NGOs have contributed in Karnali's external dependency: Minister Shahi

Surkhet –Karnali Province's Chief Minister Mahendra Bahadur Shahi called on the EU representatives to focus on development works based on Karnali's necessities. 

Minister Shahi made the remark during a meeting with a delegation led by EU's Ambassador to Nepal, Veronica Cody. 

Stating that non – governmental organizations were making Karnali dependent externally through small scale support, Minister Shahi said, "We will accommodate national and international NGOs that make a minimum investment of Rs 10 million that result in sustainable outcome." 

He extended his gratitude to the EU delegation for working for providing nutrition to the women and children of the remote Karnali province. 

The Chief Minister was of the opinion that the NGOs have increased the external dependency of the Karnali's residents by distributing rice grains, noodles and biscuits. 
Shahi added that the Karnali government is preparing for a long term development of the province and looking to hold an international investment summit to attract investors in near future. 

On the occasion, Ambassador Cody said the EU has been cooperating with Nepal Government on multi-sector nutrition plan. Cody added that EU would soon start the second phase of the programme. 

Ambassador Cody noted that 37 per cent of children in average across Nepal are suffering from shortness of height. The EU envoy went on to add that the figure in Karnali remained at 67 per cent. 

Cody underlined EU's allocation of euro 2.2 million not just for nutrition and health condition, but mindful of impact on overall development. 

Ambassador Cody and UNICEF Nepal's Representative Tomoo Hozumi along with the delegation members pledged to work with Karnali's provincial government as a development partner. 
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