Kathmandu: Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya held a meeting with Andrew Long, Head of the Good Governance and Social Development Department at the British Embassy in Nepal, on October 28.
The meeting, held at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers in Deukhuri, focused on strengthening good governance, implementing federalism, and promoting development cooperation in the province.
Chief Minister Acharya shared that the provincial government is advancing its scheduled programs while prioritizing federal implementation and citizens’ welfare. He noted that despite economic challenges, the government has decided to cut 20 percent of the current fiscal year’s budget—excluding programs directly linked to people’s livelihoods.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to promote transparency, Acharya said that projects above five hundred thousand rupees are being implemented through open competition and that a five-year strategic plan has been prepared to improve governance and curb corruption.
He also informed that a committee has been formed under the Chief Secretary to gather and address youth concerns, with the aim of ensuring their participation in policy-making.
British Embassy official Long reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening Nepal–UK relations and supporting good governance, development, and federal practices. He expressed the Embassy’s readiness to assist in economic growth, job creation, and the implementation of the province’s Second Periodic Plan.
Provincial Government Secretary Kabindra Nepal and other officials were also present at the meeting.
