Sudurpashchim govt concerned as poverty rises by 10 percent

KATHMANDU: The government of Sudurpashchim Province has expressed concern after poverty increased by around 10 percent in the province.

The provincial government, which is in the final stage of preparing its second five-year plan, stated that poverty has risen in the current fiscal year compared to FY 2020/21.

The Provincial Policy and Planning Commission is currently holding discussions in various local levels across the province on the draft of the second five-year plan.

According to expert member Dr Hemraj Lamichhane, poverty in Sudurpashchim, which stood at 24.6 percent during the formulation of the first five-year plan in FY 2020/21, has increased to 34.16 percent. Achham District has the highest poverty rate at 49.58 percent.

He said the second plan prioritizes employment generation and skill development, access to quality education and health services, strengthening agriculture and the rural economy, social security and targeted programs, as well as good governance and effective implementation.

“This plan has been prepared with a long-term vision of a self-reliant, prosperous, and beautiful Sudurpashchim. Its objective is to reduce poverty by increasing production and productivity, generate employment, and improve income levels,” Lamichhane said, adding that it also aims to ensure quality, accessible, and sustainable infrastructure development and a healthy, capable, and dignified standard of living.

The provincial government has also incorporated climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation and promotion, sustainable use of natural resources, transparent and citizen-friendly public service delivery, disaster risk reduction, and technology-friendly development in the plan.

Priority has been given to improving local income levels through the development of agriculture, livestock, small industries, and tourism.