KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has conceded that his government, formed in coalition with the Nepali Congress in July, has not achieved the anticipated results within its first 100 days.
Speaking from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar, Oli acknowledged the delays but pointed to significant challenges, including natural disasters, that hindered the government’s progress.
“The natural disaster slowed down the work of the government, but we continued managing them,” Oli said, referencing the devastating floods that struck multiple districts, including Kathmandu Valley, in late September. The disaster claimed over 200 lives and left significant damage in its wake, with the government’s slow response drawing public criticism.
Oli, who was in the United States when the floods hit, admitted that the relief and rescue efforts were sluggish, promising to improve efficiency in the months ahead.
Despite the setbacks, Oli highlighted some key accomplishments during the coalition government’s early months. One major issue addressed was payments to struggling farmers.
“For a long time, more than 3 million farmers in 35 districts were in difficulty, unable to receive payment for their milk. In the last 100 days, nearly 1.5 million dairy farmers have been paid, with the government releasing Rs 600 million for their dues,” he said.
In addition, Oli said the government has provided long-awaited subsidies to approximately 75,000 sugarcane farmers who had not received payment for their crops for years.
On the issue of corruption, Oli reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law. “In controlling corruption, the government considers the law as our guide, not the camera,” he said, highlighting a focus on legal accountability rather than performative actions.
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