Prime Minister Holds Discussions with Lawmakers from Koshi and Karnali Provinces on Development and Governance

Kathmandu. Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) held discussions with members of parliament representing districts from the Koshi and Karnali provinces.

The meeting, held on Monday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, included Narendra Kerung, elected from Panchthar representing the Nepali Congress in Koshi Province, and Rajendra Rai, elected from Dhankuta representing CPN-UML.

Similarly, Gyan Bahadur Shahi, leader of the RPP parliamentary party from Karnali Province, also participated.

Here are the direct statements from the lawmakers Kerung, Rai, and Shahi regarding the discussion:

Narendra Kumar Kerung

The Prime Minister asked us for proposals regarding immediate plans related to good governance and development. Following that, all of us elected MPs from Koshi Province presented our respective issues. Most MPs raised problems seen in development construction as well as academic issues.

The complexities in the planning process up to the project implementation process were well raised.

Our suggestions were related to development and the services that the public should receive. We also presented the problems faced in the districts. We shared our individual 'ideas' on what could be done for solutions. We presented the entire problems of our districts, which were delayed due to procedural errors by the government.

After the members of the House of Representatives presented their views, the Prime Minister stated that he would manage the budget, try to complete important tasks immediately, and maintain discipline. He also mentioned that efforts would be made to incorporate these issues in budget management.

He stated that there would be no favoritism in budget allocation. He mentioned that having been born in the Madhes, working in Kathmandu, and having won an election from Jhapa in the past, he would look at all regions equally. He said that budgets would be distributed equitably and that discussions would be held for that purpose.

Rajendra Rai

The Prime Minister asked, 'What are the projects that need immediate attention? What are the district problems?' The MPs presented their respective district problems. The Prime Minister also sought opinions on what issues could be worked on at the national level.

I stated that peace is necessary for good governance, prosperity, development, poverty alleviation, and increasing people's income in the country. This is not possible if peace is not maintained. It is a good thing that you have come with the zeal to change the country. Best wishes. However, there must first be a guarantee regarding maintaining peace, as our Chairman has been arrested without reason due to political vendetta.

The Prime Minister initially said from his seat, 'Honorable members, tell me what needs to be done immediately.' We all presented our views. In the end, he said, 'This 10 years is about good governance. There will be no discrimination in development. We have come to develop this country, and we will develop this country,' and concluded the session.

Gyan Bahadur Shahi

We specifically raised issues concerning Karnali. In the case of Karnali, the budget had to be torn up previously; such a situation should not arise now. We appealed for the upgrading of Karnali's roads. There are matters related to development construction. We asked for the release of the budget that was halted for building schools in remote areas. Furthermore, we demanded action against contractors who do not perform work. We appealed for the amendment of the Forest Act to arrange wooden crates for exporting apples, peaches, walnuts, etc., and to establish processing centers for medicinal herbs. We also demanded the reopening of health insurance. We demanded action against cooperative fraud and that the money recovered from fraudsters be given to the victims.