Paudel slams policy program as repackaged, lacking vision
However, Paudel noted that these ideas are not new and that many of the initiatives presented are repackaged versions of previous programs.
KATHMANDU: CPN (Maoist Centre) Secretary and Member of Parliament Devendra Paudel has criticized the government’s upcoming fiscal policy and program for lacking the determination and vision necessary for nation-building.
Speaking at Tuesday’s session of the House of Representatives during deliberations on the policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year, Poudel expressed dissatisfaction with its content. He acknowledged the inclusion of several key topics such as public service delivery, economic dynamism, social justice, a “work while studying” model for students (including 20-hour work weeks), the expansion of digital governance through the Nagarik app, e-Government Board, online tax system, youth-centered startups, cyber security, and the Digital Nepal Framework.
However, Paudel noted that these ideas are not new and that many of the initiatives presented are repackaged versions of previous programs.
He cited the example of 661 startups that received loans under earlier policies and clarified that the current policy does not bring new support but rather reuses old programs with minor updates.
“This year’s policy and program has simply put a new label on old plans,” Paudel remarked. “What we needed was a bold and determined policy to truly drive nation-building. Unfortunately, that is missing.”
He further emphasized that the policy failed to introduce innovative ideas that could be considered learning models for future planning.
