CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel Discusses Development Continuity and Federal Goals in Dang

Kathmandu. CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel is currently a candidate from Dang's House of Representatives Constituency No. 2. He has entered the electoral arena with the goal of continuing the structural development plans initiated while leading the provincial government at the federal level.

Presented here is an interview with Pokharel focusing on elections, development, infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and the long-term transformation of Dang.

What is the main objective behind your move from provincial leadership to the federal parliament? Is this political advancement or a strategic continuation of development?

This is not political advancement; it is an effort to ensure the continuity of development. While leading the provincial government, we built the basic structure for development: administrative structures, the capital city, roads, health institutions, education expansion, and long-term infrastructure plans. However, the capacity of the provincial government is limited. Federal policy, budget, and coordination are necessary to give these plans long-term stability.

The role of the federal parliament is crucial in transforming the changes initiated in Dang into a national priority. Therefore, my candidacy is a campaign to start the second phase of development.

The decision to designate Dang as the permanent provincial capital is considered historic. Why did you deem that decision necessary?

Capital designation is not an emotional issue; it is a long-term strategic decision. The decision was based on the geographical balance of the province, administrative accessibility, potential for urban expansion, and where the center of economic development could be established.

Selecting the Deukhuri valley as the administrative center of Lumbini Province means determining the center of the province's development. The capital centralizes administration, services, investment, education, health, and economic activities. Such a decision was indispensable to provide momentum for long-term development.

What is the concrete change seen in Dang following the declaration of the provincial capital?

After becoming the capital, administrative activities increased, services expanded, and private investment was attracted. Government offices were established, road expansion, housing development, banking services, educational institutions, and business activities have accelerated.

The most significant change is in the mindset. Dang is establishing itself not just as a regional center, but as a development hub with administrative and economic potential.

The Ghorahi-Tulsipur four-lane road, being constructed through your initiative, is called the backbone of development. What is its real significance?

Transport infrastructure is the basis of economic activity. The four-lane road will not only make travel easier but will also reduce trade costs, increase market access, and organize urban expansion.

This road will develop as an economic corridor. Industry, the service sector, tourism, and investment flow are all linked to transport infrastructure.

Industrial expansion is only possible after infrastructure is built. Therefore, this project is the foundation for long-term economic transformation.

Along with the four-lane road, what is your strategy for industrial development and employment expansion?

Infrastructure construction is the first phase. Creating an industrial environment is the second phase. Industrial area development, establishment of agro-processing industries, investment promotion, systems to connect local products to the market, and promotion of small and medium enterprises—all these have been advanced in parallel.

Since Dang has great agricultural potential, developing industries that process production and add value is the long-term economic solution. Job creation is possible through the expansion of industries and enterprises.

Why is the establishment process of the Engineering College and expansion of technical education in Dang important?

Technical manpower is essential for development. Local students had to go outside for higher technical education with minimal investment. Establishing an engineering college means creating a base for knowledge production locally.

A direct relationship is established between study, research, and development projects. This will not only make Dang a center for technical education but also provide skilled manpower for local development.

Why did you prioritize the artificial reservoir construction plan and water management as a long-term priority?

Water management is the major challenge of the future. Agriculture, drinking water, environmental balance—everything is connected to water. Artificial reservoirs expand irrigation, conserve water, maintain hydro-geological balance, and also increase tourism potential. This project is extremely important for food security, agricultural production growth, and environmental stability.

The expansion of the Rapti Academy of Health Sciences, in particular, is considered your significant initiative in the health sector. What is its objective?

Our objective was not just to build a hospital, but to create a regional center for health, education, and research. This institution has been strengthened through infrastructure expansion, modern equipment, specialist services, and health education development.

Now, this institution is moving towards becoming a center not only for treatment services but also for health manpower production and research. It will provide high-level health services to citizens of Dang as well as surrounding districts.

What is your goal for making Dang a self-reliant area in the long term economically, urbanly, and socially?

My goal is to make Dang a self-reliant area with planned urbanization, industrial expansion, modern agricultural systems, quality health services, and technical education. The economic transformation of Dang is possible based on these three pillars: infrastructure development, production expansion, and strengthening the service sector. Local job creation, youth entrepreneurship, and environmental balance will be given equal priority.

As the election approaches, what is your message to the voters?

The foundation for change in Dang has been laid. When I was the Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, structures for the capital, infrastructure, health, education, and long-term development were built. Now, continuity is necessary to complete these plans.

This election is not just about an individual; it is a decision about the future of Dang. I have come before the people with a commitment to institutionalize development. I ask each and every one of you for your vote.

If you are swayed by someone else's influence and cast your vote elsewhere now, there will be no alternative but to regret it for 5 years. Therefore, I humbly request you to vote for the Sun symbol by electing me with a massive mandate.