Kathmandu Metropolitan City prioritizes education and health

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has adopted the policy of developing the Durbar High School into a national-level model school.

The policy includes a plan for the improvement of the education in the metropolis, continuous teaching of local curriculum and addition of two more subjects to the 11 technical and vocational subjects currently being taught.

Likewise, KMC is to establish and run the ward-level community learning centre and make arrangements for the regular health examination of students at community schools, installation of fire extinguishers in schools and operating e-library.

This is stated in the policies and programmes for the fiscal year 2022/23 presented by KMC mayor Balendra Shah on Sunday.

Similarly, in the health sector the policies and programmes mentions that the ward-level clinics would be upgraded into health centres, necessary arrangements would be made for insurance cover to tax-payers in which KMC would provide 50 per cent subsidy, free hospital beds would be made available to the patients from the indigent and underprivileged communities and the ayurveda system would be promoted.

In this connection, the KMC plans to issue the Metropolitan Public Health Act to enhance the quality of health services and increase its accessibility. KMC also plans to run an integrated ambulance service, a 'one school-one nurse' and the 'school social worker programme'.

The policy of preparing the digital profile of physical infrastructures such as road, drain, water supply pipeline, street lamps and telephone has been included in the Infrastructure Development Policy. KMC plans to make the current Infrastructure Ambulance Service well-equipped and resourceful.

Following are the highlights of KMC's plans and policies: Sustainable and systematic solution for waste management of Kathmandu will be sought to make the city clean and ecological. Upgradation and improvement of wards will be done in direct connection with the people. Road network and drinking water will be managed. Provision of Rs 50 million has been made for construction of Madan Bhandari Memorial College, Rs 40 million for construction of National Health Child Care Hospital building, and Rs 50 million for construction of Chhetrapati Free Clinic. Melamchi Municipality and Panchpokhari Village Municipality will be provided Rs 25 million and Rs five million respectively for disaster management. Kathmandu Metropolitan City will be declared as a literate metropolis.

Infrastructure ambulance will be continued and necessary materials will be provided for traditional fencing in public transport waiting rooms. Monasteries and stupas and chaityas at the World Heritage sites will be preserved and promoted. Kathmandu Metropolitan City will be developed as an international film and historical centre. International branding of Newari-produced beverages will be carried out. CCTV cameras will be installed in all the offices within the metropolis. The mayor's programme will be held on the first Sunday of every month to discuss revenue and finance issues. Apps will be developed to keep electronic data.

Companies will be managed for real estate business. Tax rates will be modified - online system for tax collection will be further improved. Size and location of promotional materials, including advertisements, hoarding boards would be regulated. Tax rates of multi-storey buildings within the municipality will be revised. Grants will be provided for production of local and foreign films. Tax offices will be open even on holidays. Parking lots will be managed effectively. CCTV surveillance with GPS tracking will be ensured in public vehicles and places.

Private sector will be encouraged. Feasibility study for underground parking with reverse boring will be carried out in the metropolis. KMC's own mart will open and senior citizens' meeting centre will be put in place. Banks and financial institutions will be encouraged to arrange disability-friendly banks and ATMs. Infrastructure for open gymnasium, aerobics, yoga and other sports will be developed. Sports projects in collaboration with national and international clubs will be launched. Flood lights for night sports will also be arranged.

Skill development and entrepreneurship will be promoted. Trainings related to sculpture, woodwork and metalwork will be provided to interested youths. Technical assistance will be provided to industries and start-up businesses. Tax exemption and concessions will be provided on need basis. Sale and distribution of local products in shopping centres and department stores will be encouraged. Arrangements will be made to keep the night business safe and dignified. Policy related to cooperatives will be introduced. Arrangements will be made to renew the registration and renewal of cooperatives electronically. E-cooperative programme for institutional development, expansion and improvement of organizations will be introduced.