A high-level discussion on Karnali’s development prospects, challenges, and priorities was held during the seventh edition of Karnali Utsav, organized by Hriti Foundation, bringing together members of the Federal Parliament representing Karnali Province.
The session, titled ‘Karnalika Suina (Dream of Karnali’, focused on Karnali’s historical identity, natural resources, infrastructure, education, health, tourism, energy, and policy priorities. The discussion provided a platform for federal lawmakers to reflect on the province’s development challenges while highlighting its significant economic, cultural, and natural potential.
Moderated by journalist Rabindra Subedi, the session featured Members of the House of Representatives Hon. Laxmi Prasad Pokharel, Hon. Ramesh Kumar Sapkota, Hon. Khadak Bahadur Budha, Hon. Ramesh Kumar Malla, and Hon. Radhika Ramtel.
Speakers emphasized that Karnali should not be viewed solely through the lens of its development deficits. Instead, the province should be recognized for its rich history, unique civilization, cultural heritage, natural resources, and emerging economic opportunities. They highlighted hydropower, agriculture, medicinal herbs, tourism, petroleum resources, and improved road connectivity as key areas with potential to drive sustainable economic transformation.
The discussion also underscored the need to improve the quality of education and healthcare, create employment opportunities, strengthen public service delivery, and ensure the effective implementation of development projects. Greater coordination among the federal, provincial, and local governments was identified as essential for addressing Karnali’s structural development challenges.
A key message emerging from the session was the importance of building a common political and development agenda for Karnali. Participants stressed the need for elected representatives to rise above partisan interests and work collectively to advance the province’s shared priorities at the federal level.
Major Recommendations
1. Strengthen Intergovernmental Coordination
Establish stronger coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments to address Karnali’s development challenges and ensure effective implementation of development programmes.
2. Prioritize Strategic Infrastructure Development
Accelerate investment in road connectivity, particularly strategic north–south corridors, energy infrastructure, and other infrastructure needed to connect Karnali with national and regional markets.
3. Unlock Karnali’s Economic Potential
Develop policies and investment frameworks to promote hydropower, tourism, agriculture, medicinal herbs, petroleum resources, and other sectors with high potential for employment and economic growth.
4. Invest in Human Capital and Public Services
Improve the quality and accessibility of education, healthcare, skills development, and public services to build a productive workforce and reduce disparities in access to essential services.
5. Build a Common Development Agenda for Karnali
Encourage elected representatives and political actors to work beyond partisan interests and establish a shared policy agenda for Karnali, supported by evidence-based planning, adequate resources, and long-term commitment.
Through Karnali Utsav, Hriti Foundation continues to create spaces for dialogue among citizens, elected representatives, policymakers, experts, and other stakeholders. The session reinforced the importance of transforming Karnali’s opportunities into concrete policies, investments, and actions through collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, and collective commitment.
You can read the session summary in Nepali language by clicking this link.
Watch the Full Session Video
