Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the country has been gradually moving towards socialist democracy. 

Speaking at a programme organised by the CPN-UML Central Publicity Programme to present the Madan Bhandari National Journalism Award at the party central office in Dhumrabarahi on Monday, PM Oli said still 36 percent of Nepalis are below the poverty line and the government is working to bring it down to zero.

“We will develop the nation as a collective democracy and socialist democracy,” said PM Oli, “But some people become anxious when we say that we will uplift the lives of the poor. Why does someone have to worry when we say that a poor will be able to drive a car in a road that has already been built? Or why does anyone who can provide enough food to their family worry when we say the poor will also do the same?”

PM Oli further said that the government will move ahead with justified management, rule of law and good governance. He added the country’s political transition has ended and works for overall social transformation will be expedited. 

Likewise, Prime Minister Oli said he wishes to strengthen democracy, curb corruption and implement these things practically so as to promote the nation’s status from least developed country to developing country within three years.

Similarly, PM Oli further said that he would work together with neighbouring nations for the development of the nation. “We will build a balanced, reliable and reciprocal relationship our neighbours,” said PM Oli who is embarking on a official state visit of India on April 6. 

PM Oli, who is also the Chairman of CPN-UML, said that the unification between his party and CPN (Maoist Centre) would take place at any cost, urging everyone not to go by the rumors. 

Journalist Koirala bags Award

On the occasion, the award carrying a purse of Rs 50,555 was presented to senior journalists and writer Kamal Koirala. The Prabashi Manch Nepal, Qatar close to the party has set up a revolving fund of Rs 1 million for the award.

Journalist Koirala has various articles in his name on personality and political career of leftist leader Madan Bhandari and on 'people's multiparty democracy' is the former ambassador and lawmaker.

Receiving the award, Koirala announced to handover the award amount to the family of the late journalist Birendra Saha who was killed during the conflict. Journalism is the significant and powerful profession in the world, he said