Political instability hinders development in Koshi: CM Karki

Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki has said the prolonged political instability has hampered the implementation of significant projects in the Koshi Province.

He made this remark while inaugurating a meeting of the Province Development Council today.

The Chief Minister said concerns to be raised during the meeting will be addressed through a new budget for the province. He proposed the idea of developing the Mahakumbha region which lies on the bank of the Koshi River to promote religious tourism.

Former Finance Minister Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada acknowledged the lack of coherence and coordination between the federal and the provincial governments in implementing development projects. He advised the Koshi government to do its best to explore development potentials in the areas of water resources, agriculture, and energy, setting an example. 

Council member and CPN (Maoist Center) Koshi Province Parliamentary Party leader Indra Bahadur Angbo said the effective enforcement of federalism is awaited and the provincial government is responsible for coming up with plans and projects capable of encouraging the young generation. 

Province Planning Commission's Vice Chair Dr Rajendra Adhikari was of the view of stabilizing the economic growth rate and enabling an atmosphere conducive to attracting foreign investment.         

Commission secretary Mimans Adhikari said submissions of 10,000 people were sought in the course of drafting the second Periodic Plan for the Province and the meeting aimed to further enrich the submission documents. 

The meeting was attended by province ministers, Commission office-bearers, and secretaries from various ministries, Council members, presidents of thematic committees in the Koshi Province Assembly, and mayors and chairs of the local levels.