveled.  Likewise, 181.29 km of new track has been opened and an additional 162,000 safe houses have been constructed and provided to the beneficiaries. Altogether four border entry points between Nepal and China have been opened. The PM is working with a compact plan of 28 days to bring water from Melamchi to the residents of Kathmandu. The minimum wage of workers has been increased to Rs. 17,350 and more than 950,000 people who have gone for foreign employment or are self-employed abroad have been included in the contribution-based social security scheme. The real farmers will get agricultural loans at subsidised rates. Around 400,000 tonnes of chemical fertilizer supply has been ensured on time. Balanced relationships have been maintained with India and China. The government is on track and expected to make bigger achievements next year.