First decision of Deuba-led Cabinet: Will vaccinate all citizens by mid-April, 2022

KATHMANDU, July 14: The newly appointed government has decided to vaccinate all eligible citizens by mid-April next year.  One-third of them will be vaccinated by mid-October this year. Likewise, all the COVID-19 vaccines will be provided free of cost.

This was the first decision taken by the Council of Ministers meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Tuesday evening. The Cabinet met following the oath of office and secrecy by newly elected Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and four members of his cabinet.

The cabinet meeting also decided to make public all the expenditure made by the previous government in prevention, control and treatment of COVID-19, said government spokesperson and Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Gyanendra Bahadur Karki.

Another decision was to release the due hazard allowance that the frontline workers, including health workers, security persons and sanitation workers are yet to receive.

The cabinet designated Law Minister Karki as the Spokesperson of the Government. 

Government sets its priorities

The new government has set various priorities for itself, starting with maintaining law and order followed by COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment, economic prosperity and speedy economic revival. The cabinet has also determined expediting development works and ensuring effective delivery of public services as its major duties.

Protecting the Constitution, consolidating the federal democratic republic, disaster management, as well as holding local elections shall be other major priorities of the new government. 

Special advisor to be appointed

The Government is to appoint a special advisor to take ahead the COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment measures effectively. 

Government’s Spokesperson Karki said that a decision has been made to make public the entire government expenses on COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment. Similarly, a special package would be unveiled within a week for the recovery of the economy hit by COVID-19.