KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML on Wednesday unveiled its manifesto for the House of Representatives election 2082 BS, pledging sweeping economic growth, expanded social security, youth employment, and large-scale infrastructure development if it forms the next government.

Party Chair KP Sharma Oli released the manifesto at a special event in Kathmandu.

The document outlines 11 immediate actions, five foundational development pledges, and 25 pillars of prosperity, which the party says will be implemented starting from the first Cabinet meeting of a UML-led government.

Key Immediate Commitments

The manifesto promises to raise the minimum monthly wage to Rs 25,000 and provide free sanitary pads to all schoolgirls, along with midday meals for students up to Grade 10.

To empower youth, UML has pledged to provide 10 GB of free internet data per month for one year to citizens aged 18–28, and to issue dollar cards worth Rs 10,000 to young entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. The party aims to promote IT skills and online services to help one million youths become self-employed.

Migrant workers who send remittances through banks will receive an additional Rs 5,000 incentive. Students pursuing higher education in technical fields will be eligible for interest-free loans of up to Rs 2 million.

Female Community Health Volunteers will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 20,000 along with social security benefits. The manifesto also commits to Rs 20,000 maternity allowance and free life insurance coverage of up to Rs 500,000 for mothers.

Poor households identified by the state will be eligible for loan waivers of up to Rs 25,000 taken from banks and financial institutions by Bhadra 2082.

Economy to Reach Rs 100 Trillion in Five Years

The UML aims to raise Nepal’s economic growth rate to 7–9 percent by boosting agricultural productivity, expanding hydropower generation, and accelerating industrial and infrastructure development.

The party has set ambitious targets to expand the size of the national economy to Rs 100 trillion within five years and Rs 200 trillion within ten years, while raising per capita income to nearly USD 3,000 within five years.

It has also pledged to ensure universal access to drinking water within two years.

Five Lakh Jobs Every Year

The manifesto promises the creation of 500,000 jobs annually—400,000 through high economic growth and 100,000 through targeted employment programs, including in the information technology sector.

The party plans to double the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP, expand tourism infrastructure and air connectivity, and double tourist arrivals within five years.

Infrastructure, Health, and Roads

UML has committed to expanding irrigation facilities to an additional 300,000 hectares of farmland within five years. It also plans to build hospital infrastructure in all local governments, equip them with modern medical equipment, and ensure skilled human resources to provide world-class healthcare services within Nepal.

The manifesto further pledges to upgrade all roads to at least two lanes, converting existing single-lane roads into double-lane highways.

Foreign Policy and National Security

On foreign policy, UML reiterated its commitment to respectful relations with all countries, while firmly opposing any infringement on Nepal’s sovereignty, self-determination, and territorial integrity.

The manifesto release event was attended by senior leaders including Vice Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa, Standing Committee Member Raghuji Pant, and Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai, among others.