KATHMANDU, Feb. 7 -- The National Pride Projects in Nepal, intended to enhance public services and stimulate economic growth, have shown disappointing progress. Even with government funding and resources, these projects haven't met expectations.

Out of the 27 National Pride Projects, a budget of Rs 66.75 billion was allocated for 19 projects in the current fiscal year. By the end of the first half of the fiscal year (mid-January), only Rs 17.15 billion had been spent, accounting for 25.70 percent of the allocated budget.

Initially, in the fiscal year 2011/12, 17 projects were designated as National Pride Projects. Over time, the government added both ongoing and new projects based on necessity and relevance, expanding the total number t...