Govt committed to protecting Nepali territory: PM Deuba

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said the government is committed to protecting Nepal's territory.

Responding to queries put forth by lawmakers on the government's policy and programmes in the meeting of the House of Representatives on Saturday, PM Deuba made it clear that the government has a firm stand that Limpiyadhura, Lipulek and Kalapani belong to Nepal.

The issues relating to the country's land are sensitive and these should be sorted out via talks and diplomatic channels, he said, adding that diplomatic efforts were underway to bring back Nepali territory. The policy and programmes have given proper priority to the border issues.

According to PM Deuba, Nepal-India relations are multi-dimensional and the areas of cooperation are broad and diverse. Cooperation between Nepal and India in the energy sector is a significant dimension of bilateral relations. Nepal-India power trade agreement was made in the background that electricity produced in Nepal would be exported to the Indian market.

Similarly, he stated that it was obvious to all that the report of the Nepal-India eminent persons' group (EPG) was prepared three years back. He wondered why it was not received then. He urged caution while commenting on diplomatic issues as the government was active to create an atmosphere for submitting the EPG report.

He also reiterated that Nepal is committed to the One-China policy and aware that none would be allowed to use Nepali land against any neighbour. The PM also reminded us that during his previous stint some organizations active against China were banned in Nepal.

Moreover, PM Deuba informed the parliament that national need, capacity and relevance would be considered while receiving any development assistance including under the BRI project. The government takes the judicious decisions on such issues and holds discussions with all parties. "Government expresses gratitude to the neighbouring and friendly countries for the international assistance on Nepal's socio-economic development," Deuba stated.

He also claimed that government activism has resulted in the augment of socioeconomic activities. The economic sector was getting vibrant after the government ensured vaccines against COVID since he won a trust motion in parliament, PM Deuba reminded.

PM Deuba made it clear that Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) will not be dissolved and the government has no intention to this end. He said provisions have been arranged for an accessible supply of textbooks and the government was active to control the illegal activities including black-marketeering.

Saying that arrangements were made for the supplies of fertiliser and other agricultural inputs to increase production, the PM said a policy is taken for the classification of districts for the supplies of foodstuffs in the remote Himalayan districts.

“The government is working for the productivity growth; priority for the sectors with comparative advantages and to ensure the proactive role of public-private sectors for the sustainable development of economy,” he stated. The PM further said needed steps would be taken in regard to the proposed Nijgadh airport after studying the verdict of the Supreme Court.

The government is working to end all sorts of violence and discrimination, PM Deuba shared. Corruption is a common enemy of all, Deuba said while appealing to all to unite against corruption.

He said the local level election was completed in a free and fair manner amid limited resources and it was not necessary to raise concerns on the entire election process by taking sporadic incidents into account. The PM viewed that the supply system in the country is affected and external factors pressure was on the rise in the country’s economy due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

On MCC, PM Deuba said a 12-point interpretative declaration is now a part of MCC after the approval from the House and urged one and all not to harbour suspicion on MCC. The government has managed resources for the construction of 1,200-megawatt power and it would be developed accordingly, Deuba said.

The government is committed to border security and this issue would not be compromised, PM Deuba told the parliament.

Likewise, he shared that during his India visit, both the countries had expressed their readiness for cooperation in the development of the energy sector and this issue was stated in the joint statement as well.

Likewise, PM Deuba said the new budget speech would ensure the budget for Geta Medical College and shared the fact that budget allocation was being allocated in the past.