LUMBINI: Chief of Lumbini Province Krishna Bahadur Ghartimagar has said that provinces form the strong foundation of federalism and that all stakeholders must take responsibility for the development and prosperity of the province.
Speaking at the main ceremony of the 9th Lumbini Province Establishment Day, jointly organized by the Lumbini provincial government and the Lumbini Province Assembly at Rapti Valley (Deukhuri) in Dang district on Tuesday, Province Chief Ghartimagar said the future of the province depends largely on the vision and decisions of those entrusted with governing it.
Describing Lumbini as both sensitive and full of potential, he stressed the need for inclusive governance that listens to voices from all sides and levels. He noted that history shows how the development of places has been shaped by the foresight and choices of those in power.
On a related note, the Province Chief suggested that provincial infrastructure and the provincial capital should be expanded in higher areas rather than on fertile agricultural land. Emphasizing the need to protect farmlands, he recalled having raised the same concern earlier as well. “If we protect rice-growing farmland, no one will have to go hungry,” he said.
Addressing the same ceremony, Chief Minister of Lumbini Province Chet Narayan Acharya said that significant progress has been made over the past eight years since the establishment of the province to strengthen federalism. He claimed that the implementation of federalism has brought development closer to the people, enabling citizens to directly feel its impact.
“Provinces exist because of federalism. People have been able to experience the work carried out by provincial governments,” Acharya said. Referring to those who question the relevance of federalism, he urged them to examine provincial expenditure details before forming judgments and warned against spreading misleading narratives about federalism and its outcomes.
The Chief Minister clarified that the province has not been established as a burden but as a foundation for development and construction. He also said the provincial government has formulated and implemented a five-year strategic plan focused on good governance, transparency, accountability and the eradication of corruption.
“Concerns about good governance and transparency have become more prominent. The provincial government has already developed a legal framework in this area, and we have been successful in effectively carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to the province,” he said.
Province Assembly Speaker Tularam Ghartimagar said that both the Assembly and the Provincial Government are strengthening law-making and implementation in ways that directly address people’s basic needs. He claimed that Lumbini Province is ahead of other provinces in law-making and is making similar progress in implementation.
Former Chief Minister Jokh Bahadur Mahara also stressed the importance of good governance for provincial development. He said infrastructure development and human resource growth are essential to making the province prosperous and self-reliant, adding that agriculture- and tourism-focused planning is key to achieving that goal.
During the ceremony, students who excelled in an open speech competition organized by the Provincial Assembly were also awarded. Purnima Oli of Galamukhi Radhakrishna Tharu Secondary School in Bardiya secured first place, followed by Salina Paudel of Mount View English Boarding School, Ghorahi, in second place, and Siddhant Adhikari of the same school in third place.
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