Kathmandu, May 20: Different political parties and individuals have expressed their views on the policy and programme of His Majesty’s Government presented the other day. Talking briefly to RSS at the end of the Royal Address at the Parliament Building today, nc general secretary Sushil Koirala said the policy document has focussed on maintaining peace and security in the country and removing poverty and commission-mongering.
Deputy leader of the CPN-UML K.P. Sharma Oli observed that the document has come with some abstract promises and commitments and it lacks new policies on agriculture, tourism, etc.
Stating that the document is silent on the issue of foreign policy, Oli claimed that it has come in a stereotyped fashion and is a total failure.
RPP president Surya Bahadur Thapa expressed the view that there is nothing new in the HMG policy and programme.
Hridayesh Tripathy expressed sorrow over the non-mention of the problem of citizenship which has found place in every document and said expressing serious commitment to removing corruption widespread in the country and maintaining law and order is a positive aspect.
Lilamani Pokherel of the Samyukta Janamorcha noted that the document has failed to encompass the general public.
NC MP and former finance minister Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat remarked that the policy document should not be necessarily new every time, adding the document has laid stress on boosting the morale of the police force.
Prof. (Dr) Jayaraj Acharya noted that since His Majesty’s Government has focussed on ensuring peace and an impartial and transparent administration, and removing poverty which stands as a major challenge in the present context, the policy document is on the whole good. Senior advocate and former MP Sindhunath Pyakurel expressed fear that if the matter of strengthening the police force and activating the defence council has come in the context of the Maoist, it may prove to be counter-productive for the nation in the long run.
Commitment to eliminate poverty which is rampant in the country is not enough; it should be put into practice, he further said. President of the Nepal Bar Association and senior advocate Harihar Dahal noted that strengthening the judicial system, making justice within the reach of all and developing the judicial manpower are the positive aspects of the policy document.
Meanwhile, the business community has expressed mixed reactions over the policy and programme document of His Majesty’s Government.
President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Pradip Kumar Shrestha said commitment to increase investment in industry sector is positive.
Former FNCCI president Ananda Raj Mulmi observed that the documents mentions nothing for intensifying economic activity and streamlining the revenue administration. Stating that political issues have been given more importance in the document than the economic ones, Mulmi remarked that mention of the transparent administration, giving high priority to bringing violent activities under control, making efforts for social justice and removing corruption and commission-mongering are some of the positive aspects of the document.
Similarly, former president of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce Mahesh Kumar Agrawal expressed the view that economic issues mentioned in the Royal Address are laudable.
Former FNCCI president Mahesh Lal remarked that the government’s commitment to control corruption, maintain good governance and peace and pluck revenue leakages are welcome steps. Chairman of the FNCCI employers council Rajendra Kumar Khetan said His Majesty’s Government through the Royal Address has guaranteed peace and security in the country and also made commitments to develop forests, consolidate courts and adopt power policies.