KATHMANDU: Gyanendra Shahi, a member of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, stated that he held a positive and productive discussion with Prime Minister Balendra Shah on key issues concerning sustainable development across Karnali Province and the entire country.
Shahi described the meeting as energetic and fruitful, focusing on infrastructure strengthening, education and healthcare improvements, job creation, tourism promotion, and optimal utilization of local resources. The discussion also emphasized promoting inclusive development in Karnali Province as a contribution to national prosperity.
During the meeting, Shahi highlighted the need to upgrade and complete the Karnali Highway on schedule, including sections such as Surkhet–Dailekh Bazaar–Mahabulekh Galje and Rara Salleri. He urged construction and paving of roads connecting Tamti–Topla–Imilcha–Jajarkot, Urthu–Lasi–Lum–Talfipere, and Dansadhu–Depalgaun–Garjyangkot to enhance connectivity between Jumla and Dolpa districts. He also called for new communication towers and expansion of 4G internet coverage in remote areas of Jumla, especially in settlements like Kupcha and Kopcha.
Shahi requested the government to introduce the Sinja Civilization Bill, establish a research center for Sinja culture and Khas civilization, and work towards UNESCO World Heritage recognition for the Sinja area. In healthcare, he urged the Karnali Health Science Academy in Jumla to be equipped with an MRI machine and amendments to its regulations. He emphasized activating stalled local health centers, relocating Jumla District Hospital to a central location, and ensuring the availability of medical equipment and skilled staff.
On drinking water, Shahi called for facilitating completion of the Dhaulighat large-scale water project and addressing other local water supply issues facing budget or management problems. Regarding electrification, he urged the expansion of the national transmission line throughout Jumla and strict action against contractors delaying the 132 kV line from Surkhet to Jumla.
Shahi also stressed reforms in agriculture, ensuring subsidies reach actual farmers, providing apple and potato farmers with appropriate packaging solutions, designating Jumla as a “potato super zone,” and establishing trade centers for collection and marketing.
In education, he requested reform of local teacher appointments, removing unqualified political appointees, and enabling federal oversight to improve education standards. For herbal medicine, he urged legal access to government land for cultivation and the establishment of processing and support centers to boost local production.
Shahi emphasized that these interventions are critical for inclusive development and called on the Prime Minister to take immediate action on these priorities.
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