Govt preparing to bring irrigation under Infrastructure Development Ministry
Summary
The government is preparing to bring irrigation under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, a move that would shift the Department of Irrigation from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. The proposal has sparked debate, with Prime Minister Balendra Shah backing it and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha opposing it.
Key Points
- The government is considering moving irrigation under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development led by Sunil Lamsal.
- If approved, the Department of Irrigation would be separated from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation and the new ministry's budget would rise above Rs 350 billion.
- Chief Secretary Govinda Bahadur Karki said discussions have taken place but no final decision has been made.
- Prime Minister Balendra Shah reportedly supports the merger, while Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha argues irrigation should remain separate.
