Koshi Province Planning Commission Partners with Academic Institutions to Drive Development

Biratnagar. The Koshi Province Planning Commission has initiated formal collaborations with educational institutions to integrate research and technology into provincial development. The Commission announced this initiative during a press conference in Biratnagar on Wednesday. 

Vice-Chairman Taranath Niraula stated that a memorandum of understanding was signed two days ago in the presence of the Chief Minister, Speaker, and provincial ministers with the Degree Campus (Biratnagar) and Central Campus of Technology (Dharan) under Tribhuvan University, Purbanchal University, and Manmohan Technical University. 

Through this partnership, Niraula expects to conduct joint research to make provincial policy-making evidence-based, identify local resources and potential, and involve university students in practical development project work.
 
Similarly, Niraula announced that development projects will now be selected based on scientific criteria through the Project Bank Management Information System. He stated that the project bank has been implemented to ensure maximum utilization of limited resources, eliminate duplication, coordinate development, prioritize strategic, social (education, health), production-oriented, and infrastructure projects, and institutionalize a long-term planning system while promoting transparency and accountability.
 
Vice-Chairman Niraula informed that training has already been provided to local representatives, staff, and provincial assembly members for the effective implementation of this system.
 
The Planning Commission has proposed drafting a vision paper with a clear perspective and strategic goals for the long-term prosperity of Koshi Province. Niraula also mentioned that a digital dashboard system will be established to bring transparency to service delivery.
 
The Commission stated that work is being carried out in coordination with the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology for the modernization of the agricultural sector and with the Ministry of Tourism, Forest, and Environment for environmental conservation.

The Commission has set a roadmap to evaluate the impact of past projects in the economic, social, physical infrastructure, and environmental sectors. Niraula stated that special programs will be conducted for the empowerment of women, youth, indigenous nationalities, and marginalized communities, keeping inclusive development in mind.
 
Niraula claimed that the implementation of the 'Project Selection, Classification, Prioritization, and Project Bank Management Procedure, 2082' will make the development process systematic, transparent, and result-oriented, resolving past issues such as inconsistencies in project selection, duplication, and investments lacking priority.