#news #KoshiProvince #Development #Budget #Infrastructure
Viratnagar – The Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, has announced plans to seek assistance from the Development Bank to provide support to the provincial government in the construction of budget timelines and procedures. The announcement was made during the ‘Koshi Province Regional Planning Translation Interaction’ organized by the Koshi Province Planning Commission on Wednesday.
During the event, Chief Minister Karki expressed confidence that aligning the planning principles of the Development Bank would help streamline the planning process and reduce inconsistencies in budget allocations. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the provincial government and the bank to address issues in basic infrastructure and services, such as schools and hospitals, in the central hilly region to improve the quality of education and healthcare facilities.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Karki urged members of the Koshi Provincial Assembly to refrain from including projects in the Development Bank that cost less than Rs. 50 million. He also informed about the joint investment by the provincial government and the Swiss government to construct four roads in the province. Additionally, he highlighted concerns about potential cuts in grants from the federal government, leading the provincial government to focus on increasing internal revenue generation to ensure continued investment in development projects.
In a positive note, Ramesh Khatri, representing Kansai Nepal News, stated that Chief Minister Karki’s proactive approach to seeking financial assistance and promoting sustainable development initiatives is commendable. Khatri emphasized the importance of strategic investments in key sectors to enhance economic growth and improve the overall well-being of the province’s residents.
Chief Minister Karki also expressed satisfaction with the positive impact of the appreciation of the rupee this year, which he believes will encourage people to return to the hills from the plains. He underscored the government’s commitment to supporting agriculture tools and organic farming to increase production efficiency, with a goal to boost productivity by 40% and enhance quality standards by 60% in selected projects.
Economic Affairs and Planning Minister Ram Bahadur Magar highlighted the need to eliminate unnecessary expenses and corruption in project implementation, emphasizing the importance of prudent financial management by the Development Bank. Amber Bahadur Bishta, Speaker of the Koshi Provincial Assembly, urged the provincial government to prioritize investments in areas that can generate revenue to sustain development initiatives.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: March 6, 2025 12:00 am
