Zero-tolerance on corruption not just rhetoric: PM

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug 23: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has reiterated that the coalition between the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress is aimed at stabilising the nation and fostering economic development in the country. 

Responding to a question raised by Nepali Congress lawmaker Dr. Narayan Khadka in the House of Representatives on Thursday, the Prime Minister said so. 

Dr. Khadka asked the Prime Minister a question regarding the effectiveness of the coalition in maintaining good governance in the question-answer session with the PM. 

In the meeting, 12 lawmakers asked the PM questions ranging from corruption to economic development and disaster response. 

"We have united to address the nation's pressing issues and restore hope," PM Oli said. He assured that the government's zero-tolerance policy towards corruption was not just rhetoric but a genuine commitment.

PM Oli addressed the issue of disaster management, particularly regarding the recent floods and landslides. He said that relief efforts were underway and highlighted plans for immediate aid, including temporary and permanent housing for the affected families. Regarding infrastructure, he said that the bridge over the Triyuga River, damaged by floods, was being reconstructed with urgency.

While responding to the question of MP Narayan Prakash Saud regarding Nepal's electricity trade agreements with India and Bangladesh, Prime Minister Oli outlined the Energy Development Roadmap and Action Plan, aiming to increase Nepal's electricity production capacity to 28,500 MW by 2034/35. He also updated that while the agreement with Bangladesh was delayed due to recent political events, efforts were ongoing to finalise it. "We are confident that the agreement will soon be concluded, marking a significant milestone in regional energy cooperation," he said.

MP Narayani Sharma questioned if the coalition government would address potential constitutional amendments and economic decline in district headquarters.

Prime Minister Oli reiterated that constitutional amendments would be based on practical experience and national needs, requiring collective effort from both the government and parliament. Regarding the economic development of district headquarters, PM Oli noted that services have been decentralised, and strategic programmes are in place to boost local economies and enhance private sector morale.

Addressing concerns raised by MP Narayan Prasad Acharya regarding the delayed publication of exam results and the restructuring of universities, PM Oli provided an update on educational reforms. He stated that an integrated academic calendar, formulated by the University Grants Commission, has been implemented across all universities. 

“Tribhuvan University has successfully published results for 240,000 students, and measures are in place to expedite future results. A draft for a unified university law is being reviewed, and efforts to restructure universities and improve higher education quality are underway,” said PM Oli.

On the issue of teacher shortages in community schools, the Prime Minister acknowledged the problem and highlighted government initiatives to address it. “The federal government is providing budgetary support through relief teacher grants and teaching-learning grants, with proposals in place to convert these temporary positions into permanent ones,” he said.

In response to a question on agricultural self-sufficiency, PM Oli outlined the government's strategies to achieve food security. He emphasized that while Nepal has reached self-sufficiency in fish, meat, milk, and eggs, there was still a reliance on imported vegetables and fruits. The Prime Minister detailed plans under the Prime Minister's Agricultural Modernization Project to boost domestic production of rice, vegetables, and fruits. “Quality control measures for imported agricultural products are being strictly enforced, and efforts are underway to expand orange cultivation, with programmes being implemented across various zones,” he said.

PM Oli responded to MP Nain Kala Thapa’s query by assuring that the government was actively working with local authorities and international organizations to manage and mitigate the effects of natural disasters. 

On the topic of fertilizer production, PM Oli acknowledged the government's commitment to addressing farmers' needs. He revealed that the Ministry of Chemical Fertilizers was currently importing 600,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser with subsidies, and studies for establishing a domestic fertilizer factory were ongoing.

In response to a query from MP Poorna Bahadur Gharti, Regarding the visit of U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma on August 16, Prime Minister Oli clarified that the discussions did not include the KA (State Partnership Program) or Star Link Station. Instead, they focused on strengthening Nepal-U.S. relations, with the U.S. committing $100 million in aid for disaster response, including helicopters, equipment, and training. 

On the legislative front, Prime Minister Oli addressed concerns about the Federal Civil Service Act and the Police Adjustment Act. He assured that these laws, critical for federalism, are a priority. The Federal Civil Service Bill, 2023, is under parliamentary review, and a new draft Police Act is being prepared to align with federal governance, he said.

Prime Minister Oli also addressed rumours regarding electricity tariffs and arrears. He highlighted that the government was focused on fair tariff collection and had implemented several concessions for the public, including free electricity for up to 20 units per month for 2.1 million people. Additionally, electricity for irrigation and community water projects is subsidized, with further reductions anticipated.

PM Oli urged the public to disregard false information and acknowledged the challenges faced by industries in settling arrears, highlighting that industry closures impact both revenue collection and employment.

In response to MP Pushpa Bahadur Shah’s question, PM Oli addressed the delays in hydropower projects. He explained that the Karnali Hydropower Project's license was delayed due to late document submissions while the Upper Karnali Hydropower Project's timeline was extended following a Supreme Court order. The Prime Minister assured that efforts were being made to resolve these issues promptly.

Regarding the District Hospital Achham, PM Oli promised that the construction would proceed as a priority once budgetary provisions are secured.

Responding to Nagina Yadav’s inquiry about emerging diseases from animals, Prime Minister Oli outlined several government initiatives. 

He highlighted the importance of disease surveillance and vaccination, noting that about 50 million doses of vaccines were distributed annually. He also highlighted the free vaccination campaigns against five major diseases under the National Disease Control Programme. 

Regarding animal welfare, PM Oli explained that the government adheres to standards set by the Criminal Law (Code) Act, 2017, and the Animal Welfare Guidelines. Efforts are underway to prevent animal cruelty, and a dedicated office under the Animal Services Department is advancing these initiatives, he added

On forest crime, PM Oli clarified that the Forest Act, 2019, stipulates that certain cases should be handled by the Government of Nepal, but issues have arisen due to the organisational structure of the Divisional Forest Offices. He said the government was committed to addressing these problems to enhance forest protection.

In response to a query from Pashupati Shamsher Rana about potential constitutional amendments, PM Oli confirmed that discussions regarding amendments are ongoing. He assured that any proposed changes would aim to advance the nation’s progress.

MP Nirmala Koirala’s question about the East-West Highway and river management were addressed with promises of ongoing oversight and planned improvements. PM Oli stated that construction delays on the East-West Highway, particularly the Narayangadh-Butwal section, contract had been extended for completion within a year. 

MP Padam Giri's concerns about educational loans, road demarcation, and capital expenditure, PM Oli said that revenue mobilisation and capital expenditure have improved. Regarding the Mid-Hill Highway and other strategic roads, PM Oli assured that road boundaries would be determined based on geographical and developmental needs.

Responding to Nisha Dangi’s questions about the Damak View Tower and the Kirtipur stadium, PM Oli explained that the Damak View Tower, built at a cost of Rs. 1.79 billion, would soon be operational with a focus on commercial and tourism activities. Regarding the Kirtipur stadium, PM Oli assured that significant progress has been made, including the completion of topographic surveys and preparatory work.

Oli reiterated the government's commitment to combating corruption and improving transparency. He highlighted the use of technology to streamline public service delivery, including integrating electronic systems and enhancing data management. 

"We are dedicated to addressing these issues with urgency and ensuring that the government's actions meet the expectations of our citizens," said PM Oli.