Government issues White Paper; estimates only 2 % growth rate-III

Petroleum products import and distribution system A system shall be put in place to ensure effective and transparent distribution and sales of essential goods, including fuel. A certain criteria will be devised for the efficient fuel distribution which also includes putting online the information mentioning venue, time, quantity and time table for the distribution of the same. The consumers will be provided coupon to facilitate them in securing fuel without standing on line for long. Similarly, the government will book the persons and groups involved in irregular distributions and sales of petroleum products. For the distribution of LPG cylinder, the government is determining priorities on the basis of its daily import and stock. In addition, kerosene and firewood distribution will be further made effective. Physically challenged persons, ambulances, hearses, tourist vehicles, vehicles ferrying drinking water, milk, medicines and other vital commodities and media persons/media houses will be prioritized when it comes to providing fuel. In an attempt to explore alternatives to import petroleum products, the government will make various trade agreements with international companies and foreign countries. If private sector is interested in its import, the government will facilitate them. Government will promote Alternative Energy Promotion Centre and facilitate the private sector promoting equipments and technologies on alternative source of energy so as to increase public access to it. The vehicles carrying essential goods and clearing customs will be escorted to their respective destinations. Strict monitoring and supervision of the import and sales of petroleum products will be carried out by the government. The maintenance and up gradation of the alternative Check Points for the import of goods will be undertaken along with constructing and expanding the roads linking to those bordering points. Use of electronic vehicles both for personal and professional purposes will be encouraged. Public will be encouraged to use electronic stoves for cooking food. Energy security Energy crisis will be declared in order to expedite the process of hydropower production and its transmission and distribution. The construction of under-construction hydropower projects like Upper Tamakoshi, Kulekhani III and Chamelia and other proposed projects like Budhi Gandaki, Nalsingh Gad will be accelerated. Some 25 mega watt of electricity will be imported from the under-construction Grid Solar Project. The micro hydro projects constructed and operated with the investment of locals will be encouraged. Similarly, electricity projects generating 200 mega watt of electricity will be accelerated and connected to the national grid. Furthermore, similar projects under-taken by the private sector will be facilitated for their timely completion. The government has targeted to link additional 155 mega watt electricity in the national transmission grid within a year. Also, a feasibility study of the hydro electricity power in the country will be conducted at the earliest. Nepal Army will be mobilized in the construction of national transmission lines if needed. The government-provided subsidy and grant for the production of alternative energy in the villages lacking transmission lines and electricity service will be furthered made effective. Food Security The subsidy price for rice will be determined at the earliest and utilizing the stores of public corporations associated with the Nepal Food Corporation; the government will arrange to purchase the farmers' produces. The provision that compulsorily incorporates livestock and crops insurance under the micro insurance will be made further effective. The government programmes related to agriculture insurance will be expanded by mobilizing cooperatives. The programmes helping to be self-reliant in the production of various food items like rice, wheat, maize, fresh vegetables, fruits, lentils, spices, fish, egg and dairy products will be launched as campaign with the timeline of two years. The landless and poor families will be provided capital grant and subsidized loan. Finally, the government has thanked all Nepali sisters and brothers for keeping calm, patience and demonstrating tolerance and unity in this adverse situation caused by the devastating earthquake and obstructions in supply system. It also expressed gratitude to all lawmakers, political parties, civil society people, business community, government employees, neighbours, development partners, and media for their support in this situation, expecting positive support and cooperation from all walks of life to cope with this national crisis resulted from this year's devastating earthquake and ongoing unofficial border blockade and minimise its impact on national economy. RSS