Pun vows to take private sector in confidence

The newly appointed finance minister Barsha Man Pun 'Ananta' pledged to take the private sector into confidence for the economic growth.
Addressing the ministry officials today, he accepted that the economic activities could not get boost unless private sector is involved. "I am committed to create a conducive environment for investment," he said, adding that he would start dialogue with private sector to increase their investment.
He said that changes in agriculture pattern and financial discipline will be his priority for the economic development. Besides maintaining financial discipline, he also directed the employees to control price hike during the festive season. "The public should feel relief at the festive season," said Pun — the former deputy commander of the Maoist People's Liberation Army (PLA) — promising to create environment of trust with international community.
At a time when labour unrest has hurt the industrial environment, the newly appointed finance minster assured to end labour unrest by managing disputes.
'Economic prosperity is a must for the political stability," he said, adding that the government has major challenges, to accelerate national economy and bring political stability. "The Finance Ministry should focus its activities on good financial health of the country," said, the new finance minister, who is very much impressed by Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai.
When the incumbent premier Bhattarai was finance minister, he launched youth self-employment programme to create job opportunities for the unemployed youth, who are going to foreign lands for jobs in thousands. "The trend has to be reversed," he said, adding that the country needs to create employment opportunity.But he has been appointment finance minister at a time, when the industries are pulling their shutter due to militancy of his own party affiliated trade union, apart from energy crisis and policy instability.
Earlier, Pun was minister for Peace and Reconstruction in the cabinet of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal. He is known to be a close confidant of his party — UCPN-Maoist chairman — Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.Finance secretary Krishna Hari Baskota and central bank governor Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada were also present during the briefing.

Carrot and Stick
KATHMANDU: The finance minister on Monday directed employees at the ministry to be dedicated in revenue mobilisation. "Revenue is the key income source and should be generated by controlling leakages," he said, adding that the ministry will come up with 'Reward and Punishment' to the employees depending on their performance.