National Planning Commission Preparing 25-Year ‘Vision 2050’ Development Blueprint

Kathmandu / July 13: Nepal’s National Planning Commission (NPC) is preparing to begin work on ‘Vision 2050,’ a long-term national development framework that will guide the country’s development over the next 25 years.

NPC Vice-Chairman Dr. Gunakar Bhatta informed a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Finance Committee on Monday that the commission’s work plan for the upcoming fiscal year includes the preparation of the 25-year national vision.

He said the ‘Vision 2050’ framework would serve as long-term strategic guidance for future periodic development plans. The concept will be formulated through consultations with all relevant stakeholders to establish a new long-term national development outlook.

Dr. Bhatta also said the commission is working to strengthen statistical data management to support evidence-based policymaking. As part of this effort, coordination with the National Statistics Office will be enhanced.

He noted that the timely availability of reliable data would significantly support both policymaking and research. Recalling that the former Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) was once under the National Planning Commission, he suggested that bringing the National Statistics Office back under the commission’s jurisdiction would help ensure timely access to data, strengthen research, and improve policy formulation.

According to Dr. Bhatta, the commission is also studying the concepts of a Project Bank and a Project Pipeline. He said preparations are underway to establish evaluation indicators that prioritize economic, environmental, and social sustainability in project selection and management.

Resources Highly Centralized, Says NPC Vice-Chairman
During the committee meeting, Dr. Bhatta said state resources remain excessively centralized, preventing inclusive and balanced national development.

He stressed that future policymaking, project selection, and budget allocation should ensure equitable access to resources for provinces and other regions across the country.

Dr. Bhatta further said he had observed that many elected representatives lack a clear understanding of the National Planning Commission’s role. Although chairpersons of municipalities and ward offices frequently visit the commission seeking development projects for their localities, many local governments fail to submit formal proposals required to receive special and complementary grants.

He noted that around 100 local governments had not submitted any requests for such grants, while federal lawmakers from those areas continued to lobby for development projects.

According to Dr. Bhatta, the current practice—where local governments do not complete the necessary procedures while members of parliament continue to press for development funding—needs to be addressed through a more systematic and coordinated approach.