HETAUDA, Feb 2: In their first address to the provincial assembly, assembly members of Province 3 have vowed to make the province prosperous in the next five years. 

On the first day of the first provincial assembly meeting, the senior-most member of the house, Dormani Poudel, who is also working as the Speaker, allowed the lawmakers to address the parliament. Leaders from eight parties represented in the provincial assembly of Province 3 stressed the need for economic prosperity and development to change the living standard of the people. 

"People have trusted us for development, good governance, prosperity and social justice. So, we have to work as per the people's mandate," said Asta Laxmi Shakya of the UML, adding, "If we stay united as per the peoples' mandate, Province 3 will be the country's most prosperous province." 

Lawmaker Shakya argued that since Province 3 is rich in diversity and social harmony, this could be the best exemplary province provided that the elected peoples' representatives work as per the people's mandate. "Province 3 has lots of possibilities. When we develop this province, the message will go across the country," said Shakya. 

Shalik Ram Jamakattel, who has been elected from CPN (Maoist Center), said Province 3 is at the top among other provinces in terms of natural resources, economic possibilities, geographical diversity, cultural and social aspects. "Let's work together with commitment. We can develop this as an exemplary province."

Stating that some people were still skeptical about economic prosperity, Jamakattel stressed the need for working together to ensure economic prosperity in the province. 

Similarly, provincial assembly from the Nepali Congress, Indra Baniya opined economic prosperity won't be a mere dream provided the parties forge political consensus on how to move ahead. 

Ramesh Paudyal of Bibeksheel Sajha Party said the parties have no excuse now as the country has become a republic, and it is now up to the parties to translate the commitments into practice. 

Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party lawmaker Surendra Gosai said federalism is the right model to practice decentralization and equitable development. 

Reena Gurung of Rastriya Prajatantra Party said the elected peoples' representatives should act responsibly in the context of a section of people still worrying whether federalism will work in a country as diverse as Nepal. "We have no other alternative to implementing federalism in the real sense. Our province will be prosperous when experienced and youths work together." 

Rita Majhi of Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Prem Bahadur Tamang of Naya Shakti Party said lawmakers should work for economic prosperity now. 

The next provincial assembly session scheduled for February 10 will elect the Speaker of the provincial assembly. Candidacy nomination for the Speaker's election will take place on the same day.

 
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