Koshi Province Government Unveils Policy Priorities for Fiscal Year 2083/84

Biratnagar. The Koshi Province Government has publicized its policy priorities for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84. The principles and priorities of the budget, presented by Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning, Bidur Kumar Lingthep, in the Koshi Provincial Assembly on Saturday, are centered around the goal of building a 'Clean, Happy, and Prosperous Province'.

The budget prioritizes people-oriented service delivery, sustainable physical infrastructure development, strengthening the agricultural sector, and inclusive development encompassing health, education, and social justice. The Provincial Government will focus on digitalization to make public service delivery effective. The priorities mention strictly implementing a results-based financial monitoring and evaluation system to end delays in the implementation of development projects.

The upcoming budget recognizes the agricultural sector as the backbone of the province's economy. The goal is to increase production and productivity through modernization, mechanization, and commercialization of agriculture. According to Minister Lingthep, the private sector will be encouraged to establish innovative industries based on local raw materials.

In tourism, special programs will be introduced to promote tourism by preserving the cultural, religious, and natural heritage of Koshi Province. Minister Lingthep also stated that the period from Bhadra 2083 to Ashad 2085 will be celebrated as 'Koshi Visit Year', and during this period, the budget will focus on developing tourist destinations and trekking routes to attract both foreign and domestic tourists.

To systematize the province's road network, the construction of strategic roads and roads connecting commercial centers will be accelerated according to the Provincial Road Master Plan. Minister Lingthep said that adequate budget will be allocated to complete multi-year projects on time.

In addition, programs such as improving drinking water supply, irrigation systems, and collecting rainwater in drought-prone areas have been prioritized. 'It is the government's responsibility to provide clean drinking water and reliable irrigation facilities to every citizen,' he said.

The capacity of provincial hospitals will be developed to make health services accessible and specialized. The priorities mention expanding health services to the local level while making the services provided in hospitals technology-friendly.

Investment in the infrastructure development of community campuses and technical schools will be increased in education. Minister Lingthep said that special emphasis will be placed on the use of technology for quality education and the production of skilled manpower. Minister Lingthep reviewed the province's internal revenue situation and pointed out some challenges.

He stated that although revenue collection has been improving compared to previous years, revenue collection has shrunk somewhat due to damage to physical structures and disruption of services caused by natural and other incidents that occurred on Bhadra 23 and 24, 2082. He also said that the province's overall resources are under pressure due to the federal government's revenue sharing and equalization grants not being received as targeted. He stated that a strategy will be adopted to expand the revenue base in the coming year and strengthen internal resources by making the tax system technology-friendly.

The budget priorities include a commitment to bring women, Dalits, indigenous nationalities, Madhesis, Tharus, Muslims, persons with disabilities, and backward communities into the mainstream of development. Minister Lingthep said that employment opportunities will be created by ensuring social justice, and industrial training and skill-based training will be provided to youth.

He stated that programs to promote entrepreneurship will be introduced to utilize the skills and experiences of youth who have gone abroad in the country. As Koshi Province is a disaster-prone area, the priorities mention making disaster preparedness and response plans effective.

Strategic plans will be prepared for the conservation of the Chure region, management of watershed areas, and mitigation of human-wildlife conflict. Minister Lingthep also presented plans to establish an open zoo and a biodiversity park for the conservation of biodiversity. Minister Lingthep claims that the presented principles and priorities will lay the foundation for the development and prosperity of Koshi Province.

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