The Chitwan Chintan, an interaction programme organised by the Kantipur Media Group, kicked off in Chitwan on Thursday.

Addressing the inaugural session of the programme, KMG Chairman Kailash Sirohiya said the event aims to help the process of empowering provincial and local governments by transferring authority from the centre after the implementation of federalism.

Sirohiya stressed the need for comprehensive public discussions on shared societal issues, be it for farmers, industrialists, traders, or the unemployed.

He said that the Kantipur Media Group prioritises such initiatives, noting that ongoing discussions on political, economic, and social matters must include issues relevant to the Bagmati Province, particularly those concerning Makwanpur and Chitwan.

“Following the country’s transition to federalism, we initiated this programme in the Madhesh Province to focus on federalism issues. We aim to empower provincial and local governments, but we are also shifting our focus towards economic development,” he said

He said similar programmes have already been held in cities such as Biratnagar, Birgunj, and Bhairahawa, alongside annual events in Kathmandu.

Sirohiya highlighted that this region is a melting pot of communities, ethnicities, languages, religions, cultures, and tourism, contributing to the country’s diversity. “Rich in natural resources, this area also leads in human development through education and health infrastructure. Bharatpur is developing as a ‘health service Hub’ with dozens of big hospitals offering specialised services,” he said.

Bagmati Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama Tamang delivered the keynote speech at the event, which is divided into four sessions and covers issues such as health, education, agriculture, industry, commerce, and tourism.

In his address, Tamang said Chitwan is a major tourist destination in the province and shared his plans to develop a tourism circuit connecting Sauraha, Meghauli, Madi, and Siraichuli.

He stressed the importance of branding and marketing local agricultural products, stating, “It is essential to identify indigenous foods within the province and register patents to create hotel menus.”

Chief Minister Tamang also said the provincial government is committed to identifying, preserving, and promoting the province’s historical, cultural, religious, archaeological, and natural heritage to build a foundation for the economy and develop the tourism industry.

He said the provincial government is preparing long-term strategic programmes for tourism development in the region.

Other key speakers include Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning of Bagmati Kundanraj Kafle, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari, Minister for Health of Bagmati Province of Bagmati Kiran Thapa Magar and Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Bardi Prasad Pandey.

The first session, ‘Chitwan’s DNA: Health & Education,’ will focus on the region’s future of health and education. The second session, ‘Farmers’ Issues in Agricultural Heartland,’ will focus on the challenges farmers face in the region. The third session, ‘Industry & Commerce: Road to Rejuvenation,’ will discuss the revival of industry and commerce post-pandemic.

The final session, ‘Prosperity through Tourism,’ will address tourism’s potential as a growth engine for the region.

The event is being broadcast live on Ekantipur and Kantipur TV.