Coalition leaders unveiling the government's common minimum programme on Sunday. Photo Courtesy: Rss

August 9: The coalition government led by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has unveiled its common minimum programme which has clearly outlined that the government will not move ahead with the export of sand, aggregates and stones from the Chure range.

Unveiling the common minimum programme on Sunday, the government has decided to scrap the previous government's decision of exporting stones and sands from the Chure region. 

"It is decided to prevent the exploitation of natural resources for financial benefits, stop the export and excavation of stone and sand in the Chure range and take concrete steps to protect the environmental rights and biodiversity," states the programme.

The joint programme also called for multi-purpose use of big rivers, implement integrated development policy on the basis of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Similarly, it has also expressed commitment to investigate the irregularities in the procurement of health materials and take action against the individuals and organizations found guilty.

The common minimum programme has laid emphasis on production-based economy, reform in supply chain, and control in excessive price hike of commodities.    

However, the program has not said anything about the MCC agreement which is considered important for the development of hydroelectricity in the country.

Presenting the government's programme, General Secretary of Nepali Congress Purna Bahadur Khadka said that the relief and rehabilitation program would be made public uplift the sector including business,  communication, transport, and entertainment industry affected by the COVID pandemic. The programme has stated to create an investment friendly environment in collaboration with the government, and private sector and amend Acts.

It has stated to ensure smooth supply of fertilizer, a recurring problem every year, resolve the problem of sugarcane farmers and reduce the risk by arranging agricultural insurance.

The program also states that arrangements will be made to end the delay in construction of infrastructure projects. "The remaining works of East-West Highway and Kathmandu Ring Road extension will be completed as soon as possible," the joint program further states.

Similarly,  land will be given to the landless as per the provisions introduced by the Constitution. Under this section, economic recovery packages and settlement will be provided to  freed bonded labourers such as Kamaiyas and Haliyas, as well as landless farmers. The program aims to finalize the bills under consideration in the parliament, lay the foundation for socio-economic transformation, focus on high and equitable economic development and focus on productive economy, improve the supply system, control inflation and corruption.

The government has stated that the disputed border areas including Limpiyadhura, Lipulek and Kalapani will be resolved through diplomatic channels. The main opposition party UML has expressed dissatisfaction over the common minimum program announced by the government. UML leader Sher Bahadur Tamang said the program doesn't carry any significance as it should have been introduced through the parliament.