Image source, PMO Nepal
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The government has presented its policy and program on Monday, prioritizing good governance as the foundation for a prosperous Nepal.
In the joint sitting of the federal parliament, President Ramchandra Paudel read out the policy and program that includes topics such as constitutional amendment, management of informal settlements, reduction of tax burdens, and declaring a ‘Decade for Employment Promotion.’
Following the protests and destruction on 23rd and 24th Bhadra of last year, the National Independent Party (RASWA), which secured a clear majority in the election, formed the government under Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s leadership.
The 35-party coalition integrated several points from their electoral pledges to present this first policy and program at the joint session of both houses of parliament.
In the policy and program handed over by Prime Minister Balendra Shah for the President’s reading, the importance of good governance is emphasized from the outset.
Zero Tolerance Against Corruption
Image source, PMO Nepal
“The government views good governance as the foundation of a prosperous Nepal and will move forward with campaigns against corruption with zero tolerance, improvement in public service delivery, economic revival, and social advancement,” said President Paudel.
The policy and program mention that the government is currently preparing a discussion paper for constitutional amendment, clarifying its objectives and purposes.
“To ensure equal ownership among all classes, regions, and communities, the discussion paper will be prepared by identifying shared constitutional amendment issues through dialogue and cooperation with political parties,” the policy states.
The policy also commits to reviewing the tax structure to reduce the tax burden on entrepreneurs and middle-class families.
Additionally, it covers plans to refund amounts to cooperative victims and various infrastructure development projects.
Reasons Behind Opposition Party’s Disapproval
Before the government presented its policy and program, opposition party members in the House of Representatives raised strong objections, especially regarding ordinances and the eviction of squatters.
They accused the government of abusing executive power.
Niskal Rai, a spokesperson of the main opposition Nepali Congress party, strongly opposed the issuance of the ordinance.
“Discussions can be held on other matters, but the ordinance issued concerning the Constitutional Council is an issue that cannot be overlooked. This ordinance does not strengthen the spirit or constitutionalism of the constitution in any way,” she said.
“Setting a numeric threshold does not fit within the constitutional concept. Furthermore, in a three-member council including the Prime Minister, how can the decision of all three be considered majority? Every clause of the ordinance grants wide powers to the Prime Minister, which the constitution has not facilitated this easily.”
Padma Aryal, leader of the CPN-UML, demanded the annulment of the ordinances, calling for an end to the ‘misuse to centralize authority.’
She also rejected the government’s actions related to the eviction of squatters. “I strongly oppose the distress caused to informal settlements and squatters by bulldozers. On behalf of the CPN-UML, I condemn this incident,” she said.
Hark Sampang, chairperson of the Labor Culture Party, questioned the government’s stance on the border dispute.
“Why has the government remained silent while India opened and is operating a checkpoint at Lipulek? Why were diplomatic talks not held? Why is the government silent relying only on diplomatic notes without signatures?” he asked.
The policy and program presented by the President is scheduled for debate in parliament starting Tuesday, with the annual budget slated for presentation on Jestha 15.
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