PM Oli directs ministers, secretaries to set goals, improve service delivery

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed ministers and secretaries of all ministries to set goals and become result-oriented for the nation's development and prosperity.

In a meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) in Singha Durbar on Tuesday, the Prime Minister instructed them to complete their assigned responsibilities on time, within the parameters of existing Acts and Regulations. He also directed all ministers, secretaries, and project chiefs to enter into performance agreements and delegate their authority, emphasising the importance of providing smooth and efficient services to citizens.

PM Oli stressed the need to set periodic plans and goals for each day, week, month, quarter, half-year, and the entire year.

Directives for effective service delivery

The Prime Minister called for an end to the compulsion to queue for services at various government bodies and for the arrangement of hassle-free services. He directed officials to facilitate the easy acquisition of driving licences, passports, national identity cards, and other documents.

"The secretaries also raised some topics in the meeting on Sunday. That is not enough. Work in the interest of the nation and the people while remaining under the Constitution and laws," PM Oli asserted.

The Prime Minister stated that his views are based on the present situation rather than data.

'Present status of work not satisfactory'

Prime Minister Oli instructed ministers and secretaries to work effectively, stating that the current efforts were unsatisfactory.

"I had said that the government needed to change because the existing situation was not satisfactory. The two largest parties in parliament are now in government. These parties have contributed to social and economic change in the country. Although these two parties are sometimes small in size, they have a significant history, capacity, contribution, and perspective," he explained.

'Government has no excuse to fail'

The Prime Minister said the government faces unprecedented challenges and has no excuse to fail. "This is the last hope. This government has not been formed to fail. The government will be successful anyhow. We will not succeed if we do not perform and sit idle. Determination is required for success," he reminded.

Noting that his government will last for two years, he said he would tender his resignation a week before the completion of the two-year term. PM Oli asserted that Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba would head the government until the subsequent election.

"The incumbent government has been formed to maintain peace and good governance, as well as delivering easy and smooth services to the people. You must be clear on this. The government is formed to achieve something for the nation and is not biased. It will move ahead with a proper evaluation of performance," PM Oli underlined.

Operation of ship and train

The Prime Minister demanded progress on the issue of the country operating its own ship and train. He stated that ships would be operated in places where feasibility studies have been conducted and directed activities to be carried out in this regard.

'Don't be afraid to make decisions'

Prime Minister Oli assured that the situation of employees being afraid to make decisions will end. He urged them to abandon the mindset of feeling trapped and insecure when making decisions. 

PM Oli emphasised, "Our main aim is to make Nepal prosperous, Nepali happy, and end poverty. More than 20% of the population is in poverty. We have to end it within a few years. Let's fulfil our responsibilities for the same."

He stressed the need to increase domestic production and productivity. "We need a plan for the export of petroleum products, not just for domestic consumption by excavating the petroleum mine in Dailekh. There is immense potential for energy production, including hydropower and hydrogen. We can export branded drinking water. These potentials should be turned into reality," he explained.

The Prime Minister questioned the necessity of meeting allowances for regular work and urged against taking unnecessary allowances. He instructed all ministries and bodies to fulfil their responsibilities and duties to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030.

He called for amending the provision that restricts carrying more than 25,000 in large denomination Indian currencies.

PM Oli highlighted the need to end the practice of spending 100% of current expenditure but failing to spend up to 50% of capital expenditure. He urged clearing the payments of dairy farmers and construction entrepreneurs.

Similarly, Prime Minister Oli instructed the suspension of the agricultural insurance subsidy to be taken seriously. He insisted on addressing the complaints of businesspeople not receiving VAT refunds. He directed stopping all individual subsidy programmes, although collective subsidy programmes under the Ministry of Agriculture are necessary. He also instructed regular monitoring and inspection of the implementation of plans and programmes.

Addressing delays in large and national pride projects, PM Oli gave instructions to facilitate work if there are legal problems. He informed that the government would organise the Everest Dialogue soon and instructed to proceed with the National Talent Award distribution process, which has been stalled for the last few years.

The Prime Minister emphasised the need to control revenue leakage and increase the scope rather than the tax rate. He noted that the monetary policy has shown a positive effect and the market has started to improve. He expressed confidence that not only the capital market but all sectors will gradually improve.

Instructions to complete construction of Dharahara as soon as possible

Prime Minister Oli instructed to complete the construction of Dharahara as soon as possible and put it into operation. 

"Dharahara has been built, but people have not been able to climb it." He further instructed the concerned authority to manage the necessary arrangements for its operation. He also mentioned that new sources of income will be added after the operation of Dharahara.

100 days work progress

Prime Minister Oli mentioned that the 100-day work progress of each minister will now be sought. He instructed the ministers to work day and night. "You should be clear about what you want to do in 100 days, and you should make a report in 100 days about what your respective ministries have done. The works to be written in the report should be satisfactory and comprehensible," PM Oli said.

By RSS