KATHMANDU: Minister Sasmit Pokharel has directed bodies under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to make public service delivery faster, more effective, and citizen-friendly.

Speaking at the third quarterly progress review meeting for the fiscal year 2025/26 and a ministry-level development problem-solving committee meeting in Kathmandu on Thursday, Minister Pokharel stressed the need to simplify and improve service systems by prioritizing citizens’ concerns and public needs.

Pokharel, who also serves as the government spokesperson, said the government is working to strengthen good governance and improve service delivery through policy and structural reforms.

He urged all agencies to complete annual plans and programs on time to support development and economic prosperity.

According to the ministry, financial progress in the first nine months of the current fiscal year reached 64 percent, while physical progress exceeded 70 percent.

The meeting concluded that implementation of ongoing programs during the review period was satisfactory and that targets were expected to be achieved within the stipulated timeframe.

The ministry’s Planning and Monitoring Division Chief and Joint Secretary Shiva Kumar Sapkota presented the progress report, while heads of various agencies also shared updates on their respective programs.

Representatives from the National Planning Commission, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, and chiefs of various ministry-affiliated bodies were present at the meeting.