CPN-UML Unveils Manifesto Targeting Prosperity and Stability Ahead of Elections

Kathmandu. The CPN-UML's manifesto has been made public. Party Chairman KP Sharma Oli unveiled the document at a program organized in the capital on Thursday. Targeting the House of Representatives elections on Falgun 21, UML has publicized its resolution with the main slogan 'UML Will Build' to fulfill the national aspiration of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'.

The manifesto prioritizes political stability, strengthening democracy, and defending national sovereignty. Chairman Oli asserted that a single majority for UML is necessary to pull the country out of the cycle of instability and advance it on the path of development and prosperity, claiming that UML has led the development since the promulgation of the constitution in 2072 BS. The manifesto sets ambitious economic targets, aiming to increase the size of the country's economy to 100 Kharba within the next five years and 200 Kharba in ten years, and to raise the per capita income of Nepalis to 3,000 US dollars within five years.

To provide direct relief to the public, the manifesto includes 11 guaranteed actions that UML will commence immediately upon forming the government. These commitments include providing 10 GB of free data annually to youth aged 18 to 28, a 'Dollar Card' worth 10,000 dollars for youth engaged in information technology and startups, and interest-free loans up to 20 lakh for students. Popular programs such as raising the minimum monthly wage to 25,000 rupees to create domestic employment and providing an additional 5,000 rupees as annual bonus to the accounts of workers employed abroad are also included.

UML has also placed special emphasis on the areas of women and social security. Plans have been put forward to provide free sanitary pads to schoolgirls, mid-day meals for students up to grade 10, increase the allowance for female health volunteers to 20,000 rupees, provide maternity nutrition allowance, and offer interest-free loans up to 20 lakh to women entrepreneurs. The waiver of loans up to 25,000 rupees taken by low-income families and the introduction of welfare schemes and respect for security personnel have also been highlighted as priorities.

In infrastructure development, UML has reiterated its commitment to operating the East-West Electric Railway, modern tunnel roads, and metro and monorail systems in major cities. To realize the concept of 'Digital Nepal' and ensure good governance, UML plans to take strict action against the corrupt and develop the 'Citizen App' as a super app to streamline government service delivery. UML claims to ensure clean drinking water in every home within the next two years and access to quality health services within five years.

In international relations, UML emphasized adhering to the Non-Aligned Foreign Policy while defending Nepal's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The manifesto mentions recognizing Nepalis living abroad as 'Goodwill Ambassadors' to utilize their skills and capital for nation-building and granting Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) the status of 'Special Natural Investors'.