NCP's election manifesto: Plan to secure over 10 percent economic growth in five years

Kathmandu, Feb 11: The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) unveiled its election manifesto amidst a press conference at party office, Koteshwor on Tuesday. 

NCP Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' made public the manifesto, calling it a commitment paper for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. The commitment paper has floated ambitious plans and announced commitment to addressing the plans and livelihood issues. 

The party has aimed at securing achievements by enforcing strategic plan on various sectors like physical infrastructure, education, economy and health.

The commitment paper mentioned that the present consumerist economy would be shifted to production-based, self-reliant and inclusive model. The roadmap to develop independent and inclusive Nepal is emphasized along with economic reform of new stage and prosperity with social justice. Stating that structural crises plagued Nepal's economy, the NCP blamed the import-based economy for rising inequality. 

Lack of regulation in cooperatives and non-government sectors has fueled anomalies and misuse, the party said in the paper, arguing although the constitution had envisioned socialism oriented economy, the traditional policy hindered enforcement of fundamental rights.

Importantly, the party has aimed at reducing multi dimensional poverty to 10 percent while reaching economic growth rate to over 10 percent in coming five years. 

Employment creation, mobilization of alternative finance, inclusive development, wise, sustainable and productive use of natural resources, increase in domestic and foreign investments, collective production system, efficient allocation of resources, strengthening of spending  capacity are featured in the commitment paper. Every year, 150 thousand additional jobs would be created, thereby ensuring jobs to 500 thousand youths in a year. Entrepreneurship would be fostered among youths and investment secured for it, it read.

The public administration would be made result-oriented. The public service would be pro-people, neutral, transparent, tech-friendly, and corruption free.

The federal civil service act would be brought at the earliest in line with the spirit of constitution, the party added.

Forthcoming decade would be declared an agriculture investment decade to secure investment from government, private entities, cooperatives and aid agencies in agriculture sector. Self-reliance on meat, fish and vegetables and distribution of identity cards to farmers within a year are other schemes, according to the commitment paper.

In the coming five years, 10,000 MW additional hydropower would be produced and green energy utilized to meeting the long term plan.

The party has committed to utilizing the green climate fund to orient the activities towards achievement of the national goal of net zero ambition by 2045. Technology-assisted disaster management and early warning would be in place. 

The health insurance scheme, which is limited to only 30 percent population, would be expanded to entire population, according to NCP.

An independent and balanced diplomacy would be adopted by reinforcing Nepal's non-aligned foreign policy, and protecting national interest, sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Border disputes with neighbouring countries would be settled vial diplomatic dialogues, the paper mentioned, adding that information technology would be leveraged for bolstering a self-reliant economy. Digital divides would be bridged through utilization of IT and innovation, according to the party.  (RSS)