Sudurpaschim Kachahari 2083 emphasizes joint government efforts for prosperity

In Dhangadhi, the ‘Sudurpaschim Kachahari 2083’ commenced on Saturday.

During the session on ‘Policy Debate on the Potential and Prosperity of Sudurpaschim Province’, speakers emphasized that the province’s economic prosperity is only possible through the joint and coordinated efforts of all three levels of government.

Collaboration Needed Among All Three Government Levels: Chief Secretary Aryal

In the discussion, Baikuntha Aryal, Chief Secretary of the Province Government, stated that strong cooperation among the provincial, local, and federal governments is necessary for the success of development projects.

He mentioned that the provincial government is preparing for a development and investment conference soon to attract private sector and international investment. He highlighted the southern region’s potential for agriculture, the central region for forest-based products, and the northern region for herbal and Himalayan livestock production.

Additionally, he suggested that the Shahid Dasharathchand University of Health Sciences in Geta, Kailali, could be fully operationalized to make Sudurpaschim a hub for health education.

Focus on Master Plans and Tourism Circuit

Dr. Jeevan Rana, Vice Chair of the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission, clarified that the upcoming budget will prioritize projects of provincial pride.

She revealed plans to develop a tourism circuit encompassing Ramaroshan, Khaptad, and Badimalika. Preparations are underway to implement master plans related to roads, agriculture, and tourism, with special budget allocations for religious sites that define the province.

Similarly, Arjun Jung Thapa, a member of the National Planning Commission, informed that a detailed project report is being prepared to expand the Gaddachauki–Attariya–Chisapani road section into four lanes.

He mentioned that the Hulaki Highway will be completed within the next three years, and a significant budget will be allocated for the Seti Highway in the upcoming budget, with plans to connect Khaptad, Ramaroshan, and Badimalika to the Karnali and Seti highways.

Central Obstruction in Federalism Implementation

In another session on ‘Federalism Practice: Experiences, Challenges, and the Path to Improvement’, speakers criticized the centralized mindset of the federal government.

Former Chief Ministers Trilochan Bhatta and Dirgha Bahadur Sodari of Sudurpaschim accused the federal government of creating an environment of doubt over federalism by failing to enact shared rights laws and transfer powers in a timely manner.

Federalism expert Khimlal Devkota pointed out that although the constitution grants police powers to the provinces, the federal government has withheld them, and the absence of a federal civil service act has caused significant issues in staff management.

Financial federalism expert Somat Ghimire commented that provincial and local governments still lack an environment to operate independently. Another expert, Parashuram Upadhyay, noted the positive aspect of federalism, highlighting the involvement of 35,000 elected representatives in governance and increased female participation.

Promotion of History, Identity, and Arts-Music

The third session of the Kachahari focused on the province’s history, identity, literature, and music. Former Chief Minister Rajendra Singh Rawal emphasized the need for clear policies like the ‘Devatawi Circuit’ to promote the ancient and religious sites of Sudurpaschim.

Yagya Raj Upadhyay, a member of the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, called for the establishment of a center for music and historical studies in the province. Former member of the Nepal Academy, Basudev Pandey, lamented that the history of Sudurpaschim remains neglected due to a lack of further research and investigation by government bodies.