Baglung, June 5 : Former prime minister and NC central member Sher Bahadur Deuba said maintaining political stability, solving the problem of unemployment, poverty alleviation, abolition of social discrimination and encouraging political parties to follow the democratic process are the challenges of the day.

Addressing a mass meeting organised by NC Baglung committee here today, Mr Deuba said as economic prosperity and institutional development of democracy is not possible without development of water resources and agriculture, they should be developed in order to solve problems like unemployment and poverty.

In the past 10 years of restoration of democracy the country made various achievements. The achievements are yet too little to fulfill the aspirations of the people, Mr Deuba said, adding that leaders should serve the workers and the workers should serve the people.

MPs Tanka Prasad Sharma and Dilliraj Sharma, ex-MP Govinda Sharma Kandel and other speakers also expressed their views at the programme chaired by NC Baglung president Hariprasad Shrestha.

Also today, speaking at a get-together with local journalists, the former prime minister pointed out the need for all political parties to maintain a democratic culture.

As Nepali Congress is a democratic party, the problems in the party should be solved through mutual understanding and in a democratic way, he added.

Stating that murder and violence cannot solve any problem, Mr Deuba also expressed confidence that problems would be solved through dialogue.

Mr Deuba also handed over the ultrasound equipment presented by Baglung-Japan assistance committee to Baglung Hospital.

The equipment worth Rs. 2.4 million was presented by residents of Baglung living in Japan.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Deuba said hospitals are in need of technical manpower rather than financial cooperation.

Mr. Deuba also inaugurated the environment exhibition cum fair organised to mark the World Environment Day and the Dhaulagiri Tourism and Social Service Centre.