May 31, Kathmandu - Prime Minister Balendra Shah emphasized that the government is committed to providing free education and healthcare services to the poor and vulnerable sections of society. During a session of the House of Representatives on Sunday, he responded to questions raised by MP Pramesh Hamal, outlining plans to expand access to essential services for marginalized citizens across the country.

Shah stated that the federal government, in coordination with local authorities, aims to extend the reach of education and health services to the impoverished. While recognizing that the constitution guarantees free education and healthcare, he admitted that adequate budget allocation has been lacking. 

“Our immediate goal is to ensure that at least the disadvantaged groups receive free education and health services,” he said. “We are working with the government and the Rastriya Swatantra Party to achieve this.” Shah also highlighted the challenges of implementing socialist and communist ideals, which, he said, are easier to discuss than to realize in practice.

Drawing from his experience as the former Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Shah recounted successful initiatives such as providing a 10% scholarship scheme for children from impoverished families in private schools and ensuring 10% of beds in private hospitals are reserved for the needy. 

“Real socialism is about translating these promises into tangible actions,” Shah emphasized. He reiterated that the government aims to replicate such programs nationwide by collaborating with various districts and local levels.

Although the constitution promises free education and healthcare, Shah acknowledged that the government’s current budget may not fully meet these commitments. Therefore, the government and the Rastriya Swatantra Party are prioritizing providing free education and health services to the poor as immediate objectives.

Recalling his tenure as Kathmandu Mayor, Shah expressed confidence that these policies are the true essence of socialism — ensuring basic rights for the underprivileged.