Good Governance and Prosperity Challenging If Economic Growth Isn’t Inclusive: Dr. Gunakar Bhatta

August 9, Kathmandu.

Dr. Gunakar Bhatta, Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission, said that unless broad-based and inclusive economic growth is achieved, it will be challenging to achieve the goals of good governance, social justice, and prosperity.

Addressing the ‘National Good Governance Summit 2026’ organized by the Good Governance Protection Forum on Sunday, Vice-Chairman Bhatta stated that the 16th National Plan has put forward good governance, social justice, and prosperity as key issues.

He emphasized the need to connect various classes, regions, communities, and geographies of society to the mainstream of economic growth and development. He stated that if the benefits of economic development do not reach all classes and regions, it will be difficult to achieve the goals of good governance, social justice, and prosperity.

‘The 16th National Plan has highlighted three main issues. One is good governance, the second is social justice, and the third is prosperity,’ he said, ‘As long as we cannot achieve broad-based economic growth, as long as we cannot connect various classes, regions, communities, and geographies to the mainstream of economic growth and development, it will remain a challenge to fulfill our dream of good governance, social justice, and prosperity.’

Vice-Chairman Bhatta stated that policy-making for Nepal’s economic and social development should consider national and international circumstances. He said that Nepal should formulate its policies, programs, and budgets by analyzing various major factors influencing the global economy and world politics.

He stated that climate change is a crucial issue among the major ‘drivers’ influencing the global economy and politics. He noted that the effects of climate change are seriously evident worldwide and that Nepal should also give it high priority.

‘I think we need to look at three or four contexts. Mainly, if we look at the international situation, we see that four main drivers are guiding the global economy and world politics,’ he said.

He informed that the 16th National Plan has also given high priority to the issue of climate change. He stated that environmental risks should also be considered when formulating government policies, programs, and budgets.

‘The issue of climate change is being raised with great importance worldwide. The 16th plan has given equal priority to the issue of climate change,’ he said, ‘Environmental risks can also arise in the policies, programs, and budget initiatives that we formulate.’

Vice-Chairman Bhatta emphasized that amidst changing international circumstances, Nepal must advance economic development, social justice, good governance, and environmental protection simultaneously.

For More: Gunakar Bhatta Economic Growth