Karnali Province Advocates for Priority in 16th Five-Year Plan During NPC Feedback Event

Surkhet, Dec 15: In a two-day event organized by the National Planning Commission (NPC) to gather feedback for the 16th five-year plan, stakeholders and local government representatives have strongly urged for a heightened focus on Karnali Province.

Participants at the event emphasized the need for the NPC to prioritize Karnali Province, pointing out that the region has lagged behind on various developmental indicators. Local government representatives from Karnali Province voiced their concerns and called for special attention to address the existing disparities.

Yagya Prasad Dhakal, Mayor of Bheri Ganga Municipality, stressed the untapped tourism potential of Karnali and urged the NPC to accord it top priority in the upcoming five-year plan. Dhakal also advocated for the inclusion of initiatives that support medicinal herbs and local crops in the province, emphasizing the establishment of medicinal processing industries.

“The government’s plans and policies should actively promote medicinal herbs and local crops of Karnali, fostering the growth of medicinal processing industries,” Mayor Dhakal remarked, underlining the importance of sustainable and region-specific development.

Additionally, local government representatives highlighted the escalating trend of youths leaving the country for foreign employment. They urged the NPC to formulate strategic plans to retain the younger demographic within the country, addressing the challenges posed by the increasing exodus of youths seeking opportunities abroad.

NPC Vice-Chairman Min Bahadur Shrestha, NPC Secretariat’s Secretary Toya Narayan Gyawali, and other officials were present at the event to gather crucial feedback from local governments. As discussions unfolded, there was a consensus among participants that a targeted and comprehensive approach in the 16th periodic plan is imperative to propel Karnali Province towards a more equitable and prosperous future.