Ordinances will be endorsed with due process: PM Oli

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 17: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government has introduced ordinances to streamline public services, improve the investment environment, and address economic challenges.

Stating that the constitution permits the government to introduce ordinances, when necessary, the Prime Minister said, “These ordinances have already been registered in Parliament and will be passed through due process.”

Engaging in a question-and-answer session with lawmakers from various political parties at the House of Representatives on Sunday, he assured that there is no need for suspicion or speculation regarding the coalition government’s commitment to national development, prosperity, and political stability.

“There is a strong mutual trust and understanding between the ruling partners,” he reassured.

The session featured a wide range of topics, highlighting the diverse concerns and interests of the representatives. Members of Parliament sought clarification on key issues, including infrastructure development, economic growth, good governance, corruption investigation, and ongoing national projects.

Responding to the question regarding the problems seen in the cooperative sector, Prime Minister Oli said the government is addressing issues in the cooperative sector through policy, institutional, and managerial reforms.

“Many problems from past are gradually being resolved. In the current fiscal year alone, Nepal Police has registered 48 cases of cooperative fraud involving Rs. 5.11 billion,” he added.

In another context, Prime Minister Oli ensured resources for national pride and priority projects.

The government has made provisions to prevent resource shortages in the implementation of national pride projects and other nationally significant priority projects, he said.

Additionally, to streamline multi-year projects, the Multi-Year Contract Agreement Standards, 2081 have been introduced and are now in effect, he added.

“To prevent funding shortages for major national projects, budget ceilings have been set, ensuring necessary allocations before distributing funds to other programmes,” he said, adding, “As a result, capital expenditure has increased by 15 per cent in the first six months of the current fiscal year.”

Regarding the Nagdhunga tunnel project, he assured that 85 per cent of the work has been completed.

He informed that essential tasks such as lighting and ventilation are currently underway, and the project is nearing completion, with a target to finish by mid-November.

Similarly, Rs. 600 million has been allocated for the construction of the Rapti Highway, and maintenance work is ongoing on deteriorated sections of the Karnali Highway, he assured.

“The government has always prioritised projects benefiting the Terai-Madhes region, recognising their role in the economic and social development of both the region and the nation,” the Prime Minister said.These projects are attached with national pride and have been incorporated as priorities in the 16th Plan, he added.

Stating that the Kathmandu-Tarai-Madhes Expressway is being expedited under the Nepali Army’s supervision, he said the construction of the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multi-Purpose Project’s tunnel has been completed, and work on the headworks and powerhouse is in progress.

Responding to the concern raised regarding the country’s economic status, Prime Minister Oli said, “Economic sluggishness did not occur overnight and will not be resolved instantly.”

“Since coming to power, we have been working seriously to improve the economy, and some positive results are already visible,” he assured.

He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26 priority-based and result-oriented, addressing economic challenges through reform programmes, accelerating development activities, improving service delivery, and ensuring good governance.

In another context, he said that the government is prioritising the provision of quality education, employment, and other opportunities within the country to prevent youth migration.

Recounting the government’s moves to ensure accessible health services and education, the Prime Minister said, “The government has prioritised the health sector. Hospitals with five, 10, and 15 beds are under construction at the local level.”

“Resources and facilities are being allocated for hospital infrastructure and workforce management, with further prioritisation in the upcoming fiscal year,” he added.

Likewise, the provision of the constitution which mandates free and compulsory school education up to the basic level and free education up to the secondary level is being implemented, he reaffirmed.

He stated that if resources permit, university education could be made free in the future.

The Prime Minister further informed that the government has disbursed Rs. 3.95 billion so far to the victims of the Jajarkot earthquake.

“The first and second instalments of relief funds have been sent to all eligible victims in Rukum and Jajarkot, as per recommendations from the District Disaster Management Committees,” he said, adding, “In February this year alone, an additional Rs. 800 million was released for earthquake-affected families.”

The Prime Minister also informed that several wastewater treatment plants are under construction in the Kathmandu Valley, including in Dhobighat, Balkumari, Sallaghari, Hanuman Ghat, and Gokarna, with the aim of revitalising the Bagmati, Hanumante, and Manohara rivers.

“The 32.4-million-litre-per-day treatment plant in Guheshwari is now operational. Additionally, interceptor drains are being built along Manohara River and Hanumante Dobhan to Balkumari,” he added.

The Melamchi Water Supply Project currently provides 170 million litres of drinking water daily to the Kathmandu Valley, he noted.

“Plans are on anvil to bring an additional 340 million litres per day from the Yangri and Larke rivers. A feasibility study is also underway for the Sisneri Water Supply Project, which aims to add another 130 million litres of water daily,” the Prime Minister said.

Altogether 10 lawmakers asked the Prime Minister questions. They included Prakash Jwala, Pratiksha Tiwari, Pratima Gautam, Barsha Man Pun, Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Prabhu Hajara, Prem Ale, Premlal Maharjan, Prem Suwal and Prabhu Sah.