UML Presents Comprehensive Memo to PM ‘Prachanda,’ Highlighting 751 Plans for Mid-hills Development

Today, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) Chair KP Sharma Oli handed over a detailed memorandum to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ encompassing 751 plans and programs aimed at fostering the development of the Mid-hills region. This memorandum was a culmination of the ‘Resolution Journey for Prosperity’ campaign initiated by the UML, stretching from Jhulaghat of Baitadi to Chiwabhanjyang of Taplejung, conducted from November 30 to December 17.

The memorandum, compiled in response to demands and suggestions received from the public, addresses a wide array of issues concerning the Mid-hills region. Notably, the UML emphasized the latest condition of the Pushpalal (Mid-hills) highway, calling for immediate attention to realignment and improvement in various sections. Among the 751 points, 157 are dedicated to road-related demands and 25 to bridge construction.

Major suggestions span multiple sectors, including road infrastructure, education, tourism, agriculture, health, industries, energy, bridge construction, irrigation, cultural preservation, land management, settlement development, sports, and the eradication of social issues such as caste discrimination, untouchability, and violence.

Rajendra Gautam, Chief of UML’s central Publicity and Publication Department, highlighted concerning issues such as migration challenges, settlements becoming depopulated, schools on the verge of closure due to low student numbers, and fertile land turning barren. Gautam also emphasized the lack of family members to care for the elderly and a shortage of youths for funeral rites.

Furthermore, the UML urged the government to address the uncontrolled import of agricultural products, control middlemen exploitation, provide capital and technology support, implement crop insurance, ensure fair production prices, and establish robust market systems.

Expressing disappointment in the slow progress of post-earthquake reconstruction in Jajarkot and Rukum West, the UML called attention to the dire situation of over 34 quake victims who succumbed to the cold due to a lack of temporary shelters and warm clothing. The party demanded immediate relief in the form of temporary huts and a guarantee of shelter for the affected population.

As these issues take center stage, the UML’s comprehensive memorandum seeks to shape the government’s agenda towards sustainable development and address critical challenges facing the Mid-hills region.