Reconstruction, fighting corruption among Nepal's priorities

The Nepal government on Wednesday unveiled its policies and programmes, setting the earthquake devastated country's reconstruction, fighting corruption and economic development as its top priorities.

The government will prepare current, mid-term and long-term working plans for reconstruction of the country, President Ram Baran Yadav said in parliament as he unveiled the government's programmes.

Nepal will also aim to graduate from a least developed country (LDC) to a developing one by 2022.

Although Nepali officials were apprehensive about meeting the target of this recently adopted ambitious plan following the April 25 7.9-magnitude earthquake, an encouraging response from the international community to Nepal's reconstruction efforts has once again raised their hopes that the required 6 percent annual growth could be achieved to graduate from the LDCs category.

Several international donors last month pledged $4.40 billion for Nepal's reconstruction following the devastating quake that killed over 8,500 people. India announced the largest amount of $1 billion in aid to the Himalayan nation.

"Public-private investment will be given priority for the reconstruction efforts. Reconstruction will be carried out in tourist destinations to boost the economy," the president said.

He announced that the quake survivors will be provided with soft loans for their quick recovery and resettlement. A seismological centre will be among the country's top priorities to obtain real time information on earthquakes.

A policy of zero tolerance against corruption will be strictly implemented, the president said, adding that anti-graft bodies will be strengthened to curb corruption.

Nepal will also hold elections of local bodies within one year, the president said.

The Himalayan nation has not held elections for local bodies in the last 29 years.

The government will also prioritise infrastructure and hydropower projects to energise the post-quake economy of Nepal.

(Anil Giri can be contacted at girianil@gmail.com)