Plan Commission and Policy Research Institute to Be Strengthened, Not Abolished: Prime Minister
News Summary
- Prime Minister Balendra Shah has instructed that the National Planning Commission and the Policy Research Institute should not be abolished but strengthened through reforms.
- Shah emphasized fully embracing the scholarly work of experts at the Policy Research Institute and highlighted the need for robust planning and vigilant implementation.
- Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle stated that this is a golden opportunity for reform and plans to expand policy development and innovative programs nationwide.
April 21, Kathmandu – Prime Minister Balendra Shah has called for strengthening government bodies such as the National Planning Commission and the Policy Research Institute through reforms rather than abolishing them, to improve effectiveness in delivering government services.
During a discussion on Tuesday at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office with officials and staff of the Commission, Shah emphasized that well-organized planning and policy research are crucial to facilitating government service delivery. He stated, “Reforming these bodies will greatly aid government operations.”
Regarding the Policy Research Institute, he said, “We understand the importance of subject matter experts and researchers. We require such expertise capable of deep analysis and long-term vision beyond the views of elected representatives. The government will fully adopt the academic work of these experts.”
Prime Minister Shah directed both agencies to work purposefully towards delivering results without making excuses. “Concrete planning and attentive implementation is necessary for any execution. The role of subject experts in development is invaluable; acknowledge this fact and move forward accordingly.”
Rejecting claims of coordination gaps between ministries, he stated there should be no such issues under a single government. He also cautioned against using budgetary and legal complexities as excuses for inaction. “Only through effective study and research are results possible. While traditional policies and laws may suffice to keep things running for 50 years, without reform the country cannot prosper,” he said.
On the occasion, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle described the current period as a golden opportunity for reform, promising work to proceed with strong political commitment. He instructed that experts’ knowledge be translated into government policies, programs, and budgets. He stressed that proposals with clear objectives, sufficient funding, defined responsibilities, and measurable outcomes should be submitted through the respective ministries.
Minister Wagle indicated plans to strengthen existing institutional structures, remove irrelevant provisions, and initiate policy development processes tailored to emerging needs. He also outlined a strategy to launch innovative programs as pilot projects, with successful ones to be scaled nationally.
During the discussion, Commission officials presented reports covering progress, challenges, and budget status in their respective areas to the Prime Minister. Employees of the Policy Research Institute noted that their studies have significantly contributed to government operations and expressed the need for additional personnel and resources. They reported that direct interaction with the Prime Minister has inspired them to work with greater enthusiasm and dedication.
