Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal Addresses Economic Slowdown and Social Despair

Kathmandu. Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal has stated that the government is fully committed to addressing the existing economic slowdown and social despair in the country through policy reforms.

Responding to questions raised by members of parliament during Tuesday's House of Representatives meeting, Minister Lamsal claimed that the government has already paved the way for reform by amending some laws within 100 days.

Expressing the government's serious attention to the self-immolation incident that occurred a few days ago, Minister Lamsal mentioned that long-term economic deprivation, lack of access to justice, and social ills are the main reasons behind such incidents. He stated that a major problem has arisen due to the non-payment by main contractors to laborers, vendors, and sub-contractors working in the physical infrastructure sector.

The minister argued that unhealthy competition (low bidding) among construction entrepreneurs has increased due to weaknesses in the Public Procurement Act, which has destabilized the overall economy. He informed that the government has amended the act and implemented the 'average bidding' system to solve this problem.

Minister Lamsal informed that the government has set a target of injecting Rs 1270 billion into the market from the physical infrastructure sector alone within the next three years. In addition, preparations are underway to inject an additional Rs 300 to Rs 500 billion into the market through the 'Infrastructure Development Fund', which he claimed will help ease liquidity and contribute to employment and income growth.

Responding to queries in the house regarding traffic rules and fines, Minister Lamsal clarified that there is no alternative to tightening regulations to reduce road accidents. Presenting statistics that more than 12,000 citizens have lost their lives due to road accidents in the last five years, he stated that the main causes of accidents are speeding and negligence.

Refuting the misinformation spread on social media regarding fines, the minister said, 'The talk of a Rs 50,000 fine is not true. We are making the fines scientific.' He clarified that the limit will be set from Rs 500 to Rs 50,000 based on the nature, intensity, and repetition of the offense.

He informed that a new legal provision has been proposed for those who cannot pay the cash fine to pay through 'labor payment' (community service). Minister Lamsal urged not to spread misinformation on sensitive issues, stating that the claim that someone committed self-immolation for not being able to pay a Rs 10,000 fine is baseless.