Poverty in Sudurpaschim Province has increased by 10 per cent, raising fresh concerns as the provincial government prepares to finalise its second five-year development plan.
According to available data, the rise in the population living below the poverty line has become a major challenge for the province. Policymakers now face growing pressure to ensure that the new plan moves beyond being a formal document and delivers tangible results on the ground.
The upcoming five-year strategy focuses on key sectors, including agriculture, tourism, industry, infrastructure, and digital services. Officials say the plan aims to build stronger links between these sectors—for instance, connecting farmers to markets and aligning tourism with local production systems.
There is also a renewed emphasis on infrastructure development. Unlike previous approaches that largely centred on road construction, the new plan proposes investments in transportation, irrigation, and energy to better connect hill and plains regions. Expanding digital access is another priority, with efforts aimed at improving public services and bridging the urban-rural divide through technology.
Climate change has also been identified as a growing concern in the region. The plan includes provisions for building resilient infrastructure to reduce disaster risks while protecting the environment.
However, public scepticism remains high. Many residents point out that earlier plans failed to deliver meaningful change, often remaining limited to paper. Concerns over stalled projects, inefficient budget use, and lack of basic services such as electricity, agricultural inputs, and employment opportunities continue to shape public opinion.
The government has said it is attempting to address past shortcomings by incorporating feedback from local levels and making planning more participatory.
Despite these efforts, questions remain over whether the new plan can effectively reverse rising poverty and bring lasting change to Sudurpaschim.