KATHMANDU, Feb 7: The National Pride Projects in Nepal, intended to enhance public services and stimulate economic growth, have shown disappointing progress. Even with government funding and resources, these projects haven’t met expectations.
Out of the 27 National Pride Projects, a budget of Rs 66.75 billion was allocated for 19 projects in the current fiscal year. By the end of the first half of the fiscal year (mid-January), only Rs 17.15 billion had been spent, accounting for 25.70 percent of the allocated budget.
Initially, in the fiscal year 2011/12, 17 projects were designated as National Pride Projects. Over time, the government added both ongoing and new projects based on necessity and relevance, expanding the total number to 27. Among these, some have been completed, while others have yet to begin. As of the fiscal year 2024/25, 19 projects are under implementation.
For the fiscal year 2023/24, a net budget of Rs 60.39 billion was allocated for National Pride Projects, out of which Rs 54.24 billion has been spent. According to the Ministry of Finance, the financial progress stands at 89.82 percent, while the physical progress is recorded at 57.50 percent.