Karnali expects attention in upcoming budget

By Our Correspondent,Surkhet, May 4: Karnali Province is expected to be a priority in the upcoming federal budget, as the government has given it special focus in the policy and programmes for the fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26).

Accordingly, several old and new projects in Karnali are expected to be prioritised in the upcoming budget.

On Friday, President Ramchandra Paudel presented the government’s policy and programmes to the federal parliament. If the budget is based on this year’s policy and programmes, some improvements can be expected compared to the past.

The policy outlines a commitment to introduce only those projects that can be completed within one fiscal year or during the remaining term of the current parliament.

The government has stressed reconstruction of structures damaged by earthquakes. It will expedite the rebuilding of private houses and archaeological heritage in districts like Jajarkot and Rukum West, which were severely affected. 

Presenting the policy, President Paudel said that reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts will be accelerated, particularly for structures damaged by earthquakes, monsoon-related disasters and other natural calamities in western Nepal.

The earthquake centred in Jajarkot on the night of November 2, 2023, caused significant damage in Jajarkot, Rukum West and nearby areas, displacing residents who still live in temporary shelters. The commitment in the policy to expedite housing and rehabilitation efforts has given hope to the affected people.

At the same time, the government has announced plans to open residential schools in remote areas, with a focus on geographical regions. It also aims to issue national regulatory standards for private schools, review teacher quotas, establish a teacher bank in collaboration with universities and introduce national teacher qualification standards.

The government has said that the task of textbook production and distribution will gradually be handed over to the provincial governments. Likewise, it plans to allow students above the Bachelor's level to work for 20 hours per week. 

The HPV vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer in women, will be included in the regular immunization programme.

The government also plans to provide free cancer treatment for children under 14, implement more effective programmes for pregnant and postpartum women in remote areas and ensure free healthcare services for senior citizens.

The policy and programmes also stress speeding up the construction of national pride projects operating in Karnali Province. This includes accelerating the Bheri–Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project. The government will ensure proper budget allocation to advance the project.

Once completed, the project will irrigate 52,000 hectares of land in Banke and Bardiya. Although it was supposed to be completed in fiscal year 2022/23, construction was delayed and the deadline extended. The project began in 2014/15 and according to the agreement, was to be completed by 2022/23. As that did not happen, the deadline was extended to fiscal year 2025/26.

Various sectors in Karnali have been included in the government's policy and programmes. Many are continued from previous years. Special attention has been given to developing Karnali’s tourism sector. 

On infrastructure, the Bheri and Karnali corridors have been included, as in past years. The Karnali Corridor will be developed to remain operational all the year round. Similarly, hydropower projects have also been given special priority.