The government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah has unveiled a draft of a “national commitment” document that incorporates the manifestos and pledges of six national political parties represented in Parliament.
The draft, made public on Tuesday by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, will be discussed with parliamentary parties to reach a common understanding.
According to the government, this is the first time a national commitment document has been prepared by incorporating the policy priorities of both ruling and opposition parties.
Although the Rastriya Swatantra Party holds a strong majority with 182 seats in Parliament, the government says it has included policy ideas from other parties in drafting the document.
The draft combines the government’s 100-point governance reform agenda with the pledges made by political parties, outlining a broad roadmap aimed at transforming Nepal into a middle-income economy within the next five years.
Key priorities outlined in the document
Economic stability and structural reform
The document prioritizes building a sustainable and inclusive economy. The private sector is envisioned as the main driver of economic growth, while the government will act primarily as a regulator and facilitator.
Policies include expanding productive sectors, implementing a progressive tax system, reducing income inequality, and creating an investment-friendly environment. The government has set a target of achieving an average economic growth rate of 7 percent and raising per capita income to 3,000 US dollars within five years.
Employment generation and labor transformation
The plan emphasizes the development of the digital economy, remote work opportunities, and skill-based education.
The government aims to create 1.5 million jobs within five years, particularly in sectors such as information technology, construction, tourism, and agriculture. The document also highlights the need to make the labor market safer and more dignified while ending worker exploitation.
Agricultural modernization and self-reliance
The strategy seeks to transform agriculture into a respected and profitable profession. Measures include concessional loans, insurance schemes, pensions, and identity cards for farmers.
The government also plans to utilize fallow land, expand irrigation, establish seed banks, and strengthen production-to-processing value chains to increase agricultural output.
Reforms in the education sector
The document proposes major reforms in public education, including improving quality and ensuring free and compulsory school education.
It also emphasizes instruction in local languages, the inclusion of moral education, and the introduction of practical skill-based curricula. Universities are expected to be restructured to become more research-oriented and employment-focused.
The government also plans to expand nationwide some models introduced during Shah’s tenure as mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, such as scholarship provisions and the “Book Free Friday” initiative.
Accessible and quality healthcare
The government aims to restructure the health system to ensure basic healthcare services for every citizen.
Plans include expanding telemedicine services, strengthening health insurance programmes, enhancing mental health services, and delivering healthcare services to senior citizens at their homes. Improving healthcare access in rural areas has also been prioritized.
Tourism diversification and expansion
The draft emphasizes diversifying tourism based on Nepal’s natural, cultural, and religious heritage.
The government has set a target of doubling the average spending of tourists within five years and plans to observe 2027 as a National Wellness Year, promoting wellness tourism, homestays, adventure tourism, and new travel destinations.
Energy production and green economy
The document sets a long-term goal of generating 30,000 megawatts of electricity within the next decade.
Alongside hydropower, the government plans to invest in green energy, green hydrogen, and electricity exports. The strategy aims to position Nepal as a major clean energy exporter in South Asia.
Infrastructure development and connectivity
Plans include developing a multimodal transport system, upgrading highways, promoting water transport, and expanding cross-border connectivity.
The government has pledged to implement large infrastructure projects in a mission mode to ensure timely completion while ensuring climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure development.
Good governance and anti-corruption measures
The document emphasizes transparency, accountability, and technology-driven public administration.
Measures include investigating the assets of public officials, protecting whistleblowers, expanding digital public services, and implementing administrative reforms to improve service delivery.
Digital transformation and technology
Information technology has been identified as a strategic sector. The government plans to increase investment in artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
The draft also proposes developing a sovereign large language model to strengthen Nepal’s digital economy.
Environmental protection and climate justice
The government has pledged to protect forests, biodiversity, and water resources while promoting a green economy.
It also plans to advocate for climate justice at international forums and seek global support to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Balanced diplomacy and international relations
The document highlights a foreign policy approach based on the concept of “Nepal First.”
The government plans to strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries while prioritizing economic diplomacy and positioning Nepal as a “bridge state” in regional connectivity.
Overall, the national commitment document presents a multi-sector roadmap aimed at driving long-term development through policy reforms, cross-sector coordination, and strategic planning.
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