KATHMANDU, June 16: Province 5 has announced that it will work toward developing itself into a ‘digital province’, create over 100,000 jobs through various programs and promote electric vehicles in the province.
Unveiling the provincial budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 on Monday, chief minister of Province 5, Shankar Pokharel, who also heads the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning, announced Rs 97.6 million to implement programs to make the province a ‘digital province’.
The provincial government has introduced a plan to spend a total of Rs 36.35 billion in the upcoming fiscal year. Out of the total budget, the provincial government has allocated Rs 12.59 billion for recurrent expenditure, Rs 18.61 billion for capital expenditure and Rs 5.15 billion for the fiscal transfers to local governments.
Under the ‘Digital Province Program’, the provincial government will prepare and implement a master plan as well as standards of software to provide government services through the electronic medium.
Coming up with a database of workers, embracing electronic governance system through the use of cloud computing and automation of services, digitization of various functions, budget formulation process, auditing process, renewal of vehicles and license, industry and firms renewal and OPD ticket purchase, bus ticket purchase and water tariff payment are part of the ‘digital province’ program, according to Chief Minister Pokharel.
Two-day Huawei Digital Nepal Conclave 2022
Province’s push for electric vehicles
At a time when the federal government is facing criticism for raising the customs duty and excise duty on the import of electric vehicles, Province 5 has announced that it will promote the use of green vehicles. In his budget speech, Chief Minister Pokharel said that the provincial government will undertake a study to increase electric vehicles and reduce the reliance on fossil fuel. The government also announced a budget to run electric bus services on three main routes of the province. As per the announcement, the provincial government will promote clean vehicles on the Butwal-Bhairahawa, Ghorahi-Tulsipur and Kohalpur- Nepalgunj routes under the public-private partnership modality. He also announced to establish an electric scooter factory under public-private partnership
‘Job creation a priority’
Meanwhile, the government of Province 5 has also announced that it has prioritized programs to create employment opportunities in the province at a time when many people are at the risk of losing their jobs due to COVID-19. The government has allocated Rs 650 million for COVID-special agricultural program that aims to provide technical services, ensure availability of agro inputs and mechanization under its program ‘Haat Haatma Krishi Saamagri: Gau Gau ma Rojgari’ (Agricultural inputs in every people’s hand, jobs in every village). The government aims to create 42,000 jobs under this program. The provincial government, through its budget, has also announced a Youth Self-Employment Program with an allocation of Rs 165 million that aims to create 10,000 jobs. Under this program, the government will collaborate with technical schools and provide skill enhancement training to address the employment affected by COVID-19. Chief Minister Pokharel also said he has allocated Rs 250 million for interest subsidy for farmers under an ‘Easy Loan for all Farmers’ scheme that will also help in creating employment opportunities. He said that the cash subsidy will be gradually reduced to provide subsidy on interest for loans.
Some other highlights of the budget:
- Rs 50 million allocated for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects project in all districts
- Digital Identity Card Program for full-time farmers to provide government subsidy in collaboration with local government – Rs 50 million allocated
- Rs 25 million allocated for scholarships to free Kamaiyas and Kamlaris, Musllim, Dalits and students from the marginalized communities to pursue study of Grade 11 and 12 education
- A Study will be undertaken to establish a chemical fertilizer plant in the province in collaboration with the federal government
- Rs 20 million allocated for Home Stay Infrastructure
- 50 main tourist destinations will be identified in the province along with a ‘one district, one tourist destination’ program to promote domestic tourism
- One House, One Tap within two years — Rs 2.53 billion allocated
- No allocation for foreign junket, cut on meeting allowance, fuel and other administrative expenses,
