Government committed to upholding Constitution: PM Shah

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said the government is fully committed to upholding and implementing the Constitution in both letter and spirit.

Addressing a special ceremony held at Tundikhel in Kathmandu today to mark Constitution Day, Prime Minister Shah said the Constitution was achieved through the sacrifices of martyrs and must be implemented through honest and accountable governance.

He said good governance, development, prosperity and social justice are the aspirations of the people, and that every step of the government will be directed towards achieving these goals.

Prime Minister Shah said competitive multi-party democracy, human rights and the rule of law are the foundations of national life.

He said the government has adopted measures to strengthen good governance, including reducing the size of the administrative machinery, maintaining zero tolerance against corruption, ensuring political neutrality in the bureaucracy, and making appointments on the basis of merit.

The Prime Minister said good governance is not merely a slogan but a duty of the government.

He also said the government would promote innovation, entrepreneurship and a knowledge-based economy by integrating artificial intelligence, digital technology and cyber security.

Referring to the recent Bhotekoshi floods, Prime Minister Shah said the loss of lives and property was unimaginable and irreparable.

He said Nepal must prepare for disasters before they occur, rather than respond only after a disaster.

The Prime Minister said risk reduction, preparedness and response would be given priority, with the disaster early warning system implemented as a top priority.

Prime Minister Shah paid tribute to all known and unknown martyrs who sacrificed their lives for political change and good governance.

He also paid respect to those who lost their lives during the Gen Z movement and expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the Bhotekoshi floods.

He wished those injured in the floods a speedy recovery.