Oli reiterates anti-corruption stance

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 24: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, addressing the House of Representatives on Wednesday, responded to concerns raised by lawmakers, covering topics such as tourism, youth migration, earthquake reconstruction, industrial revival, and transitional justice. The Prime Minister answered nine questions, offering detailed updates on government plans and priorities.

In reply to Madhav Sapkota’s concern about rampant youth migration, the Prime Minister acknowledged the challenge, revealing that 120,888 students obtained No Objection Certificates (NOC) for study abroad last year, while over 830,000 Nepalis left for foreign employment. “We’ve declared the next decade as the Domestic Employment Promotion Decade,” said PM Oli. He outlined job creation plans through investments in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. He added that the Prime Minister’s Employment Programme would be restructured as the National Employment Promotion Programme.

“The government has approved investment restructuring in seven public enterprises, including Orient Magnesite, and initiated the process to select experts for due diligence audits,” said PM Oli.

Addressing Mahendra Bahadur Shahi’s question on government priorities and the lag in Karnali’s development, PM Oli stressed a multi-pronged approach. “From suspension bridges to high-value crop promotion and the Karnali Corridor under National Pride Projects, we are addressing both connectivity and livelihoods,” he said.

Reiterating his anti-corruption stance, the Prime Minister assured that he would neither commit corruption nor allow it to occur under his watch.

Maina Karki raised concerns over the slow progress of transitional justice and delayed earthquake reconstruction in Jajarkot. In response, PM Oli confirmed that the government was committed to completing the peace process and ensuring justice, with discussions with conflict victims ongoing.

Meena Tamang pressed for clarity on the role of victims in transitional justice and questioned the absence of land rights in government legislation. PM Oli assured that commissions had begun their work and that victims would be engaged in further discussions. On land reforms, he confirmed the formation of a Land Problem Resolution Commission and the drafting of a unified land-related act in this fiscal year.

“A detailed damage assessment of 87,505 homes has been completed, and Rs 3.95 billion has been allocated for the construction of temporary housing. The Nalgad Hydropower Project is in its final preparatory stage, with most of the road access work already completed,” said PM Oli, addressing concerns over post-earthquake recovery.

To Mahesh Kumar Bartaula’s question about the Hetauda-Kathmandu Podway, PM Oli said a feasibility study was underway. “If found viable, we aim to proceed with its construction,” said PM Oli. He also defended the integrated settlement development model as a solution for scattered, disaster-prone rural habitation. He informed, so far, 97 such projects had been completed.

In response to Mahesh Basnet’s query about the lack of budgetary focus on eastern Ilam's tourism hotspots, such as Sandakpur and Shreeantu, PM Oli assured that several programmes are underway to promote tourism and local heritage. He highlighted the Rs. 30 million allocated for the Kirat Museum and Paruhang Memorial Park, as well as investments in road upgrades and water projects in Suryodaya Municipality. “Tourism development is being complemented by infrastructure work,” he said.

Metmani Chaudhary expressed dissatisfaction with limited funding for Tarigaun Airport and the lack of progress on Kushma’s proposed railway station. PM Oli explained that Rs. 20 million had been allocated over two years for the airport, and that the project was part of a longer-term plan. On the railway, he responded sharply, “This is a development dream. Years ago, when we spoke of gas in Dailekh, people laughed. Now we are about to extract 112 billion cubic metres," he said.

Mukta Kumari Yadav questioned about the lack of foreign investment and the absence of fertiliser production in an agriculture-based country. PM Oli outlined new investor-friendly policies. “Minimum investment thresholds have been reduced, one-stop service centres set up, and an automated approval system launched,” he said. Regarding fertiliser, he stated that a task force was reviewing feasibility reports for potential factories. On the East-West Postal Road, he noted that 1,319 km of road and 148 bridges had been completed, with instructions issued to speed up remaining works, including the Kamala River bridge.

Mohan Acharya sought answers on delays in the Rasuwa dry port and the Galchhi-Mailung-Syafrubesi road. PM Oli acknowledged the challenges, citing flood damage and legal disputes over land compensation. “We’ve initiated re-contracting and resource agreements. Blacktopping on some stretches has begun with Chinese assistance,” he said.

Similarly, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has pledged to address the drinking water shortage in Madhes Province, recently declared a natural disaster area. "I assure that both immediate and long-term solutions will be implemented, including emergency funds and deep boring if necessary," he said. PM Oli highlighted that 95% of citizens have received water via tankers, with the remaining 5% to be covered soon. "The government is committed to ensuring everyone has access to clean drinking water," he added.

However, MPs from the Rastriya Swatantra Party and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party boycotted the meeting. The two parties, which have been demanding the formation of a high-level judicial investigation committee to probe the visit visa issue, had boycotted earlier parliamentary sessions as well. In today's meeting, MPs from both parties stood up from their seats and left the session in protest.