Kathmandu. Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya, has directed the government not to include unimplemented plans and programmes in the budget and programmes for the coming fiscal year. Speaking at a meeting of the province ministry-level development problems solution committee held at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers at Deukhuri today, he directed the government to propose only the plans and programmes that could be completed.

Stating that it was necessary to implement the working procedure formulated for promoting good governance in letter and spirit, he said that it should be initiated from the ministry level. Stressing on the need to carry out effective work in the affairs of his jurisdiction, the Chief Minister said that it was necessary to go for the management of employee book and establish a retirement fund. In the meeting, the secretaries of various ministries put forth their views on the issues related to making the plan selection and implementation more effective.

Chief Secretary of the province, Krishna Prasad Kapri, said that the Chief Minister’s Office has been forwarding the works related to implementation of the decisions of the state government, formulation of laws, human resource management, coordination and facilitation in a systematic manner. He also stressed that only the implementable plans should be included in the upcoming budget. Province Planning Commission vice-chair Dr Dilliraj Aryal underscored the need for effective implementation of criteria for multi-year project selection and project banks.

Demand to make Magar and Tharu languages official language

Meanwhile, various indigenous nationalities organisations in Lumbini Province have submitted a memorandum to the provincial government today, putting forth demands related to language, culture and identity. Nepal Magar Association, Lumbini Province Committee has demanded the government to implement Magar language as the official language of the province. The memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya today under the leadership of Association Chairman Khalu Prasad Pun Magar states that the use of Magar language should be ensured in government offices, information and service delivery as it is widely spoken in the province.

The memorandum calls for the management of employees who know Magar language, necessary training and effective implementation of the project by coordinating with the local level. It is believed that this will facilitate the Magar community in accessing government services and strengthen inclusive governance system.

Similarly, the Tharu Welfare Assembly Dang has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding recognition of Tharu language as the official language. Assembly Chair Ashok Kumar Chaudhary demanded the immediate implementation of Tharu language as there is a significant population of Tharu community in Lumbini Province. On the occasion, Chief Minister Acharya expressed the commitment that the province government would formulate necessary policies and laws for the protection and promotion of language, culture and civilization of indigenous nationalities.