The government has failed to meet majority of the targets set by the 13th three-year plan, thanks to political instability, low capital expenditure and absence of elected local bodies.

Achievement is less than 50 percent for almost a third of 19 goals set by the periodic plan, and just three goals have been met, according to National Planning Commission (NPC).

Nepal’s goal to graduate from a least developed country (LDC) to a developing country by 2022 is likely to get pushed back. It will also affect Nepal’s target to become a developed country by 2030.

According to the draft of 14th three-year plan prepared by the NPC, out of 19 indicators, average life expectancy, outreach of telephone and land to be covered by forest have been achieved.

The 13th periodic plan had envisioned increasing life expectancy to increase to 71 years, boosting forest area to 40 percent, and expanding telephone coverage to 100 percent.

“Various other goals have not been met due to different reasons,” said NPC Vice-chairman Yubraj Khatiwada. “But achievement in the social sector is good.”

Khatiwada said the constitution writing process and political instability were some of the major reasons for the country’s failure to meet the goals. He said last year’s earthquake too hampered the plan.

The average economic growth rate set by the plan was not met. The 13th plan had set a growth rate of 6 percent, but the rate during the period stood at just 2.92 percent.

Growth rates set for agriculture and non-agriculture sectors were also not achieved. The rate for agriculture was set at 4.5 percent, but the sector actually grew by 2.22 percent.

Non-agriculture sector, which was expected to grow by 6 percent, grew by just 3.35 percent.