Lumbini's policies and programmes: Good-governance, economic prosperity and administrative reforms in top priority

Lumbini, May 25: The Lumbini Province Government today unveiled its annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84, outlining good-governance, economic prosperity and administrative restructuring and reform as its top priority.     

The policies and programmes also place a strong emphasis on agriculture, tourism, infrastructure development and employment promotion.     

Province Chief Krishna Bahadur Gharti Magar presented the government's annual policies and programmes document in the Province Assembly.     

Number of ministries to be reduced     

As a part of its administrative reform, the provincial government has announced plans to reduce the number of its ministries from 12 to 8.     

The move is intended to enhance efficiency in public administration and improve service delivery.     

In the agriculture sector, the government will implement a 'One Municipality, One Indigenous Crop' across all local levels in the province to strengthen nutrition security.     

Likewise, to promote agricultural self-reliance on agricultural produces, the government will establish specialized resource centres in different districts.     

These include a Provincial Horticulture Resource Centre in Kapilbastu, a Goat Resource Centre in Arghakhanchi, a Hill Fruits Resource Centre in Gulmi, a Vegetables Seeds Resource Centre in Pyuthan and a Potato Seeds Resource Centre in Rukum East, it was shared.     

Similarly, the provincial government also plans to introduce collective farming, animal husbandry and income-generation programmes targeting marginalized and disadvantaged communities, including the poor, freed bonded labourers, landless families, and Dalits.     

The initiatives are aimed at creating employment opportunities and improving livelihoods.     

Additionally, an 'easy loan and subsidy scheme' for farmers will also be expanded, with procedures for accessing agricultural loans and subsidies set to be simplified further.     

To boost meat and dairy production, the government will continue its buffalo promotion programme in areas surrounding the Postal Highway.     

In addition, feasibility studies will be carried out to identify areas suitable for high-value crops, including large (brown) cardamom, particularly along the Kaligandaki Corridor, Mid-Hill Highway and Madan Bhandari Highway, with the goal of launching production and marketing programmes in those regions.     

Entrepreneurial Lumbini and Digital Lumbini Campaign     

The Province government is launching the "Entrepreneurial Lumbini and Digital Lumbini Campaign" aimed at transforming the local economy by attracting young individuals returning from foreign employment to agriculture and entrepreneurship.     

A key focus will be the Women of Lumbini: Entrepreneurship programme, designed to economically empower women in the region. Additionally, an integrated tourism digital platform will be developed to enhance tourism in line with the 'Visit Nepal 2085 BS' initiative.     

Tourism development     

To boost tourism, a new strategy will connect Lumbini, Swargadwari, and Bardiya National Parks, forming a "silver triangle." Plans for adventure tourism include constructing a base camp and footpath in Putha Himalaya of Rolpa and Rukum (East), while a religious and cultural route will be constructed from Koilabas to Swargadwari and from Lumbini to Muktinath, promoting these routes as significant religious circuits.     

'Complete the Incomplete Project' policy     

The government aims to expedite the completion of ongoing infrastructure and social security projects through a 'Complete the Incomplete Project' policy. A high priority will be given to the intensive drinking water programme, implementing the 'One home: One tap' project, and focusing on projects that are 80% complete in the water supply sector.     

The Rampur-Kapurkot road, a vital connection between major economic centres in Lumbini province and neighbouring regions, will also receive significant attention.     

In addition, the construction of suspension bridges under 120 meters will be prioritized, with technical assistance provided to local authorities. The "One Ward: One Pond" initiative will promote the creation and maintenance of artificial ponds and lakes to enhance water collection and urban infrastructure in densely populated areas.     

The government plans to implement model settlements in each district to integrate scattered communities and reduce migration. The relief distribution and crop insurance programme will continue to address damages caused by wildlife, alongside the establishment of rescue centres and ambulance services for injured and sick wild animals.     

The policies and programmes are expected to attract the foreign-returnee youths to engage in entrepreneur sectors to generate employment within the province.     

'My School, My Responsibility'     

The 'My School, My Responsibility' campaign will be expanded to strengthen community schools while ensuring access to education for Dalits, indigenous people, persons with disabilities, disadvantaged and marginalised communities. Policies will be adopted to develop Lumbini Technical University as a centre of excellence along with the development of technical and higher education. Programmes for the protection and empowerment of women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities will be continued.     

It is also mentioned that skills mapping will be initiated across the province to promote skill-based employment and targeted programmes will be implemented for socially disadvantaged communities.     

Priority to health     

Continuing the Safe Motherhood Campaign, free ambulance and air rescue services will be provided for pregnant women and postpartum mothers in remote areas. Priority will be given to expanding safe delivery services, rural ultrasound services, and the implementation of population policies.     

Under 'Nepal Wellness Year 2027', programmes to promote yoga, meditation and mental health will be advanced.     

The provincial government has stated that the levels of the main hospitals in the province will be upgraded; burn, dialysis, cancer and heart disease treatment services will be expanded; digital health information systems, mobile apps and community health record systems will be strengthened; and alongside the promotion of Ayurveda and alternative medicine, capacity building for health workers and incentive programmes in remote areas will be conducted.     

Rapti Provincial Hospital will be upgraded to a 200-bed hospital in the health sector, and burn treatment services will be expanded at Lumbini and Rapti Provincial Hospitals.     

Service delivery to be simplified     

Lumbini Province Government is set to implement digital tokens, file tracking and a single window service system to make service delivery faster, simpler and technology-friendly.     

To promote good governance, provincial integrity policies will be formulated, evidence-based policy making will be undertaken, and the statistical system will be strengthened. The transfer and promotion system will be improved to make employee administration transparent, a provincial employees' documentation office will be established, and digital archiving will be carried out.     

Development projects will be selected and budget management will be organised through the Project Bank. The government's policy is to strengthen the Provincial Public Service Commission and make intergovernmental coordination effective.     

The policy programme document also includes the establishment of the Provincial Retirement Fund for the pension of employees not included in the Provincial Employees Pension Office and Social Security Fund, by maintaining the personal details of employees and teachers electronically.(RSS)