State institutions should be further strengthened for effective service delivery: PM Shah

Kathmandu, April 21: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said that service delivery of the government should be made more effective by strengthening institutions like National Planning Commission and Policy Research Institute rather than scrapping them. 

During a discussion with office-bearers and employees of the NPC held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shah mentioned that it would be easier to the government in service delivery only if formulation of plans and policy research are carried out in an organised manner. "Hence, improvement of such bodies will greatly support in the government's functioning," he argued.  

In the context of the Policy Research Institute, the Prime Minister underlined that we need experts who can do extensive study and present long-term vision. The government will fully own the academic works of the experts.

He directed the both agencies to work for results without any hesitation, adding, "A concrete plan and implementation is necessary while performing any task. The role of subject-matter experts in development is incomparable."  

Prime Minister Shah also warned that budget and legal complexities should not be used as an excuse for non-performance. "Results are possible only from effective study and research. The country cannot be prosperous until some revision are made in old policies and acts," he opined. 

Similarly, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle underscored that the present time should be taken as golden opportunity for reforms. He also instructed to transform the expertise of experts into government policies, programmes and budget. 

Minister Wagle laid emphasis on proposals with clear goals, adequate budget, defined responsibilities and measurable output through concerned ministries. 

The government has a strategy of launching innovative programme as pilot project and expand them at the national level if successful. 

Likewise, office bearers of the Commission briefed the Prime Minister about the status of work progress, challenges and budget.  

Sharing that study and research conducted so far by the Institute are very important for government functioning system, they demanded additional resources including human resource. (RSS)