PM Oli issues 26-point directive to improve governance

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the CPN-UML-Nepali Congress coalition government will carry out its duties as per the spirit of the seven-point agreement between the two parties.  

Addressing the government ministers and secretaries at Singha Durbar on Tuesday, he assured that he shall tender his resignation and hand over power to Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba a week before his two-year term ends.

“You don’t need to worry about this coalition collapsing all of a sudden. This government will not collapse, nor will it even wobble. It was formed with a sense of duty. It was created by major parties with wisdom and careful consideration. There will be no instability.”

The prime minister also advised ministers not to criticize others during the first 100 days of the government's term, but instead carry out their duties responsibly. 

“Focus on your work. Every ministry should work toward producing attractive reports within 100 days to show what has been accomplished.” 

Reassuring secretaries to make decisions without fear, Prime Minister Oli noted that the current government does not even have the luxury of a ‘honeymoon period.’ 

Prime Minister Oli also issued a 26-point directive to government ministers and secretaries on fundamental tasks that need to be accomplished.

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Prime Minister’s directives

1. Senior citizens unable to stand in line for services like driving license, passport, citizenship, and national ID is a sad state of affairs. This issue was observed in a Lalitpur office. Such incidents frustrate the public and must end. Employees are here to serve, not to govern. We must serve the people with kindness. Services can be made practical and effective through the Citizen App. The relevant ministries and agencies should provide these services easily. 

2. This government has come with the responsibility of stability, so work with confidence.

3. It is not appropriate for employees in state ministries and agencies to receive meeting allowances when over 20 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. We must commit to serving the country and the people. 

4. Instead of starting new projects, we must focus on completing the ones already underway. The main focus should be on completing tasks.

5. We should aim to save billions spent on fuel imports by focusing on the development and use of hydropower.

6. Israel and Malaysia are turning seawater into drinking water. We should also think about branding Sagarmatha’s (Mount Everest’s) water.

7. There should be no delays in anything. Citizens who travel long distances and spend money to come to government offices should have their work done without hassle. 

8. Do not create unnecessary committees and structures. Work in a way that shows results.

9. We must work with dedication for the country and the people, and shake off the habit of shift responsibilities on others.

10. Adopt a system of completing tasks on time through performance and delegation of authority. Work according to the law, taking responsibility instead of relying solely on orders.

11. We are responsible for achieving sustainable development goals. Ending poverty should be our main target.

12. There are complications in proving the legitimacy of one’s own property. Situations like having to show the source even when selling one’s own property need to be addressed. These uncertainties and technical hurdles must be addressed.

13. There have been claims of budget shortages for work. What is the reality? Regular budgets are being spent, but development expenditures are low. Development delivers to the people. Therefore, there must be sufficient capital expenditure. We need to move toward a system where work starts as soon as a request is made and decisions are given quickly. 

14. The situation where insurance payouts, VAT refunds, and payments for farmers' milk and sugarcane are not made is not good. They take loans to invest, and delaying payments puts them in trouble. This hinders agricultural modernization.

15. Contractors not receiving payment for completed work should not happen. Completed work payments should not be stopped due to unresolved accounts or other reasons.

16. We must adhere to financial discipline. Work should be done transparently. Grants should be distributed systematically. Entrepreneurs should be encouraged, but misuse of grants for personal agricultural subsidies should be monitored.

17. Do not be enthusiastic about increasing tax rates. The monetary policy has brought good momentum in the market, which should be maintained. The market should be kept dynamic.

18. Dharahara is built but not operational due to parking issues. It should be operational even if a parking fee is charged. Nepali people contributed millions to the “I will build my Dharahara” campaign. The public has participated in its reconstruction but has not yet been able to visit Dharahara. I instruct that it be made operational as soon as possible.

19. Up to 100 days of the government's term, ministers should not criticize others. Focus on your work. Each ministry should work toward delivering attractive reports within 100 days.

20. Projects prioritized should not take years to complete.

21. We will hold the Sagarmatha Dialogue, so make preparations accordingly.

22. Why wasn’t the National Talent Award, started with the money from an international award I received with additional budget allocations, regularized? It should be regular. We must encourage talent.

23. There have been incidents of air and vehicle accidents. We need to plant deep-rooted trees along highways and design new constructions to be safe. We plan to operate trains and ships as well. There is public demand for trains. This will be our priority.

24. The People’s Housing and Integrated Development Program should be linked to business. Relocating squatters in Kathmandu to isolated areas without market access was not effective. Learning from such projects, we must work practically and appropriately.

25. Decide within three months whether to use pesticides in vegetables or not.

26. We need to collaborate with the private sector. Listen to grievances from the business sector