Sudurpashchim Province Accelerates Preparation for Second Five-Year Plan

Dhangadhi. The Sudurpashchim provincial government has intensified preparations for its upcoming second five-year plan (2083/84–2087/88) with the goal of bringing qualitative improvements to the lives of its residents. Suggestions were collected from provincial assembly members during a special program held in Dhangadhi on Saturday regarding the preliminary draft prepared by the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission. This plan is being put forward as a roadmap to make Sudurpashchim self-reliant and prosperous within the next five years.

The proposed draft prioritizes increasing production and productivity, poverty alleviation, and massive job creation. The provincial government has set a strategy to achieve sustainable economic growth by developing value chains based on agriculture, tourism, industry, and energy sectors. Additionally, programs for investment promotion and entrepreneurship expansion are at the center of the plan to improve citizens' income levels.

Regarding infrastructure development, the draft pays special attention to geographical balance. The province plans to adopt green and disaster-resilient concepts while developing transportation, energy, irrigation, water supply, and digital infrastructure. The policy draft mentions using modern technology and environmental protection simultaneously for the balanced development of urban and rural areas.

For social sector development, the goal is to ensure equal access to quality health and education for all. Making social security programs effective, climate adaptation, and maintaining environmental balance through sustainable use of natural resources are also key objectives of the plan. The strategy mentions maximizing the use of information technology to make public service delivery transparent, accountable, and citizen-friendly, aiming to make the province technology-friendly.

During the discussion, participating provincial assembly members emphasized making the plan practical and implementation-oriented. They suggested increasing investment in productive sectors, effectively mobilizing resources from both federal and provincial governments, and completing the province's pride projects on time.

Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah stated that collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society is essential for the overall development of the province. He expressed that all agencies must be responsible for bringing infrastructure, such as health facilities built at the local level, into full operation. Vice-Chairman of the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission, Dr. Jeevan Rana, highlighted the rationale and future direction of the plan.