April 5: The National Development Council has approved the draft of the 15^th five-year plan prepared by the National Planning Commission (NPC).  A meeting of the council chaired by Prime Minister KP Oli on April 3 and 4 approved the draft which incorporated 25-year long-term plan. This has cleared the hurdles for finalizing the 15^th five-year-plan.

The council suggested amendments to some provisions of the draft before giving its approval. The amended draft will come into effect after the council of ministers approve it.

Vice-chairman of the NPC, Dr Pushpa Raj Kandel, said that the 15^th five-year plan will be finalized before the announcement of the upcoming budget.

Meanwhile, PM Oli said that the approval of the draft has opened new avenues for prosperity of Nepal.

He stated that the government is committed to implement the plan from the upcoming fiscal year.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the meeting, PM Oli said that the government will open new industries and shut down the ones that have been running on losses.