Kathmandu: The Approach Paper of the Sixteenth Plan, covering Fiscal Year 2024/25 to 2028/29, has been endorsed with the theme "good governance, social justice, and prosperity" by the National Planning Commission in its full meeting held on August 2.

The primary focus of the Sixteenth Plan is to promote good governance in the political, administrative, and judiciary sectors while ensuring social justice in essential areas such as health, education, employment, and housing. Additionally, the plan aims to achieve overall prosperity in social life, economic development, and the national economy.

To accomplish the vision of good governance, social justice, and prosperity, the Plan outlines a strategy of structural transformation that identifies and addresses various obstacles hindering development activities.

The paper emphasizes the development of a strategy to enhance the interrelation and functional efficiency of concerned bodies at all levels and make informed policies based on research and facts.

In economic development, the Plan aims to consolidate the primary sector, develop and expand the secondary sector, stabilize the service sector, and enhance the revenue base. It stresses the inclusive mobilization of financial resources for production and employment generation.

To increase production and productivity, the Plan advocates for a timely, quality, and cost-effective supply system of resources and means of production. It also focuses on the production and deployment of skilled human resources and the adoption of the latest technology and management methods through research and development.

The Plan places significant importance on human capitalization and efficient human resources utilization. It aims to create employment opportunities by effectively utilizing demographic dividends at all levels and identifying new destination countries for foreign employment.

In the education sector, the Plan calls for a quality, equitable, and life skills-based education policy that includes technology-mediated teaching and learning processes, improved secondary education, and higher education linked to entrepreneurship and employment.

Regarding health, the Plan seeks to strengthen healthcare services within the country to reduce the need for foreign treatment, particularly for diseases like cancer and organ transplant. It also emphasizes the accessibility of basic and emergency healthcare for free and promotes the inclusion of specialized health services under insurance coverage.

The Plan highlights the importance of environment-friendly, sustainable, and profitable infrastructure development, as well as systematic urbanization. It aims to provide feasible, durable, and accessible infrastructure while addressing unmanaged settlements and encroachments on public lands.

For social empowerment, inclusiveness, and social security, the Plan proposes targeted programs for economically and socially backward classes and communities. It also emphasizes formalizing all economic activities by promoting competitive markets and regular supply chains, thus curbing syndicate and unwanted activities.

Efficient government budget allocation and increased capital expenditure are significant priorities in the Plan. It seeks to focus resources on prioritized areas, enhance the receptivity and utilization of foreign aids and credits for feasible projects, and ensure good governance in registered projects.

The Plan places a strong emphasis on environmental protection, biological diversity, disaster management, and sustainable development. It seeks to transition traditional and petroleum-fueled machines, equipment, and vehicles to clean energy alternatives.

To ensure good governance and effective social service delivery, the Plan focuses on technology-based service delivery, simplified procedures, prompt administrative structures, and a work-oriented bureaucracy with high morale. Measures to control corruption and address administrative complaints are also integral components of the Plan.

The National Planning Commission plans to get the document of the Sixteenth Plan endorsed by the Council of Ministers on February 12, 2024. The Plan's preparation process began in June 2023, taking into account various factors such as the Constitution of Nepal, national and regional policies, the Fifteenth Plan and its review, LDC Graduation Strategy, achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals, and medium-term expenditure framework. The Plan will come into effect from the Nepali month of Shrawan, 2081 BS.