Right Honourable Speaker,
Firstly, I heartily welcome all the Honourable Members in the fifth session of this esteemed House.
While specially remembering the known and unknown martyrs who sacrificed their precious lives for the sake of the country and the people, I pay my heartfelt respect and condolences, through this dignified House, to all those brave heroes. I am also firmly determined to realize the noble dreams of the martyrs for advancing the country towards development and prosperity. I also express my high respect to all the seniors including Pushpalal, BP Koirala, Ganesh Man Singh, and Madan Bhandari who have made invaluable contribution to the life of this nation.
In the last nine years, forty-two road accidents have occurred at Siddhababa on the Butwal-Palpa road section and many have lost their lives.
Honourable Speaker, this is a news headline that appeared online sometimes ago.
While watching this news, my body shivered. I also became a bit emotional because of the grief of the elderly parents and orphans of families who lost their lives in all kinds of road accidents. When the road infrastructure is insecure, we are bound to hear such news every day.
I made a determination – We have to change this situation and work for it now.
I would like to remind you that efforts are underway these days to overcome such painful news.
There has been a breakthrough in the Siddhababa Tunnel a week before the start of the winter session of the Parliament this time. We will bring this Tunnel into operationalization within sometimes now. It will connect Pyuthan with Butwal through Palpa, Syangja, Kaski, Gulmi and the northern part of Arghakhanchi. This road is also being connected with Kaligandaki Corridor and it will bring a big change in the life of the people there.
We had put forward the plan of tunnel route to reduce the insecurity of road travel and to make the infrastructure sustainable.
Right Honourable Speaker,
After becoming the Prime Minister and while taking the vote of confidence from the Parliament, I had said - the first priority of this Government is -- to complete the work that has been started.
Where have we led the works, we have started! On this matter, I have to inform this honourable House today -
- There has also been a breakthrough in Dhedre Tunnel of Makwanpur under the Kathmandu-Tarai Expressway.
- Only a few days ago, there has been a breakthrough in Jogbani-Kimathanka Road, our national pride project connecting China and India.
- After the contractor company left the construction work of Butwal-Narayangadh Section, the work was uncertain at a time when this Government was formed. Now the work is advancing in a fast speed.
- The Mugling-Pokhara road, which was dusty when this Government was formed, has now become smooth and attractive.
- Sports have become the lifestyle of our youth. Therefore, the first meeting of the Council of Ministers this time had decided to build the cricket playground of Kirtipur a stadium and install floodlights to it. A call for tenders was announced and the work is underway to completing it within the specified time.
- To continue talking about the stadium, a modern Karnali Stadium has been constructed in Surkhet. This is a pleasant message for the future of our youth to have a modern stadium in Karnali, which is considered a remote part of the country.
- After we came to the Government, we have not only made a ‘breakthrough’ in the development works but also have carried forward many of the works which had been kept on hold by putting on ‘break’.
It is a good news for the public that a number of infrastructure works are being completed and this has contributed to opening new facilities for people. The news of this kind is sad for those who trade in despair, who run the industry of dissatisfaction and excitement, and who see their future in such things and make politics a market for business rather than a penance of services.
We can see that Nepal is being built only when we move beyond those who make politics a profession of consuming reactions on social media platforms.
The Nagarik App is such an endeavor launched in the field of public service and good governance. This has made the government services hassle-free and transparent. More than 50 services have been integrated into it. Currently, the Nagarik App remains the number one downloaded Nepali App in Nepal. So far, 57 lakh 26 thousand (5.726 million) people have downloaded it.
- Just like there was a revolution in our payment system when we started making a payment by QR scanning a few years ago and the customers got the facility of having payment through digital means. Likewise now, by having the facility of opening a bank account and receiving government services by scanning the QR code from the Nagarik App, the goal of ‘online service, not line’ is being accomplished, and this is making the Government work fast, efficient and transparent.
- More than 180,000 people have taken the PAN numbers through the Nagarik App. More than 250,000 people have linked themselves to the National Identity Card through this App within the first two weeks of taking the decision to link the National Identity Card to the Nagarik App.
- Through this App, we have removed the difficulty of getting a driving license and paying fines for violating traffic rules. With the linking of the vehicle license to the Nagarik App, it has been ensured that the physical card of the driver's license will no longer be necessary. About 55,000 to 60,000 people are taking this quick service relating to this in a day. All of us have seen the jubilant remarks on social media where both the sides who ‘pay and take’ are in a state of great satisfaction due to the arrangements made for paying the fines online right at the places of traffic rules violation.
- Though it appears a small thing, there had been a difficulty to get permission from inside and people had to stay in a queue to enter into Singha Durbar, the main administrative center of the country. Now, you do not need to get permission from anyone to enter into Singha Durbar, you can enter by scanning the QR code of the Government ID card.
- I believe that by expanding the use of Nagarik App in government services, we will be able to revolutionize the public service sector within a short time.
We have launched a ‘file movement tracking' system through QR code to get rid of delaying files in government offices; prolonging the duration of work and the resultant hassles of service seekers.
We are making arrangements to get information about the work in government offices through mobile phones.
We have put a break to this tendency of ever continuation but never completion of work of our development and framework of our law-making.
Right Honourable Speaker,
This Government has taken concrete steps to increase the use of international airports which are not come into full operation. Arrangements have been made for international flights in Bhairahawa and Pokhara.
During this period, a tripartite power sale agreement has been signed for the export of 40 megawatts electricity to Bangladesh.
A few days ago, I saw a user of social network X writing - 'Social security fund has been a basis of survival of the poor; removal of gallstones at Rs. 10,775 at OPD; and various tests, operations and medicines arrived at the bed. Even, facilities are available up to NRs. 125,000 in this year. Glory to those who started it!’
I became thoughtful for a while after reading this. We had also faced a lot of opposition when we launched the Contribution-based Social Security Fund. It had been trolled on social media saying that it was the beginning of a new era. However, now about 1.9 million workers/professionals have joined the Fund. Our goal is to increase the participation of everyone in the Fund who is employed.
Within 100 days of functioning of the Government, we have succeeded in bringing the remaining works of the peace process to its final conclusion which was started 18 years ago. In this regard, the bill prepared to amend the 'Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act, 2071' has been unanimously approved and certified. And, the Commission is in the process of completion.
These are just some general indications of matters regarding the direction in which we are intending to lead the country. I would like to tell the entire country, through this esteemed House, that the Government has concentrated all its efforts to complete all the projects started so far under all the Ministries. During this period, we have set priorities and formulated plans in accordance with what works have been started under which Ministries and how to complete those already started works in time. Based on this, we have signed performance contracts between the Prime Minister and the Ministers.
Right Honourable Speaker,
I would like to highlight a positive aspect of our parliamentary politics that we have not had to repeat in the past six months -- a cynical situation where power was manipulated and misused to switch the political boats bizarrely, disregarding the nation and its people, has now come to an end.
We are now free from the sorry spectacle of repeatedly seeking votes of confidence in Parliament. Today, I stand before you with confidence, filled by the trust and determination of the people and Parliament.
After coming into the government, our second priority was policy reforms. For this, we have formulated concrete action plans for reforms and accelerated the process of policy reforms, focusing on the following:
- Effective implementation of the Constitution and federalism.
- Timely amendments to the Constitution.
- Ensuring that bills presented by the Government do not remain pending in Parliament for years but are either passed on a priority basis or withdrawn.
- Repealing unnecessary laws, amending and revising impractical policies and laws, and improving the existing legal framework by formulating new laws where necessary.
- Establishing a governance reform center within the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, with ‘reform units’ in each Ministry to ensure good governance and accountability.
- Undertaking economic reforms and improvement in public expenditure management.
- Accelerating reform initiatives based on ministerial priorities.
Based on these priorities, the Government has advanced the concept of a High-Level Governance Reform Commission under the leadership of the Prime Minister and a Governance Reform Implementation Committee coordinated by the Chief Secretary. The Economic Reform Advisory Commission is actively working.
A total of 29 laws have been amended through ordinances that include 11 laws for enhancing investment by immediately reforming economic and business environment, 12 laws concerning good governance and public services, 3 laws regarding land and forestry, as well as the Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act, Privatization Act, and Cooperative Act.
In the words of the media after these legal amendments were made through ordinances, I would like to say -- the country has begun unprecedented reform in governance and business environment. After this now:
- The tendency to delay services by unnecessarily circulating the files in government offices will stop. Except for legally specified periods, all tasks must be completed within seven days as per the new legal provisions.
- A conducive environment has been created for Nepali IT companies to compete in the international market. Nepali companies can now establish subsidiaries and branches abroad, conduct transactions, and repatriate foreign earnings to Nepal.
- Among the conflicting laws related to consumer protection, irrelevant laws have been repealed. A system has been established where the pricing of goods is determined through competition, eliminating unnecessary intimidation of entrepreneurs and businesses on one hand while further strengthening consumer protection on the other.
- Arrangements have been made, whereby, the Government authorities must decide on an industry registration application within 15 days. If no decision is made within this period, the industry will be inso facto considered having approved for operation.
- Getting companies opened by entrepreneurs but the unnecessary hassle in closing down in case of bankruptcy has been permanently eliminated.
- In accordance with the report of the Parliamentary Committee on Cooperative Fraud, the existing Cooperative Act has been amended to include immediate measures, such as the establishment of a National Cooperative Regulatory Authority, to ensure the protection of depositors' savings.
- The list of benefits achieved through ordinances is extensive. These legal reforms have already sparked widespread public discussion.The honorable members are well aware of this.
Right Honourable Speaker,
Since the last session of the Parliament, ordinances have been introduced to amend 29 laws. Why did the Government have to introduce the ordinance at this moment? I wish to briefly explain this.
We have been hearing for a long time in the public sphere - It’s too late, there has been no change in the situation as expected. The questions are among us all:
- What reforms are needed in the public service sector to bring about change in that situation?
- Where are the obstacles to increasing production by boosting the morale of the business sector?
- Where and which legal entanglements have harassed people?
To untangle these ‘entanglements and knots’, immediate legal reforms was the first step. We all are aware that passing a law through the regular parliamentary process takes a minimum of five to six months.
Process on the one side -- the result on the other!
The urgency for reform that led to the formation of this Government under the leadership of the two major parties in Parliament did not allow us to wait for the ‘upcoming parliamentary session.’ During the time when Parliament was not in session, when delays in meeting national expectations through the regular parliamentary process were inevitable, it is precisely during such times that the Government issues an ordinance.
We all should not hesitate to admit one thing -- Parliament is held as a prisoner of process doing calculations of ‘political gains and losses’, and the daily problems of the people are left in shadows. This time, we decided not to let that happen. Regarding the ordinance, I have heard many honorable members questioning the ‘process rather than the content.’ Some have asked—why was an ordinance issued by bypassing the Parliament? Those who ask such questions also know that issuing an ordinance is done when Parliament is not in session. The Constitution itself provides for the issuance of ordinances only when Parliament is not in session, isn’t it?
Right Honourable Speaker,
We are ruling or opposition only in the Parliament. Can there be any for and against when it comes to development of the country, good governance, and improving the standard of living of the citizens?
The banks have liquidity but why are entrepreneurs not taking and investing loans? Even with record-breaking inflow of remittances from abroad, why is there a decline in market demand? Why has the real estate sector slowed down?
The Government had been carefully observing this situation.
To ‘change this situation’, we took a decisive action—to boost the morale of the private sector, create an investment and business-friendly environment in the country, establish good governance, and address long-awaited legal reforms that impact citizens' lives. This time, we accomplished this in one go through ordinances. I want to say this without any hesitation – this is the work done by the people's government for the people. I would like to humbly say one thing: whether it is the subject of an ordinance or a bill, let our debates be issue-based, focusing on the merits and demerits. Let’s not confine these to mere publicity stunts for public consumption.
Now the ordinance has become the property of the Parliament. From today, we have 60 days -- either to reject it or pass it as is. Or, we may pass a replacement bill with modifications. What should be done? The responsibility lies with this esteemed House.
Right Honourable Speaker,
I don't need to explain the dire state of the country when we took over the responsibility of the Government. I had said at that time, standing at this very rostrum of the Parliament— the generation of Nepalis after the year 1990 had probably faced such an extreme despair for the first time. The public trust to the country had broken. Their morale was at an all-time low. Development works were hopeless. The economy was in severe distress.
To save the country from such alarming situation, the Government was formed under the leadership of the two major parties, Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), along with the participation of other parties.
Six months have passed since the Government was formed under my leadership.
Shortly after I took the oath as the new Prime Minister, one after other accidents and natural disasters struck us.
From 10 to 13 Ashoj (26 to 29 September 2024), the country was hit by an unprecedented flood and landslides, resulting in 7,135 disaster-related incidents across the nation. These natural disasters caused significant loss of life and property. Agriculture, livestock, roads, bridges, drinking water systems, communication networks, schools, electricity and other physical infrastructure suffered massive damage. However, the Government efficiently handled these challenging situations. As a result, despite such devastation, around 800,000 people left Kathmandu for their homes to celebrate Dashain, similar to the previous year.
During this period, I believe that the way the Government performed has succeeded to a great extent in cutting through the deep despair prevailing in the country, spreading hope and enthusiasm among the people, and set the nation on a path toward rapid economic growth. However, there is still much work to be done.
Right Honourable Speaker,
Allow me to present comparative facts across key economic indicators before and after our government took office:
- Capital expenditure in the first six months of the current fiscal year has increased by 15%. Revenue collection has grown by 13% compared to the previous fiscal year.
- The total expenditure of the Government of Nepal has increased by 17.8% compared to the same period last year. In the same period last year, the growth rate was only 1.7%.
- Imports have risen by 7.1% this fiscal year.
- Goods exports have increased by 31.8% in six months, compared to a mere 7.1% growth in the same period last year.
- Loan disbursement has increased by about NPR 35 billion compared to last year.
- As of the end of the month of Poush of this fiscal year, the NEPSE index stood at 2,594, whereas it was 2,120 in the same period last year.
- The balance of payments surplus in the first five months of this fiscal year stands at NPR 2 Trillion, 25 Billion and 34 Crore, compared to NPR 2 Trillion, 16 Billion and 5 Crore in the same period last year.
- Foreign exchange reserves have reached USD 16.76 billion, up from USD 13.31 billion in the same period last year.
- Loan growth has increased by NPR 46 billion over the past five months compared to the previous year.
Right Honourable Speaker,
The economic situation is no longer as dire as it was six months ago. The economic indicators are good. The previous ‘poor’ economic indicators are now improving. The Government is focused on speeding up economic growth and increasing demand.
To improve cash flow in the economy, we immediately addressed the longstanding problem of not paying Government dues. We cleared NPR 30 billion in liabilities that were legally owed but remained unpaid to construction contractors from the previous fiscal year.
Within the first 100 days of our Government, we made payments to more than 1.5 million dairy farmers in 35 districts. Similarly, around 75,000 sugarcane farmers, who had not received the value of their sweat, have now received their subsidy payments. NPR 800 million has been transferred to the account of the Insurance Board to settle payments for farmers insured under the agricultural and livestock insurance programme.
The Government has taken all necessary measures to bring the economy back on track. In response to the private sector’s demand, we have established important commissions, such as the Economic Advisory Commission, to strengthen the economy. The Government is now in the phase of implementing their recommendations.
An independent international agency has completed Nepal’s sovereign credit rating assessment. Nepal has received a rating of ‘BB-’ which is the second highest in South Asia after India. This achievement was possible due to our strong foreign exchange reserves, improving economic growth, and the political stability in the country.
Focusing on the standardization requirement, the Nepal Accreditation Center is in operation now to ensure the quality of goods, services, and processes. This Centre is taking up responsibility of measuring the efficiency, transparency and credibility of various quality assurance institutions in different sectors across the country.
The Government is setting priorities to advance development and good governance together as well as to build public trust.
While listening to dozens of industrialists and businesspersons, I have realized that the Government does not need to give them much. They can gather all necessary ‘strengths’ to expand their businesses themselves. The Government only needs to boost their morale.
Before we came to power, business confidence was at an all-time low. Understanding their psychology, I had mentioned in this esteemed House that industrialists and businesspersons whom we consider the backbone of our economy are now wrinkled like dried black peppercorn.
Today, entrepreneurs are reacting that the sluggish industrial sector has revived. I wish to recall the feedback we received when business leaders visited Baluwatar to thank the Government after an ordinance in this regard was issued. Leaders of private-sector organizations said that the reforms taken up by the Government felt like a dream come true. At another IT Meetup event, a participant shared, ‘The Government has done its part; now it’s my turn to do mine. My dream of employing 5,000 people is now within reach. Thank you, Government.’
These representative reactions indicate the rising confidence of our private sector.
To boost the morale of the private sector, we have done two things:
First -- we could hear the prevailing comments then that the ‘Government was run on stunts’ and that ‘the Government ‘silenced and heard’. Back then, the good governance was seen not through policy and institutional frameworks but through dramatic ‘action/cut’ display of ministers and officials. The stage would show one thing, but something else was scripted behind the scenes. The practice of staging ‘anti-corruption action’ but nurturing large-scale irregularities behind the scene is no longer the case.
Second -- through legal reforms, the Government has surpassed the expectations of industrialists and business leaders by removing policy obstacles that restricted their flexibility.
Right Honourable Speaker,
I have also heard a comment -- ‘child-like nature’ -- from some friends. But I believe that no one -- whether young or old -- should be intimidated. I have nothing to say for those who themselves are afraid. Rather, they are simply haunted by their own past actions.
Today, let me say this much – breaking or destroying parties is not on the menu of the Government. Be assured, such an agenda cannot be a priority of such a strong Government that includes CPN (UML) and Nepali Congress.
Friends in opposition seem to be wasting their time on one thing:
‘The Government falls. It’s about to fall. It won’t survive till the end of Poush (December/January) or Makar Sankranti (January 14).’ and so on.
The song ‘Dhale, Dhale, Dhale, ma ta (I am falling, falling, falling,)’ has been sung excessively. This ‘song’ may be suitable for entertainment parties or festivals, but not in politics. In fact, I have heard that one honorable member even mentioned that this song is not appropriate. Such singing is better left for entertainment stages, let’s not sing in political platforms.
This esteemed House, nowhere else, is the place for making or removing a Government. What benefit will there be for the people if we spend the next three years making such noises? What benefit for the country? Instead, let’s talk about the successful fuel extraction in Dailekh; ask when transport will start in the Nagdhunga tunnel; discuss the benefits of the recent breakthrough in the Kimathanka–Jogbani road connecting China and India. That would have more meaning for the people than this musical chair game of the Government.
Right Honourable Speaker,
Today, I would like to briefly enter into the matter of lawmaking in the Parliament. One question we all need to ask ourselves in this esteemed House is: are we fulfilling our responsibility in drafting laws in the Parliament? Why does it take us half a decade to make a single law? We must become serious about this matter.
If an urgent bill cannot be passed within three months, then it will not do justice to the nation – let’s be serious on this. Let us discuss, let us debate, let us amend what is improper, let us cross out inappropriate things – let’s change, let’s do whatever, however it takes, but let us pass the law within 60 days.
I must humbly express today in this House that if a bill brought by the Government is not passed by the House even in 90 days, the Government makes alternative arrangements. We have already seen the extent of damage a nation suffers when the Government fails to act in a timely manner—this was evident in the case of money laundering. The consequences of the previous Government's negligence and carelessness are still being felt, and our country is now at risk of being placed on the grey list.
Right Honourable Speaker,
Development cannot proceed as desired if we continue to use the same legal framework for projects that require billions and billions in contracts and for those that require only millions or a few hundreds of millions. To address this, the Government introduces specific project-based laws. The Government brings the bills for this to the House. This esteemed House should deal with utmost urgency. Rest assured, the Government brings the business to the House, and it is the responsibility of the House to make laws, let’s be so. The Government works using those laws, and let the questions be raised if not.
In this context, I must address two points today. Our judiciary is the body to see anomalies in laws and constitution. The legislature makes laws, the executive implements them, and the judiciary ensures their compliance. No one body can exceed or fall short of these roles, and cannot. The ‘separation of power’ meansthe ‘complement of power,’ not ‘the competitionin exercise of powers.’ I believe – we also need the ‘cooperation of power’ from all bodies in matters of country’s development. If the Government exceeds limits, there are many ways to hold it accountable. Other bodies also have limits. Let’s remember - there are also ways to contain others who cross their limits.
We have constitutional bodies like the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, the Public Service Commission, and the Office of the Auditor General. These bodies have defined responsibilities, duties, and rights. Currently, in most cases, these constitutional bodies have friends who have long experience of working in public administration. I must emphasize this much today – What maintains good governance? What reduces the employee’s morale? What means working for the good governance? What disrupts governance? You all know this well. Nepal’s bureaucracy has good capability to perform. This has been evident also in recent tasks of amending nearly three dozen laws within a week or ten days when the political leadership provided support. I am mindful of ensuring that their morale doesn’t decline. I urge you all to be mindful of this as well.
Right Honourable Speaker,
Today, I have spoken with an open heart in this House. I wish -- the decade of the 80s be the decade of cooperation for prosperity for us. Let’s learn to take the upcoming decade as an opportunity to make a journey towards sustainable economic development, prosperity and social transformation.
Let’s reflect briefly, as we mark three decades since 2046 BS.
It won’t be otherwise to say that the decade following 2050 was the time of confusion and chaos. It could also be called the decade of violence against the multi-party system. This was a decade filled with political instability, uncertainty, and turmoil.
The decade of the 60s could be mentioned as the decade of republican establishment and transition. Efforts were made to create a new constitution during this decade.
The decade of the 70s – remained as the decade of ending the transition, creating the constitution and laying the foundation for prosperity. While overcoming the obstacles created by blockade and earthquakes, we could enact laws to implement the constitution, and began long-term infrastructure projects in this decade.
This can be taken as the decade for implementing the constitution, carrying out the post-earthquake reconstruction, maintaining stability and institutionalizing the peace process.
But now the decade of the 80s must be the decade of prosperity. Let’s not waste this time. Let’s make the next decade the decade of development, and let’s bring stability to the country.
For this, any necessary amendments and changes -- wherever and whatever-- required in the constitution, acts and laws, must be made. We have always said since the beginning – constitution is a means, not an end, for the welfare of country and people. And constitution is not unamendable. It has been 10 years since we enacted the constitution. Now the time has come for its review. While we say this, some have even said that amending the constitution is regressive. But seeing those same forces again asking about constitution amendments today, I feel happy as they too have begun to carry on this issue.
Right Honourable Speaker,
The Government prioritizes the necessary amendments in the constitution and enactment of laws thereof for political stability by reviewing the strengths and weaknesses observed during the enforcement of the constitution since its enactment and the complexities faced in the process. For this, parties in the Government, Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), have formed an internal taskforce of experts to study this matter. Along with that, discussions will be held with the parties associated with the Government. Topics for amending the constitution will first be identified through intense consultations with various stakeholders. And the consultations will be conducted with the parties represented in the parliament and those outside on the identified issues. We are clear, parties may have their own views and positions. Common understanding will be sought on agreed upon issues; debate and discussions will be held on contentious matters. It is the responsibility of the Government to bring constitution amendment bill, a common understanding will be developed based on the conclusion of debate – discussion. And there will be preparation of the amendment proposal on its basis.
Right Honourable Speaker,
We are committed to our relations with our neighbours. We wish to extend amicable relations and benefit from the rapid development of both our friendly neighbouring countries, and establish relationships based on mutual respect and benefit.
On the international fronts, we advocate for mutual support, world peace and prosperity. And we remain firm in defending our just national interests.
In the meanwhile, I would like to briefly present the achievements made in international relations.
Our participation in the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations remained productive. During the period of ten days, I attended four programmes a day on average. I held meetings with the Heads of State and Government of the friendly countries. I voiced our concerns about climate change and presented nation’s viewpoints in the Summit of Future. On 16 to 18 May 2025, we are going to host an international-level dialogue on climate change and mountain economy. We have called it the Sagarmatha Dialogue.
I made an official visit to friendly neighbour, China from 17 to 20 last December. During that highly successful visit, various agreements and memorandum of understanding have been signed on several matters related to mutual benefit, including the widely discussed Framework for Belt and Road Cooperation between Nepal and China.
In addition to the grant amount pledged by the Government of China since 2072 BS to date and cash assistance worth 20 million US dollars (approximately 2.7 billion Nepali rupees), President Xi Jinping announced an additional grant of 500 million RMB (approximately NPR 9.34 billion).
A Joint Statement between Nepal and China has been issued which includes the agreements reached during the visit. While making a review of implementation of the past agreements, understandings and decisions between Nepal and China, the future course of action to further elevate the Nepal-China relations have been outlined in the Statement.
During the China visit, attempts were made to have unnecessary debate and create misconception on the issue of BRI. I wish to seek consent to make a comment in this regard.
Regarding infrastructure and overall development, we are constrained by limited resources.
Whether it is BRI or MCC, World Bank or ADB or AIIB – we are not in the position to be selective to accept this or that, mentioning that we take from this - we don’t take from that. Be it grant or concessional loan, be it FDI or blended finance – we do not have alternative other than to accept on the condition that it does not harm the country and its people.
At one point, there was a narrative ‘a finance minister able to secure more loans – a successful finance minister’. Time has changed now. We must take by assessing the grant that does not conflict with our national interests and loan/assistance that is within our repayment capacity. No government, including this Government, should allow the country to remain underdeveloped in the name of purification, nor should they lead future generations into a blind debt trap under the guise of uncontrolled development.
Lastly,
In this House, some of us are in the Government and some are in opposition. Why should anyone be opposed to the interests of citizens, and leading the nation toward rapid development without confusion? I would like to conclude here by expressing the hope that this session of the House will set a new record in passing the necessary new laws to accelerate the pace of development.
Thank you!
[Address by the Right Honourable Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli
at the House of Representatives; 31 January 2025]
