Patan (Lalitpur), December 17: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has emphasized that governments at all levels should be people-centered and service-friendly, not authoritarian.
Speaking at a program organized here today on the occasion of the 106th founding day of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, he said that the current government is committed to solving the problems of the people and fulfilling their development aspirations in a responsible manner.
“Local government is not just for collecting taxes like in the past, it has also become citizen-friendly. Work has been done to remove distortions through the use of information and communication technology. It is wrong to say that the system has changed but the situation has not changed. Even though the development has not been as expected, the pace of development has increased,” Prime Minister Oli said.
The Prime Minister mentioned that more efforts have been made to reduce poverty, physical infrastructure such as roads and bridges have been built, the state has made every effort to improve the living standards of the people, the size of the country’s economy has increased, foreign exchange reserves have increased, and the average life expectancy of the general Nepali has increased from 42 to 72 years, and that development and construction activities have gradually gained momentum in the country compared to the past. He stated that only 20 percent of the population remains below the absolute poverty line, which is an achievement for the country.
The Prime Minister said that it is the need of the hour to maintain unity in diversity and embark on the journey towards prosperity with social harmony. He said, “Common progress for all should be achieved through the efforts of everyone, the journey of progress never ends. Arrangements have been made for the homeless along with food and shelter. We will make the country free from road traffickers by 2082 BS,” the Prime Minister said, highlighting the state’s provision of social security.
Prime Minister Oli said that since Lalitpur is a rich cultural city in the country, rich in Newar culture, it can contribute to tourism development by preserving its heritage and promoting places of cultural importance.
The Prime Minister honored Professor Shivagopal Risal, Narayan Maharjan, who worked in rescue operations during the 2015 earthquake, satirist Mohanshyam Maharjan, and Naya Patrika daily correspondent Shivahari Ghimire for their contributions to the field of language and literature. On the occasion, MP Prem Bahadur Maharjan said that the office, which was established as a sanitation office, is currently on a journey towards prosperity as Lalitpur Metropolitan City.
Bagmati Province’s Minister for Labor, Employment and Transport, Prem Bhakta Maharjan, suggested providing services through ‘digital’ means. Metropolitan Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan informed that heritage conservation is being carried out through the Consumers’ Committee. He complained that the management of Rato Machhindranath’s chariot and construction of the temple in Bungamati through the contract system has been in confusion with the dissolution of the Reconstruction Authority.
Deputy Mayor Manjali Shakya urged the metropolis to be declared the capital of handicrafts.
