KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the National Planning Commission (NPC) to put poverty alleviation on first priority by increasing production, productivity and entrepreneurship.

During the meeting with NPC office-bearers including the Vice Chairperson at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singha Durbar, today regarding the NPC's performance and future course of action, PM Oli, also the Chairperson of the NPC, urged the planning commission officials to increase investment in skill development, entrepreneurship and employment creation as activities related to infrastructure development are in the phase of completion.

"We have to move ahead in the path of making the people self-reliant by increasing production. People should be motivated for hard work. Basis should be determined for utilizing the fundamental rights by identifying activities reducing poverty. Ministries should be asked to bring concrete plan for increasing production and productivity. There will be positive impact on country's economy once productivity increases," he mentioned.

The Prime Minister urged the NPC to carry out effective monitoring and evaluation of national-pride projects, development of entrepreneurship and making positive impacts on service delivery and good governance.

Similarly, NPC Vice Chairman Prof Dr Shiva Raj Adhikari briefed PM Oli about various issues including implementation of the 16th Plan, its challenges, new criteria and revision of National Project Bank, systematic review upon incomplete projects, new criteria of project review, and amendment to procedure of supplementary and special grants.

Sharing that interaction was held with province and local levels about the revised criteria, Adhikari stressed the need of making local levels resourceful for effective implementation of fiscal federalism.

Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Economic and Development Affairs advisor to the Prime Minister, Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal, among others were present in the meeting.