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A day after winning the vote of confidence, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday engaged in a questions-and-answer session with lawmakers from various political parties. The session covered a broad range of topics, reflecting diverse concerns and interests of the representatives. The members of parliament sought clarity on several key issues, such as infrastructure development, economic growth, good governance, corruption investigations, and ongoing national projects. Here’s the edited version of the Q&A session. 

When will the government start and complete the work of upgrading the Butwal-Pokhara (Siddhartha Highway) road section within the Gandaki Triangle to a dedicated two-lane? Also, what is the current status of the Aandhikhola High Dam Hydropower Project? Additionally, what preparations has the government made to end illegal transactions to improve the country’s economic situation? - Dhanraj Gurung, NC

The Gandaki Economic Triangle project, aimed at developing the Bharatpur-Butwal-Pokhara (Muglin) area in collaboration with the private sector, includes infrastructure, industrial growth, energy, agriculture, tourism and employment creation. The current fiscal year’s budget allocates funds for upgrading the Butwal-Pokhara (Siddhartha Highway) road section to a two-lane road, and the Siddhababa Tunnel work is nearly complete. The project is set to start in the first quarter of the fiscal year, with authorities instructed to begin work in Shrawan. 

The Aandhikhola High Dam Hydropower Project in Syangja district aims to generate 180 MW of electricity. Preliminary feasibility and environmental studies have been completed. But there is the main challenge of relocating 712 households. The government is committed to advancing this project by finalizing its modality and securing investment.

For economic governance, the government is adopting a risk-based assessment system for financial crimes. High-risk areas such as casinos, precious metals, cooperatives, real estate, remittances and banking will be closely monitored. A zero-tolerance policy against corruption will be implemented, with integrated promotion, preventive and corrective measures. Revenue leakage and illegal economic transactions will be controlled through coordinated efforts with related agencies. 

Systems like central invoice monitoring, ASYCUDA (automated system for customs data), VCIS (videojet visual code inspection system) and integrated taxpayer information systems will be developed to ensure effective revenue mobilization and economic governance.

During your previous tenure as prime minister, you issued a new map of Nepal including Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. However, these areas remain only on the map. What is your policy, plan and strategy to bring these areas under Nepal’s control? - Deepak Bahadur Singh, RPP

Regarding Nepal’s international borders, the Federal Parliament, the Government of Nepal, and all Nepalis are firm on the new map of Nepal. The government is committed to resolving these issues through diplomatic negotiations with India, based on historical facts and evidence.

What initiatives will you take to investigate corruption scandals and examine the wealth amassed by politicians since 2046 BS? And will you move forward with constitutional amendments? - Dhawal Shamsher Rana, RPP

To improve public trust in governance, the government is committed to impartial and independent investigations into corruption allegations and unexplained wealth accumulation. Measures are being taken to address issues in the cooperative sector, including establishing cooperative loan recovery tribunals, credit information centers, and cooperative savings and loan protection funds. Concerning the amendments to the constitution, the process will be pursued through national consensus to address current issues and promote stability and prosperity.

When will the 828 MW Uttar Ganga Storage Hydroelectric Project in Dhorpatan municipality, Baglung, start power generation? When will the uranium extraction process in Lomantang begin? Additionally, when will the bill to operate Nepali cargo ships on international sea routes, which has remained in the Parliament for four years, be passed? - Devi Prakash Bhattachan, UML 

The Uttar Ganga Storage Hydroelectric Project, initially under the Nepal Electricity Authority, is now being developed by Uttar Ganga Power Company Limited. The feasibility study and environmental impact assessment are complete, and land acquisition is underway. The goal is to complete it within four years.

For the Lomantang uranium deposit, detailed exploration and industrial utilization modalities need development before extraction can begin. 

The bill to operate Nepali cargo ships is in the process of being presented in the Parliament after the cabinet’s approval on 11 July 2024.

During the tenure of the then NCP-led government, a decision was made in 2077 (four years ago) to hand over the construction of the remaining 79 kilometers of the 134-kilometer Darchula-Tinker Road to the Nepali Army. However, the construction of the road section has been hindered after it was merged into the “Mahakali Corridor Project.” Should the remaining 79 kilometers of the Darchula-Tinker Road be established as a separate project? Additionally, the cabinet decision on 3 May 2023 to remove the Mahakali river control office from Darchula has disrupted the flood control and maintenance works. I request the Prime Minister to instruct the concerned ministry to restore this office. - Dilendra Prasad Badu, NC

The Tusharpani-Kotedhar-Tinker section under the Mahakali Corridor Project is being constructed by the Nepali Army due to the presence of 80 percent hard rock, which facilitates the management of explosives and speeds up construction. No separate budget sub-head is maintained for roads constructed by the army, except for the Tarai-Madhes Fast Track. However, adequate budget allocation has been managed in the past and will continue to be ensured for construction progress.

For Mahakali river control, the office was relocated from Darchula to Patan in Baitadi to perform irrigation and river control works more effectively. A contact office and some technical staff are maintained in Darchula for embankment construction and monitoring. The office in Baitadi will continue these efforts.

Is there anything in the seven-point agreement that the general public would revolt against if they knew? Also, when will the bill forwarded to the Law and Human Rights Committee be finalized? - Durga Rai, Maoist Center

I have already informed this assembly about the seven-point agreement between the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML in the context of gaining the vote of confidence yesterday. As for the bills stuck in parliamentary committees, I am hopeful that the committee members will actively and collaboratively work to finalize those bills. The government will fully support this process.

What is the government’s policy to ensure public transportation and road safety, given the tragic bus accident on July 12 in Trishuli? What is the status of the road standards and the mechanical condition of vehicles in Nepal? It’s been almost a year since the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement began. How is the progress? Can we complete the project within the stipulated five years? - Deepak Giri, NC

Regarding the Trishuli bus accident, the bodies of 25 out of 62 missing passengers have been found so far, with 18 identified. Search efforts are ongoing with security personnel, and Indian divers have been involved since July 20. The bodies have been found in various locations, including Indian territories, and the search continues despite challenging conditions. The government is preparing a Road Safety Bill and has submitted a National Transport Policy to the cabinet for approval. The Road Safety Council will be established to systematically implement various road safety measures.

The MCC agreement implementation is progressing as planned. Substation construction contracts have been signed, and one section of the transmission line contract is in the final stages. The aim is to utilize the $500m grant within the agreement period. The project will significantly contribute to the development of Nepal’s energy sector and introduce new technologies for road upgrades.

The Koshi Western Canal constructed by the Indian government extends from the Koshi Barrage in Saptari district to India’s Laukahi, covering 32 kilometers in Nepal. India has built a paved road on its side, but the road on the Nepali side remains unpaved. Will the government initiate talks with India to pave the road? The road from Gaighat in Udayapur to the Indian border in Saptari district, which falls under the national pride project, has not been constructed either. Will it be built this fiscal year? Also, the Sunkoshi-Kamala Diversion project could provide irrigation services in Saptari. Will this project be constructed? - Dinesh Kumar Yadav, NC

The Koshi Western Canal’s road in Nepal is being paved gradually. The Nepal-India bilateral mechanism will be requested to remove encroachments and complete the paving. Preparatory works for the road from Gaighat to the Indian border were completed in the last fiscal. Due to financial constraints, it was not initiated, but it will be prioritized this fiscal year. The Sunkoshi-Kamala Diversion project, along with the Koshi High Dam, is under joint study by Nepal and India. Implementation of these projects will follow once the study is completed.

The government you led in 2018 initiated several national pride projects, constituency-focused strategic plans, and municipal-focused plans. Many of these projects remain incomplete or stalled. How do you plan to advance these projects? - Deepa Sharma, UML

To fulfill the dream of a prosperous Nepal and happy Nepali, my government, formed in 2018, initiated numerous national pride projects, constituency-focused strategic plans, and municipality-focused plans. This government prioritizes prompt completion of the initiated but incomplete and abandoned projects by ensuring the proper management of resources. By making the best use of limited resources, arrangements will be made to ensure that there is no shortage of budget for national pride projects, transformational projects, priority projects and other projects of national significance. Necessary budgets will be arranged for the completion of contracts under the ongoing projects.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song called on Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Monday.

The Chinese Ambassador had reached Singha Durbar this afternoon to meet the Home Minister.

Stating that the relations between Nepal and China had always been cordial, Minister Lekhak expressed his confidence that the bilateral relations would be further expanded and strengthened in the coming days.

Minister Lekhak, acknowledging China as an important development partner in the development of infrastructures in Nepal, extended his gratitude towards China for its support in the capacity enhancement of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, Nepal as well as in Nepal's bid for development.

The Minister also reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to One-China Principle and expressed Nepal's commitment towards not allowing any of its land to be used against its neighboring countries, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Similarly, Chinese envoy Song believed that the friendly and diplomatic relations between Nepal and China would be further strengthened in the coming days.

He noted that there were many similarities between Nepal and China including cultural ones, the Ministry said.

On the occasion, he pledged to coordinate efforts with the government of Nepal in border management, combating cross-border crimes and protecting the citizens of both countries.

Furthermore, the Chinese envoy asserted that the government of China would provide the utmost support to Nepal to further strengthen the immigration administration.

Ahead of seeking a vote of confidence, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed Parliament on Sunday, highlighting the government’s key domestic and foreign policy priorities. Breaking from his usual lengthy speeches, Oli focused on the pressing issues facing the nation and called for cooperation among all political parties to overcome the country’s challenges.

Prime Minister Oli began his address by paying respects to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country and expressing high regard for senior leaders like Pushpalal, BP Koirala, Ganeshman Singh, and Madan Bhandari. He extended condolences to the families affected by recent natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, and assured that the government is prioritizing rescue, treatment, and relief operations.

Oli highlighted five key domestic priorities and briefly touched on foreign policy, urging cooperation among all political parties to overcome the country's challenges.

The government’s first priority is to expedite long-delayed development projects. He cited a 123-kilometer road construction project in Kalikot district, which began 16 years ago and has only seen 15 percent progress, as an example of the country’s sluggish development. Noting that national pride projects have also seen minimal progress, advancing just one percent annually, Oli emphasized the need for institutional development, improved evaluation mechanisms, policy reforms, and timely disbursement of funds to contractors to ensure the completion of ongoing projects.

The second priority of the new government, according to Prime Minister Oli, is tackling the growing trade imbalance caused by declining exports. He pledged to develop a comprehensive policy within the next three months to boost exports and manage imports. 

The government’s third priority is to create a favorable investment climate and resolve issues in the agriculture sector. He emphasized the importance of the private sector as a growth engine and outlined plans to generate jobs. Oli said the government will focus on increasing production, industry, and services through extensive investment, regulating cooperatives, and prioritizing state investment in health, education, security, social protection, and large infrastructure projects.

The fourth priority is to ensure balanced and nutritious food for all citizens. Oli announced plans to develop a comprehensive strategy to improve food habits and address poverty. The prime minister promised to set specific targets to enhance nutrition, education, health, and overall well-being, particularly for children.

Tackling corruption is the fifth priority of the new government. To achieve this, Prime Minister Oli emphasized the need for a proper intention rather than a “political stunt” to maintain good governance, stating that the government would initiate investigations into corruption and abuse of power. He highlighted the importance of distinguishing between performing and non-performing employees and holding those accountable who fail to complete their work on time and within budget.

Prime Minister Oli painted a bleak picture of the current state of the economy, noting declines in both imports and exports, reduced revenue collection, low-interest rates, increasing defaulters, stalled development projects, and six million people living below the poverty line.  

Probably for the first time since 1990, the entire country has plunged into pessimism, Oli told Parliament, calling for the need to instill hope among the people by encouraging rapid economic development. To do so, he said the government will focus on sectors such as information technology, tourism, energy, agriculture, forestry, industry, and physical infrastructure as main drivers of economic growth. He added Policies and regulations will be formulated to promote economic growth through these sectors, with support from fiscal and monetary policies.

On foreign policy, Prime Minister Oli emphasized independence, dignity, and development needs. He said that his government believes in a good neighborly relationship and shall act accordingly, while expecting the same from close neighbors. He also pledged to address the genuine concerns of neighboring nations.

Oli also justified the alliance between the two largest parties, citing historical instances of collaboration, such as ending the Rana regime in 1950, overthrowing the Panchayat era in 1990, ending violence in 2006, and promulgating the new constitution in 2014.

Amid concerns over the constitution promulgation, Prime Minister Oli assured that the constitution drafting process would be forward-looking and not undermine previous achievements. He stated that the constitution is a means to development, not an end, and any points hindering development would be amended. He called for national consensus and unity to address political instability, the main obstacle to development.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba informed that all Nepali students in Bangladesh are safe.

She took to social media this morning to share the information about the status of Nepali students and other Nepalis living in Bangladesh.

"The Dhaka-based Nepali Embassy has been regularly in touch with local authorities, college administration and Nepali students regarding their safe stay, security and other assistance as required", the minister said.

The situation evolving due to the recent developments in Bangladesh has affected Nepali students living there, she said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also made proper arrangements for them to stay there safely and return to Nepal if needed. Minister Rana said that the Embassy has been instructed to make necessary coordination for the safety of students living there and facilitate their travel for those who want to return to Nepal.

On Sunday alone, 115 Nepali students had returned home by air and 305 through Kakadbhitta border point. Foreign Ministry officials welcomed 57 Nepali students who returned home on Sunday morning at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

A 'help desk' has been set up at the Ministry and a responsible office has been designated for necessary coordination, the minister further shared. The Nepali Embassy in Dhaka has been keeping regular contact to assist Nepali students after the news of their issues due to the recent developments in Bangladesh.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1,200 students have returned home from Bangladesh till Sunday. The local students in Bangladesh have been protesting against the quota system in employment set by the government.