NPC to be reconstituted

Kathmandu, Dec 6: Preparations were underway to reconstitute the National Planning Commission (NPC) along with a change of name to address the concept of federal states by making its role more effective.

            A taskforce formed to reconstitute the NPC plans to propose changing the NPC's name into 'National Policy and Planning Commission'. Similarly, preparation was underway to change the role and responsibilities of the existing NPC office-bearers.

Vice-Chairman of NPC, Prof Dr Govindaraj Pokharel, said that the taskforce have prepared a draft for reconstituting the NPC in view of the federal system to be adopted and the draft would be presented at NPC's meeting.

The NPC is going to be reconstituted in order to help in formulation of plan and policy for the country's development paying special attention for the evaluation of the works.

As per the prepared draft for the NPC's reconstitution, the Prime Minister will be its chairman, the vice-chairman would be of the minister-level and five members of the state minister rank.

Similarly, there is a provision that chief secretary and secretary at the Finance Ministry will be ex-officio members while secretary of NPC will be member secretary.

There will be 33 per cent women member except ex-officio member. The term of office-bearers will be at least five years.

According to the provision, five members should have qualification at least Ph.D. and 15 years experience.

            Governor, Comptroller General, a representative from National Finance Commission and member of Federal Planning Commission will be invitee members. 

Clarifying that the NPC is going to be reconstituted after analyzing the national and international situation, Pokharel said that there would be no situation of raising question on the activities of NPC in days ahead.

Taskforce Coordinator Prof Dr Govinda Nepal expressed the belief that it would be easier to formulate the economic and development plan of the country after the NPC is reconstituted. RSS