800,000 jobs created under employment programmes

Kathmandu, Mar. 21: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed a series of questions raised by lawmakers during Thursday’s session of the House of Representatives, responding to key issues ranging from inflation, infrastructure development, and public health to the ongoing peace process.

Lawmaker Bhagwati Chaudhary highlighted the growing youth migration abroad and its adverse effects on Nepal's economy and agriculture. In response, Prime Minister Oli said that the government has recently concluded the National Labour and Employment Conference with the objective of expanding production and productivity in the country and creating a sustainable basis for domestic employment. “The government is encouraging youth entrepreneurship through the provision of startup loans to at least 500 entrepreneurs this year. Moreover, various reforms are being introduced to improve the investment environment, reduce imports, and promote agricultural production,” he said.

MP Basudev Ghimire raised concerns regarding the development of Lumbini and the sustainability of the Gautam Buddha International Airport. “We are actively working on the creation of a birthing centre in Lumbini, with a feasibility study being conducted in collaboration with Thailand's International Cooperation Agency and UNFPA,” said PM Oli. He elaborated that Lumbini has significant potential not only as a religious site but also as a major tourism hub, and the government is working on an integrated development plan for Lumbini, including surrounding municipalities as part of the Lumbini Master Plan.

“We have devised an action plan to ensure the sustainable operation of the Gautam Buddha International Airport, including introducing incentives such as discounts on passenger service charges and partnerships with international airlines like Jazeera, Fly Dubai, and Air Asia,” he said.

In response to lawmaker Bindavasini Kansakar’s concerns about inflation and the treatment of burn victims, Prime Minister Oli assured that the government is actively monitoring the market to control inflation and ease the lives of citizens. He highlighted measures such as market monitoring committees, supply arrangements for remote areas, and the establishment of a consumer court. Oli noted that inflation had decreased from 5.01% to 4.16% compared to last year. “We are continuing to adjust policies to ensure price stability,” he said, pointing out actions like reducing customs duties and providing subsidies to boost agricultural production.

PM Oli highlighted that burn victim treatment is covered under the Acid and Other Hazardous Chemical Substances (Regulation) Act, 2079. “We will fully engage in discussions on the bill in Parliament and provide our support during the review process,” he said.

Lawmaker Bhanubhakta Joshi raised questions about the Uraitaklakot (Tibet) border post in Bajhang and youth employment. “The Nepal-China border management agreement signed ins 2019 includes Uraitaklakot as one of the 14 checkpoints for trade. We are actively working with relevant bodies to reopen this post and are coordinating diplomatically to make it operational,” said PM Oli. He also addressed the idea of consolidating development offices in Bajhang. “The government is already managing services through district division offices, in line with the constitution’s decentralisation principles,” he added.

On the issue of youth employment, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment, saying, “We are developing entrepreneurship, vocational training, and skill certification programmes. Additionally, the government has created nearly 800,000 employment opportunities through national employment programmes,” he said.

MP Bina Kumari Thanait raised concerns about the Tharu community’s rights and the reservation system. Prime Minister Oli responded by explaining that the Bill on Federal Civil Service is under discussion in the State Affairs Committee. “After its passage, the necessary legal arrangements, including reservations, will be implemented. Since the current government took office, we have focused on inclusive representation, ensuring that Madhesi, Tharu, Muslim, and Dalit groups are fairly represented in public offices,” he said.

In response to lawmaker Bhim Prasad Acharya’s queries about the Sunsari-Morang Irrigation Project and river control, PM Oli stated that the Sunsari-Morang Irrigation Project, which serves around 68,000 hectares, has faced challenges due to the changing course of the Koshi River. He outlined the government’s efforts to use temporary dams and other infrastructure to manage water flow and mitigate risks, with a long-term plan to build permanent solutions.

“A business plan for Nepal Airlines Corporation has been prepared, and restructuring efforts are underway to improve efficiency,” said PM Oli.

MP Buddhiman Tamang raised the issue of the updated Nepali map and the EPG (Expert-Panel Group) report regarding Nepal-India relations. “The updated Nepal map is not just a publicity effort, but a factual update,” said PM Oli. Regarding the EPG report, PM Oli reassured that both countries are engaged in discussions to resolve the issue amicably. “Both countries will work together to reach an understanding on the report,” he said.

On road access for the people in Dharchula, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura, lawmaker Binita Kathayat raised concerns about the lack of infrastructure. Prime Minister Oli explained that road development is progressing under the Mahakali Corridor. “A 43-kilometre section from Darchula to Tusharpani is under construction, and 79 kilometres from Tusharpani to the Tinkar checkpoint, with the help of the Nepali Army,” he said. He reassured those 12 kilometres of track digging had already been completed, with the remaining sections expected to be finished soon.

On healthcare issues in Karnali Province, PM Oli acknowledged the shortage of USG and MRI machines at the Karnali Institute of Health Sciences. “Radiology services, including USG, X-ray, and CT scans, are operational, and the government is working to introduce MRI services to improve healthcare for the citizens of Karnali Province,” he said.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed two concerns raised by MP Bimala Subedi regarding the delay in forming the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission for Investigation into Enforced Disappearances. Oli assured that the appointment process would begin soon to conclude the peace process and provide justice to victims. On the garbage issue in Bancharedanda, Nuwakot, caused by waste from Kathmandu Valley municipalities, Oli explained that waste management falls under local authorities. The government has devised short- and long-term plans, including public-private partnerships and waste classification, to address the issue and ensure systematic waste management.

Lawmaker Manish Jha raised concerns about the government’s employee appointments and the country’s dependency on loans. PM Oli clarified that appointments are made by the Public Service Commission based on merit and that constitutional bodies are responsible for taking action against unlawful conduct. Regarding the country’s loan dependency, he explained that the government has been taking internal and external loans for development projects and infrastructure, which is a common practice across the world. He also rejected the claim that industrialists and businessmen were discouraged, pointing to recent reforms aimed at improving the business environment.