Sudurpashchim Lawmakers Meet PM, Raise Concerns Over Provincial Structure, Infrastructure, and Economy

Dhangadhi. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' held discussions with lawmakers representing the Sudurpashchim Province in the Federal Parliament on Tuesday. The collective meeting, which began at 11 AM, concluded at 1:10 PM.

All 27 lawmakers from Sudurpashchim were present at the meeting, including 16 members from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). During the meeting, the lawmakers reportedly drew the Prime Minister's attention to the pressing issues of the province, both collectively and individually, as well as matters of national politics.

Following the meeting, RSP lawmaker Hari Mohan Bhandari, elected from Baitadi, informed that the top five to seven critical issues of Sudurpashchim were raised with priority.

He stated that the lawmakers emphasized ensuring the operation of the Geta Medical College and securing the necessary budget for it, finalizing the concept for the Khutiya-Dipayal Expressway, accelerating the construction of the Mahakali Corridor, and upgrading the airports in Sudurpashchim.

जरुरी आयोजनाहरूलाई प्राथमिकताका आधारमा अघि बढाउने प्रधानमन्त्री बालेनको प्रतिबद्धता

During the discussion, lawmaker Bhandari also shared his personal views and strongly questioned the rationale behind the current provincial structure.

He argued that the provincial structure has become merely a tool for rent-seeking and has fostered corruption, demanding its abolition before the Prime Minister.

'The provincial structure serves no purpose; it has become a breeding ground for middlemen, so it must be abolished. I personally conveyed this to the Prime Minister,' he said.

Discussions also covered border disputes, including Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani. Lawmakers suggested that merely including the land in maps is insufficient and that these issues must be resolved through diplomatic and political means.

Emphasis was placed on conducting a clear verification of border encroachment and advancing relations with neighboring countries while keeping national interests paramount.

Lawmakers expressed concern over the country's deteriorating economic condition, suggesting a focus on exports over imports and boosting domestic production.

'The country cannot run by consuming foreign fruits and goats; we must utilize our own resources,' he stated.

Furthermore, lawmakers called on the government to take a ruthless stance against corruption and the culture of commissions, ensuring that the public experiences good governance.

The lawmakers reported that the Prime Minister listened patiently to each member's points for over two hours.

The lawmakers stated that the government committed to taking their suggestions seriously and prioritizing Sudurpashchim in development works.