11 President Ram Baran Yadav presenting the government's policies and programs in Parliament on Wednesday. Photo: Bikram Rai

President Ram Baran Yadav on Wednesday presented in Parliament the government's policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year.

In its policies and programs, the government has expressed its commitment to hold local government body elections within the upcoming fiscal year.

Restricting load-shedding to eight hours a day in the winter, developing 12 districts of the Tarai as a pocket area for paddy production and adopting zero tolerance against corruption are other special policies and programs of the government.

12 President Ram Baran Yadav leaving Parliament after presenting the government's policies and programs on Wednesday. Photo: Bikram Rai

Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat said the government's policies and programs focused on reconstruction of the earthquake-devastated country and will help boost the stagnant economy.

However, opposition UCPN (UML) and RPP-N leaders criticised the government's policies and programs for lacking new initiatives and being devoid of specific programs for the earthquake-affected people.

"These policies and programs are too conventional and have nothing new," said UCPN (Maoist) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

RPP-N Chair Kamal Thapa said he was disappointed to see such 'stale' polices and programs from the government.

The ruling CPN (UML)'s Gokarna Bista also criticised the policies and programs for lacking specific programs aimed at providing relief to the earthquake survivors.

13 Photo: Bikram Rai

Some points from the government's policies and programs

-Load-shedding will be restricted to eight hours a day in winter.

-1200 MW Budhigandaki reservoir-type hydropower project will be launched.

-People's investment in hydropower sector will be encouraged.

-12 districts of the Tarai will be developed as a pocket area for paddy production.

-Local government body elections will be held in one year.

-Post-earthquake reconstruction works will be carried out.

-Zero tolerance against corruption.

-Capacity will be built to cope with earthquakes and other natural disasters.

-Identity cards will be distributed for families living below poverty line in 25 districts

-Model city projects will be implemented in 12 districts.