Interviews

After being appointed as the fifth Chief Minister of Lumbini Province on July 22, Chetnarayan Acharya committed to establishing the legitimacy of the provincial government. Under his leadership, the government is focusing on the development of the 12 districts in Lumbini Province while prioritizing good governance. In this context, the following is a conversation between Insec Dang district representative Jaynarayan Pun and Chief Minister Acharya, which highlights the efforts being made to promote human rights.

What are the priorities of the government?

The priority of Lumbini Province is to achieve balanced development through good governance and social justice, aiming to address and alleviate the growing frustration among its citizens. The government has now implemented a code of conduct for the Chief Minister and ministers and has returned the facilities previously provided to former special individuals. This move is intended to ensure good governance and is a core aspect of our strategy. Our main focus is on development and prosperity, with an emphasis on enhancing the quality and efficiency of services provided to citizens. The government’s plans are centered on the needs of the people of Lumbini, with a firm commitment to making Lumbini a prosperous and self-sufficient province.

Citizens Say that they do not feel Provincial Government, what do you have to say about that?

The government is actively working, but challenges have arisen in communicating the completed projects to citizens. We aim to ensure that the provincial government is visibly supportive and responsive to the needs of the people. It is natural for citizens to have high expectations and strong aspirations for government actions and outcomes. The provincial government is committed to comprehensive development and has invested in various sectors, including health, education, tourism, industry, business promotion, human development, and infrastructure. We are actively working on ambitious projects, including the construction of the largest hospital in the country and the establishment of a university. We are about a decade into the implementation of the constitution. Over this period, the provincial government has progressed from its inception to a point where its presence and impact are visible, audible, and tangible. It is the responsibility of the provincial government to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of its citizens. For this, it is essential that all three levels of government collaborate effectively to inspire hope among the people. The provincial government is both ready and committed to fulfilling this role.

Lumbini has the highest maternal mortality rate in the country, what is the government doing to reduce it?

Yes, we acknowledge that we are lagging behind in health indicators, and extensive studies are underway to address this. The under-five mortality rate has decreased from 45 per thousand to 33 per thousand, and the infant mortality rate has fallen from 30 per thousand to 21 per thousand. To further reduce these figures, it is crucial to work collaboratively with all relevant parties. Improving health alone will not be sufficient; a comprehensive approach that integrates all aspects of development is necessary for further progress.

Will the citizens truly experience and benefit from their rights to education, health, and food?

The government has advanced the work to guarantee education, health and food rights to the citizens.In order to prevent the death of the citizens due to not receiving treatment, we have been providing treatment expenses up to Rs 2,00,000 for the treatment of patients, mainly for chronic diseases, cancer and kidney disease. Similarly, programs such as treatment of sickle cell anemia, especially seen in the Tharu community, free general services from affiliated hospitals, scholarships to prevent problems in studying because of low financial background, and making schools IT-friendly have been decided. Similarly, to ensure the right to food, programs such as regular market monitoring, testing of consumer goods, subsidies for organic agricultural products and rewarding farmers for the production of pure and quality food products are being carried out. To ensure that similar issues reach the government, a complaint box has been placed in offices under the province to address citizens’ concerns. The provincial government has also focused on technical education and has already initiated efforts by establishing a technical university. In addition to improving the physical infrastructure of schools, the government is prioritizing the enhancement of educational quality. The provincial government has ensured access to specialist treatment for citizens through provincial hospitals. Construction of the country’s largest hospital has begun in Butwal, and significant investments are being made in agriculture and irrigation to boost production and ensure food security. Our efforts are focused on making these improvements tangible, so that citizens truly feel the impact.

Why does it appear that the government is not paying sufficient attention to the implementation of the Fifth National Action Plan on Human Rights?

We are focusing on key areas such as education, health, food rights, housing, labor and employment, child rights and juvenile justice, as well as drinking water and sanitation. The provincial government is actively addressing these issues within its jurisdiction. The government is also preparing for the formation of a Provincial Coordination Committee. This committee will be tasked with reviewing the status of human rights, and we will facilitate the creation of similar committees in subordinate bodies to ensure coordination and oversight. Additionally, these committees will focus on reviewing human rights progress and enhancing cooperation across different levels of governance.

Where has the process of making laws related to human rights protection reached?

Earlier, when I served as the Minister of Internal Affairs in the provincial government, there was an effort to coordinate with the relevant agencies. The government remains serious about this matter. Laws related to the protection of human rights defenders are necessary, and we will move forward with discussions on this issue.

What efforts have you made to protect the environment and reduce pollution?

The provincial government has paid attention to environmental protection and pollution reduction. The Ministry of Forests and Environment is conducting programs in this regard. Every year, we focus on environmental protection through activities such as planting trees, preserving plants, rehabilitating barren lands, constructing conservation ponds to protect water resources, and embanking riverbanks. To reduce pollution, we have emphasized planting trees in industrial areas, implementing social responsibility, and using pollution control equipment. The government is committed to prioritizing environment-friendly activities, with a particular focus on waste management and controlling dust and smoke.