Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province, Kamal Bahadur Shah, has announced that the provincial government will place strong emphasis on the development, preservation, and promotion of historical, religious, and tourism sites across the province.
Speaking at an interaction programme organized by the Province Policy and Planning Commission on Sunday, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of coordination between provincial and local governments to accelerate sustainable development. The event brought together provincial ministers, members of the provincial assembly, officials from the commission, and representatives from local levels across all nine districts of the province.
Tourism Seen as Driver of Economic and Social Growth
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shah stated that tourism development would be a top priority for the provincial government, recognizing its potential to drive both economic prosperity and social transformation.
He emphasized that Sudurpaschim Province holds immense untapped potential in terms of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and religious sites, which, if properly managed and promoted, could significantly contribute to income generation, employment creation, and regional development. “Touristic sites are not only assets of cultural identity but also key pillars for economic growth. Their preservation and promotion will remain a central focus of our government,” Shah said.
Minimum Budget Threshold to Ensure Impactful Projects
In a move aimed at improving efficiency and accountability in public spending, the Chief Minister announced that the provincial government would not implement development projects with a budget allocation below Rs 2.5 million.
According to him, this policy is intended to ensure that only impactful and meaningful projects are executed, avoiding the fragmentation of resources into smaller, less effective initiatives. The decision is also expected to enhance project quality and deliver tangible results to the public.
Commitment to Good Governance and Transparency in Sudurpaschim Province
Chief Minister Shah further noted that the introduction of a minimum budget threshold is part of a broader effort to promote good governance and curb corruption within the provincial administration of Sudurpaschim. By prioritizing larger, well-planned projects and strengthening coordination with local governments, the province aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective implementation of development programmes. He stressed that strong collaboration between different tiers of government is essential to achieve long-term development goals and improve service delivery to citizens.
Stakeholders Emphasize Coordination Across All Levels
The interaction programme served as a platform for dialogue between provincial and local representatives, focusing on improving coordination, aligning development priorities, and addressing implementation challenges. Participants, including ministers, lawmakers, and local government officials, shared their perspectives on enhancing cooperation to maximize development outcomes across the province.
The Sudurpaschim provincial government’s renewed focus on tourism and heritage development, combined with its commitment to good governance and strategic investment, signals a shift toward more impactful and sustainable development practices. With better coordination and targeted policies, the province aims to unlock its tourism potential and drive inclusive economic growth in the years ahead.
