Rapid economic growth is aim of govt: PM Oli

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, May 12: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli committed to protecting the constitution and strengthening the federal democratic republican governance during a meeting of the House of Representatives on Sunday, where issues related to the government’s proposed policies and programmes were discussed.

He also committed to opposing any form of regressive or revivalist anarchic activities that threaten these democratic values. Emphasising unity, he stated that the House would stand together in support of policies that honour the sacrifices made by the people.

“The formation of the current government was primarily driven by two objectives: to dispel the widespread despair in the country and to instil hope and enthusiasm among the people, and to lead the nation toward rapid economic growth,” he said.

He further said that the issue of unelected, family or dynasty-based institutions was conclusively settled by the political changes of the 2006 and institutionalised through the constitution promulgated in 2015, which established a federal democratic republic.

According to the Prime Minister, at the time of government formation, a commitment was made to review the constitution, strengthen its positive aspects, and address weaknesses observed during its implementation. 

Therefore, the government is committed to initiating constitutional amendments based on consensus, he added.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Oli also urged the House to expedite the passage of several pending bills, including the Bill on Mobilisation of Alternative Development Financing, the Federal Civil Service Bill, amendments to laws concerning Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, the School Education Bill, the Bill for the Establishment and Regulation of the Nepal Aviation Services Authority and amendments to laws related to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

He affirmed that while introducing new policies and programmes, the government would continue all relevant and lawful programmes initiated by previous administrations.

Recalling his address at the House on July 24, 2024, he said, “I remarked on the tendency of our development projects to always seem ‘in progress’ but never completed.” In this context, he described the proposal to change the structure, pace and culture of development as a new approach, with a renewed commitment to actual implementation.

He clarified that there is no ambiguity in the government’s policy direction regarding priority sectors for economic growth. Key sectors identified include agriculture and forestry, information and technology, tourism, energy, industry and physical infrastructure. He said that while startup programmes may span various fields, they will be particularly focused on today’s youth-Generation Z.

The Prime Minister said that the government has made serious consideration of the issues raised during parliamentary discussions and the proposed amendments. 

The policies and programmes also address existing problems in the cooperative sector. In response to concerns about climate change, he pointed out that the government has incorporated measures to address it through the Sagarmatha Sambaad.

Likewise, to achieve high and sustainable economic growth, the government is emphasising increased public and private investment in physical infrastructure. Special focus will be placed on the construction of modern infrastructure such as tunnels, expressways, and overpasses. 

He stressed that the chronic delay of development projects must end and no one will be exempt from accountability.

“Today, unprecedented progress has been made on the Madan Bhandari Highway, the Postal Highway and the Mid-Hill Highway,” he said. “Despite opposition, the country has entered the era of tunnel road construction.”

Prime Minister Oli also expressed gratitude for the constructive suggestions received from lawmakers through comments and amendment proposals. 

He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the President for addressing the joint session of both houses of the Federal Parliament on May 2. 

Meanwhile, responding to the queries of lawmakers in the National Assembly, Prime Minister Oli  said that the government is firm in its belief that there should be an easy supply of humanitarian, biological and reasonable necessities.     

According to RSS,  PM Oli clarified that everyone should be able to live safely and with dignity, emphasizing that there should not be any form of discrimination.     

He stated that the goal of achieving a socialism-oriented system as provided by the constitution will be achieved progressively.     

The Prime Minister said all Nepalis will receive the rights according to Article 270 of the Constitution and that no one will have to bear injustice.     

He reiterated that the government cannot think of oppressing anyone. Prime Minister Oli mentioned that since the current government was formed to strengthen democracy, all possible efforts will be made to solve the problems arising in accordance with the constitution and the law.