MP Mall Criticizes Government Neglect of Karnali Province Development and Economic Rights

Kathmandu. MP Savitri Malla has expressed strong dissatisfaction, accusing the Nepal government of neglecting the development construction and economic rights of Karnali Province. Speaking at a meeting of the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee on Thursday, MP Malla alleged that the government has not paid attention to Karnali's resources and means. 

Speaking on the issue of petroleum exploration in Dailekh, MP Malla criticized the government. She stated that although a report indicating 1.12 billion cubic meters of gas reserves in Dailekh has been submitted to the Nepal government, work has not progressed. She said, ‘The government of China has already spent more than 2 billion on survey and research, but the government is not showing interest in including it in the plan and implementing it.’ Objecting to the further budget cut, she argued that reducing the budget from 22.9 million to 10 million is not transparent. 

MP Malla called the government's serious attention to Karnali's road network and the condition of earthquake victims. ‘There are 10 districts in Karnali, but the condition of the roads is still pathetic. Jaajarkot earthquake victims are still forced to live in temporary shelters, and their settlement development program has not moved forward,’ she said. 

Her statement was that the tendency to call Karnali a ‘rich province’ in speeches but not prioritize it when allocating the budget is fatal. She questioned, ‘Should only the MPs of Karnali speak about Karnali?  Is this good governance and democracy?’ 

MP Malla warned the government to immediately prioritize Karnali's budget and plans. She said, ‘If the government is not serious about Karnali's development, this issue will not only be in the media but will reach the streets of the public. The ministry should address this issue immediately.’

MP Malla stated that although it is said that a cement industry will be established in Karnali, it is not possible to operate the industry in the absence of a two-lane road, and urged to prioritize infrastructure construction first.