PM holds virtual meet with CMs, discussing issues from good governance to challenges

Kathmandu, Feb 7: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a virtual meeting with the Chief Ministers of all seven provinces on Friday.     

The discussion focused on matters related to public service delivery, good governance, overall progress of provincial governments, existing challenges, and expected support from the federal government.     

This marked the first time the Prime Minister connected with the Chief Ministers from the 'Action Room' at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar.     

The meeting, which lasted around two and a half hours, underscored the need for a comprehensive dialogue with the Chief Ministers.     

The Prime Minister assured them of further discussions in the future and shared his plans to visit provinces, including attending Provincial Assemblies, to enhance communications between the center and provinces which he said would help address national issues and contribute to nation-building efforts.     

Additionally, the Prime Minister advised the Chief Ministers to engage with district levels using available IT facilities.     

He also highlighted the success of the online classes for SEE students, with 57,000 joining additional lessons in major subjects. These classes were launched under his initiative, supported by young minds, to enhance the academic performance of SEE students.     

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of education for development and urged the Chief Ministers to be prepared for similar initiatives.     

He further echoed the vital role of information technology in the digital era and its potential to improve public services, including in health and other sectors, for the benefit of citizens.     

During the discussions, the Chief Ministers expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for this initiative. They also briefed him on the physical and fiscal progress of their respective governments. They requested the federal government for its facilitation to increase grants for multi-year programs, simplify procedures for land acquisition and tree removal during project implementation, provide additional budgets for disaster management, and address human resource management needs.     

The CMs also urged the federal government to take initiative to contain smuggling at customs points, promote Gandaki as a tourist destination, expedite the completion of under-construction road projects, resolve compensation disputes related to the East-West Railway, reconsider project work details, and to promote tourist arrivals and find more income-generation opportunities for the provinces.     

Government Chief Secretary Eak Narayan Aryal assured that the issues raised by the Chief Ministers would be taken into consideration and presented at meetings of the Council of Ministers and with secretaries.     

The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister's chief advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, economic advisor Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, and senior government officials. (RSS)