Kathmandu. Prime Minister Sushila Karki delivered a special address to the nation today. She said that she was happy to be entrusted with the responsibility of the new government.

Prime Minister Karki said that a new history would be written with honesty and hard work of every citizen.

“I am eager to welcome the new government as the interim government’s assignment has completed and a new mandate has been received through the election,” she said.

Paying tribute to those who lost their lives on September 7 and 24, Prime Minister Karki wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Expressing sorrow over the damage caused to public and private property due to vandalism and arson during the protests, she called for unity to rebuild the country.

According to him, good governance, improvement in service delivery, action against corruption and reconstruction works were forwarded in a short period under his leadership. She said that various plans have been implemented to normalize the situation after the agitation and to make the economy dynamic.

Full text of address:

Today, when I am present before you, my heart is heavy. I am thinking of the young children who lost their lives in the incidents of September 23 and 24. The energetic teenagers who had to suffer a lifelong disability. Families who lost their dreams and support. I pay my heartfelt tribute to all those martyrs who sacrificed their lives calling for civilized and just governance. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured warriors. And, I want to tell the families of those who have lost support, you are not alone.

I also express deep sorrow over the damage caused to historical monuments, business establishments and private property due to vandalism and arson. I urge everyone to move ahead unitedly with the belief that we will rise again. When I assumed this responsibility on September 27, there was fear and uncertainty in my mind. But I came here with the confidence that I could light the lamp of hope at a time when the country was in crisis. At the request of the change-loving youth, I accepted this role with the intention of holding the election of the House of Representatives within 6 months and handing over the responsibility to the people’s elected government. Now I am saying goodbye with some satisfaction and a lot of hope.

We all may remember the complex situation after the people’s movement led by the youth of September 23 and 24, 2002. It was unimaginable at a time when 76 people died, more than 2,600 were injured and lost 84 billion. In such a situation, the environment had to be eased, the morale of the security organizations had to be boosted, the administration had to be dynamic and the political parties had to be prepared for the elections.

From the very first week of the formation of the government, we continuously tried to hold the elections in a free, fair and fear-free environment in coordination with the Election Commission. The EC also moved ahead with an action plan to hold the election on the announced date as per the wishes of the government and the country’s need. And, on March 4, the election was held in a historic peaceful and clean manner. Acting Chief Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari along with the commissioners and all the employees worked hard in a short span of time and played an important role in this task. I have high praise for them.

The Nepal Army has played an important role in consolidating security and holding elections by working round the clock to control the difficult situation. I thank each and every soldier, including the Chief of Army Staff, for this. I would like to express my gratitude to the chiefs of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force (APF) and each and every soldier who made the election possible by raising the organization from the ashes even when the posts were burnt, weapons were looted, clothes and shoes were not available. The competence shown by the National Investigation Department is even more commendable. Thank you to the chief and every employee for this. I would like to remember the contribution of the election police who left their homes and came to serve even for a short time. Every civil servant, including the court staffers deputed for the election, deserves thanks. I am also grateful to all the political parties and candidates for their support by taking part in the election amidst difficult circumstances.

I am grateful to all the voters who participated in this great festival in a peaceful manner, keeping in mind the festival of Fagu or Holi. Similarly, all the journalists, civil society and observers also deserve thanks. I also express my gratitude to friendly countries, various development partners and the support from the international community. I would also like to express my special thanks to the ministers and my secretariat team who participated in the government under my leadership.

The role and guidance of the Honorable President is memorable. This election, held under special circumstances, has established many innovative and positive practices. This time, we have been able to set many standards regarding election security, cleanliness, economy and punctuality. If we can maintain this standard in the upcoming elections, we can take our democracy to a more cultured and prosperous phase. This election has taught us an important lesson: if we work selflessly for the welfare of the country, we will definitely get the support of the people. We have once again proved that Nepalis can face crises unitedly. And we have proved that our national capacity has not weakened and we can solve our problems on our own.

In this election, the people have given a clear mandate in favor of change in accordance with the spirit and spirit of the Genji movement. The electoral system in this constitution has also proved the narrative that no party can get a majority. I congratulate the newly elected members of the House of Representatives and wish them a successful term. I am confident that the new government under the leadership of youths will carry out result-oriented works in the areas of ending corruption, establishing good governance, creating employment in the country, economic development and social justice as per the demands and aspirations of the Genji movement. I also wish the government complete success in this regard.

The six-month electoral government was not in a position to do all the work expressed in the Genji movement. But we have definitely laid some groundwork. We encouraged the agencies investigating complex crimes and corruption to work with complete professional independence. As a result, the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police have filed cases in cases that have been suppressed for a long time. The government has also historically taken stern steps against those who do not work on contract basis and do not pay bills by burning electricity. This government, built on the foundation of the Jenji movement, has signed a historic agreement with the agitators on December 10, 2002. I am confident that the next government will take forward some works with priority as some works are incomplete as per the agreement.

A decision has already been taken to make public the report of the probe commission formed to investigate into incidents of use of force, vandalism, arson and looting that took place during the agitation. And the next government will study the report thoroughly and take necessary steps regarding the recommendations and recommendations. The Integrated Business Revitalization Plan has been implemented to facilitate economic activities by providing relief, tax exemptions, concessions and facilities to the industries, trades and establishments affected by the Genji agitation and to keep the morale of industrialists high. The reconstruction of public structures and physical infrastructures damaged during the Jenji movement has been taken up with priority. I am not here today to give a list of the government’s work or its achievements. I would like to leave it to you to evaluate what we have been able to do and what we have not done.

In this difficult time, we have formed a very small and agile team, working day and night, enduring criticism and attack, suffering pain, working for the country. We are running in a frugal manner without any greed for any convenience. There is no claim that we did everything well and flawlessly. But I submit to you that we have not done anything with wrong intentions. We have tried to work keeping transparency, integrity and public sentiment at the centre. If anything good has been done during this period, it has been possible because of you. I bow down to all of you for this. If there is any weakness, please share it with me.

In the end, there is no alternative for all the institutions and all sides of the country to move ahead by adhering to their constitutional dignity. I humbly request you to keep in mind that only this will strengthen the foundation of good governance. I am eager to welcome the new government as the interim government has completed its assignment and a new mandate has been received through the election. And today, with full confidence, I see a bright future for this country – where our unity, honesty and the hard work of each and every citizen will write a new history.