Himal Press 
SURKHET: The Karnali Provincial Government has unveiled its policies and programs for the fiscal year 2026/27, prioritizing agricultural self-reliance, rural economic strengthening, and the expansion of basic infrastructure, while committing to improved governance, fiscal discipline, and efficient public service delivery.
Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel read the full text of the policies and programs during the meeting of the Karnali Province Assembly on Wednesday, after Province Chief Yagyaraj Joshi fell ill.
The policy document aims to implement the long-term vision of a “Prosperous Karnali: Happy Karnali Residents.” It is based on the province’s second five-year plan, existing policies and laws, the principles and priorities of the budget for the fiscal year 2026/27 presented in the provincial assembly, and the current political, social, and economic context.
Agriculture has been given special priority in the new policies and programs. The government aims to increase agricultural production and productivity, achieve self-sufficiency in food grains, and promote the export of agricultural products. It has also set a goal of strengthening the rural economy through modernization, commercialization, and improved market management within the agricultural sector.
In education, the focus is on ensuring equitable access for all, improving educational quality, and developing skilled, disciplined and competitive human capital. For the health sector, the policy aims to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare services, strengthen health institutions, and improve service delivery effectiveness.
Likewise, the provincial government will implement programs to develop vocational skills and entrepreneurship among youth to make them productive and self-reliant. The government has also committed to creating employment and self-employment opportunities to bring positive transformation to young people.
In infrastructure development, priority has been given to the expansion of a sustainable, high-quality road network, the construction of strategic roads, and overall infrastructure development across the province. Similarly, the expansion of safe, affordable drinking water services, irrigation facilities, and the development of the energy sector will be prioritized in the new fiscal year.
Good governance and improved service delivery have also been given special importance. The policy includes strengthening administrative structures, expanding IT-based public services, allocating adequate budgets for multi-year and priority projects, improving budget efficiency, and ensuring project governance.
Finally, the government has set a goal of adopting austerity measures for administrative expenditure, making public spending more effective, launching a “zero audit irregularities” campaign, and promoting financial discipline and transparency to strengthen fiscal governance.
