Describe the objectives and strategies of current plan of Nepal. GROUP: C Long answer questions 5x5=25

Objectives of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2073/74–2077/78) of Nepal

The 15th Five-Year Plan (2073/74–2077/78) of Nepal, titled "Accelerated and Sustainable Development", aims to achieve inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and structural transformation of the economy. Its key objectives are:

1. Economic Growth and Employment

   • Achieve 7.5% annual GDP growth to create jobs and reduce unemployment.
   • Promote industrialization (especially in manufacturing and agro-processing) to shift from agriculture dependency.

2. Poverty Reduction and Inclusion

   • Reduce poverty to below 15% (from ~23% in 2018).
   • Improve access to healthcare, education, and social security for marginalized groups (Dalits, Janajatis, women, and disabled).

3. Infrastructure Development

   • Expand road, energy, and transport networks (e.g., East-West Highway, hydropower projects).
   • Enhance digital connectivity (broadband, e-governance) for rural areas.

4. Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability

   • Increase renewable energy share to 20% of total energy.
   • Strengthen disaster risk management (floods, landslides) and promote eco-friendly agriculture.

5. Good Governance and Institutional Reform

   • Improve transparency, anti-corruption measures, and public service delivery.
   • Strengthen local governance (decentralization) for better service provision.

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Strategies of the 15th Plan

To achieve these objectives, the plan adopts the following strategies:

1. Industrialization and Job Creation

• Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract foreign and domestic investment.
• Skill development programs (TVET) to align workforce with industrial needs.
• Support to MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) for entrepreneurship.

2. Agricultural Modernization

• High-value crop production (e.g., vegetables, fruits) for export.
• Irrigation expansion and precision farming to boost productivity.
• Post-harvest management to reduce food waste.

3. Infrastructure and Energy Security

• Public-private partnerships (PPPs) for road and hydropower projects.
• Solar and mini-hydro projects in rural areas to reduce energy shortages.
• Smart grid development for efficient electricity distribution.

4. Social Inclusion and Human Development

• Conditional cash transfers for poor households (e.g., Kipat program).
• Free education and healthcare for vulnerable groups.
• Women’s economic empowerment through microfinance and cooperatives.

5. Climate Change Adaptation

• Forest conservation and reforestation programs.
• Climate-smart agriculture (drought-resistant crops, organic farming).
• Disaster preparedness (early warning systems, community training).

6. Digital Transformation

• E-governance (online services, digital IDs).
• Cybersecurity measures to protect financial and personal data.
• E-commerce and fintech promotion for rural entrepreneurs.

7. Foreign Investment and Trade

• Ease of doing business reforms to attract FDI.
• Trade facilitation (reducing tariffs, improving logistics).
• Regional cooperation (SAARC, BIMSTEC) for cross-border trade.

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The plan emphasizes sustainable development, balancing economic growth with social equity and environmental protection. By integrating technology, infrastructure, and inclusive policies, Nepal aims to graduate from least-developed country (LDC) status by 2026.