Country ready on path of progress: PM Oli

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 28: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that since the ground work for the development of the country has been done, the country will be ushered into the path of progress if everyone worked together.

Addressing the opening session of the Non-Resident Nepali Day and Annual General Meeting of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (ARNA) in the Capital on Sunday, Prime Minister Oli said, "We 

now have latest technology and equipment while the necessary infrastructure for development such as roads have been developed. There is no district or land that is remote. If we work together, we can make the country prosperous."

He urged the NRNA to maintain the image of the organisation and keep it united, and avoid 'political tug of war'. Stating that there would be no interference from the government in the matters of the Association, he said, "I am the Prime Minister of the country, not only chair of the CPN (UML). Likewise, the President of the country also does not belong to any particular political party, he is the head of the nation. All the posts of Speaker of the parliament, chief justice are common posts. We will act accordingly." 

Recalling that he talked about the NRN movement with Dr. Updnera Mahato in Moscow in 1999, Prime Minister Oli stated that the government will not skimp on giving recognition and necessary facilities to the NRNs.

Speaking on the occasion, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak said that the NRNs have greatly contributed to the nation.

"NRNs are unpaid ambassadors around the world. Nepal's image will be like how you project Nepal," he said. Home Minister Lekhak said that even though citizenship was given to non-resident Nepalis, it was not used. He also promised to create necessary provisions to facilitate the NRNs in using the citizenship in government offices and related works. 

President of the NRNA, Dr. Badri KC, said that government interference has created problems in the movement of the NRNA. "The problem created by repeated government intervention can be solved through discussions. I have reached more than 115 countries of the world to introduce Nepal and improve its image. We are always ready to assist when natural disasters occur in Nepal," he said. 

Stating that Nepalis living abroad have sent more than Rs. 1,500 billion remittances annually, he said that some large investment has also come in. 

"But we are investing in Nepal as foreigners. 

The law should be amended to allow all types and sizes of investment," said Dr. KC. According to him, the citizenship provided by the government to the NRNs is of no use for them in any government work. He objected to the moves of the Crime Investigation Bureau of the Nepal Police during the last general assembly and arrests of NRN officials. The annual general meeting and Global Conclave 2024 on 'Transformation and Unity: Continuity in Labour, Investment and Citizenship' will run till Monday. The event features seven plenary sessions which are being attended by over 500 representatives. 

The first day of the conclave discussed infrastructure development for Nepal’s economic transformation, citizenship for Non-Resident Nepalis, voting rights, and issues concerning Gurkhas and people of Nepali origin abroad (PNO), as well as the impacts of climate change on women and children. The topics will also include science, knowledge, and technology transfer for a prosperous Nepal.The second day will cover topics such as empowering expatriate youth for nation-building, ensuring safe, organised, and dignified foreign employment and social security, and promoting tourism in Nepal: policy development, expectations, challenges, and the role of NRNs.

The AGM of the NRNA will be held on October 28, with representatives from over 60 countries participating in person and virtually. Officials and delegates from most of the chapters are in Kathmandu to attend it.