- Sunday, 9 November 2025
Kathmandu, May 23: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, and President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr Tanaka Akihiko, held a meeting today.
During the meeting held at Tokyo-based JICA Headquarters, they discussed the issues related to Nepal-Japan bilateral relations and mutual welfare as well as climate change, natural disasters and good governance, according to Minister Rana's Secretariat.
On the occasion, Foreign Minister Rana on the behalf of Nepal thanked JICA for its support provided for socio-economic development of Nepal for long. Gold price drops by Rs 1,100 per tola
Kathmandu, May 23: The price of gold has decreased by Rs 1,100 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market today.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association, the gold is being traded at Rs 190,400 per tola today against Rs 191,500 on Thursday.
Similarly, the Federation has fixed the price of silver at Rs 2,005 per tola today. It has dropped by Rs 20 per tola today. 09- Infrastructure development high priority for CPN(Maoist Centre)
Gandaki, May 23: CPN (Maoist Centre)'s Chairperson and Former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' asserted that his party has accorded high priority to development of infrastructures.
Dahal said so attending a programme organized by Tara Khola rural municipality in Baglung district today.
On the occasion, he pledged to draw the attention of the concerned authority to allocate adequate budget for upgrading Shahid Marga (Martyr Road) in Tarakhola rural municipality. “Budget would be demanded with the government to scale up the road which links Tarakhola rural municipality to the national road network,” Chair Dahal reiterated.
According to him, efforts were made to include the Shahid Marga in the government's annual budget in the past but to no avail. "This time we will make a 'special' effort," he reaffirmed his commitment.
The 20-km road connects local level to the provincial capital. The road was picked for blacktopping around four years ago but upgrading process was hindered owing to various reasons, including lack of budget, it was learnt.
Furthermore, the CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair acknowledged the road's importance to ensure the market of the local produces and from tourism point of view.
He commended the rural municipality's notable performance regarding infrastructure development and public service delivery despite the challenges such as geographical remoteness and recourses constraint.10 – ‘Province government committed to mitigating disaster risk as per its capacity’
Biratnagar, May 23: Minister for Internal Affairs and Law of Koshi Province, Rewati Raman Bhandari, has pledged to undertake disaster-response efforts as per the capacity.
Inaugurating a province-level seminar related to the 'disaster warning system' organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction here today, he stated that the province government has identified disaster-prone areas across Koshi Province and is committed to implementing disaster risk reduction and damage mitigation measures according to available resources.
He added that preparations, based on existing resources and capabilities, are underway to prevent people from potential disasters.
Stating that destruction has been a part of development, the Minister stressed the importance of early warning systems in reducing potential damage. He also called for increased civic awareness to prevent and minimize disaster-related losses.11- Minister Lekhak calls for draconian measures to curb cross-border crimes
Janakpurdham, May 23: Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has instructed the security agencies in the Madesh Province to adopt draconian measures to control criminal activities and smuggling in the bordering areas between Nepal and India in the Province.
Minister Lekhak directed so while inaugurating the provincial level security seminar organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and departmental ministry of the Madhesh Province in Janakpur today.
Furthermore, Lekhak urged the concerned authority in the Province to maintain a high-level caution for security concerns as, he added, that all eight districts of the Province share open borders with India.
In the changing context of the world, he emphasized the need for the security agencies to discharge their duties with honesty. Furthermore, the Minister asked the civil employees in the Province to be honest and unbiased and deliver public services in an easy manner and promptly.The Minister expressed his concern over the increasing cases of narcotic drug abuse, road accident, suicides and cyber crimes in the recent times.
Likewise, Madhesh Province's Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh drew the a attention of the Home Minister, stating that maintaining peace and order in the Province was becoming challenging in absence adjustment of police personnel in the Province.
He said that the provincial government had been extending utmost support to the security agencies in the Province despite its limited resources and means. On the occasion, he urged the concerned authority to take forward the adjustment process in the police organization.
Similarly, Province's Minister for Home, Communications and Law Raj Kumar Lekhi appealed to the security agencies to remain vigilant and aware towards the prospects of heightened security challenges that arise in the bordering areas due to the conflict and tensions between the neighboring countries.12 – News Commentary
Fuss over ‘Cooling period’: A testing time of parliament and politicos
Kathmandu, May 23: Soon after the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the House of Representatives finalized the bill on federal civil service, it courted controversy. The consensus reached in the parliamentary committee after long debate and discussion failed to create a jovial hullabaloo among the bureaucrats.
The bone of contention is- provision of two years of 'cooling period'- a mandatory gap of two years for the civil servants to secure any appointment after their retirement from job. It evidently vexed the top bureaucrats, especially the secretaries and chief secretary. It has resulted into their lobbying for the removal of cooling period. Under the leadership of Chief Secretary, the secretaries have visited the top political leaders, Speaker of the HoR, ad Chairman of the National Assembly and demanded wiping out the cooling period.
The secretaries have argued they are discriminated because the provision bars only those from bureaucracy from securing any post, appointment- political and constitutional- after retiring from job. As this provision for the people from other professions would not be invoked, it was gross discrimination to bureaucrats, they took a stand. Some even went to the stretch that why cooling period to only bureaucracy, and why not to politicos!
Nepali media have run special headlines and editorials on bureaucrats' adamancy against cooling period, largely exposing opportunistic behavior of Nepali bureaucrats. Even the commoners in the social media have vehemently expressed against the politico-bureaucrat nexus. The esurient nature of bureaucracy is visible in the posts.
Indeed, irrespective of long time service- up to 30 years and plus- the greed for the administrative leaders to stay in power is stupefying. Is it for additional power and pelf or for service to the nation? Isn't the civil service the best place and time for them to deliver to the people? Aren't there other platforms to serve the country and people except the post-service appointment? Were they deprived of utilizing their knowledge and skills during the civil service and the post-service appointments are right places to best utilize their talent? These questions obviously dog every aware citizen over this issue.
At a time when urgency of introducing federal civil service act has been long felt to effectively enforce federalism, the related bill has hit a snag. The media stories have come in a way reflecting likelihood of trust erosion among the political parties and bureaucracy. However, the bill is not final either, because it has not reached the full House of parliament. If the parliament finds the cooling period unnecessary, it reverses.
Undoubtedly, aspiring for progress and better position is natural among the civil servants too. A kharidar hopes for her/his progress and promotion in career and dreams of reaching the highest position in the government service, Secretary, and even the Chief Secretary. At the same time, even after a long service, why do they need position equally draws attention. Break politics-bureaucracy nexus
Here, blaming bureaucrats is not enough, as the political parties themselves nurtured the bureaucracy in a way to build collusion and take advantage from the system at the cost of the public service, development and progress. The nexus between the politics and bureaucracy became so intricate that the civil service bill manifested well.
The politics uses, manipulates, collides and even co-opts bureaucracy rather than forging collaborative approach for the sake of country. Bureaucracy too reciprocates to the politics in the same manner that takes a toll on governance. It is a worrying concern for years, which needs immediate halt.
The unfolding stories of corruption and financial irregularities have clearly indicated that corruption is not only a bureaucratic barnacle but it is cancerous invasion in Nepal's governance in collusion of political parties, bureaucrats and cabals. The top bureaucrats need to pay heed to curb malpractices rather than lobbying for personal interest.
A competent and fearless bureaucrat does not court politics for his/her favour but wields power to exert pressure on or convince the political leaders for the cause of good governance. Improvement of administration, a backbone of system, can be their first priority.
There are numerous tasks to be carried out by the civil service and politics to prosper the country in several fronts ranging from administration to economy, but getting stuck on it will hinder the progress. The economic growth rotates on average 4 percent; the objectives of periodic development plans are not met; efforts to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are slow off the mark and climate change impact is threatening humanity. These pressing issues warrant serious attention and engagement of the top administrators at present.
In this connection, touching upon the malaises prevailing on Nepal's development, periodic plan, in/competence of administrators, former Finance Secretary Lal Shankar Ghimire wrote an article 'Is periodic plan mandatory?' one-and-half-year back in the Himal Khabar: "In the discussion focused on revision of the draft of periodic plan, the participants are same for years- some are loyal to donors, some working as omniscient advisors to donors working immediately after a day of retirement from government service, or some appointed as advisors to donors to establish relevance of foreign assistance." Former secretary Ghimire further wrote some retired bureaucrats got appointment for being close to political leaderships rather than having expertize and competence in work.
Ghimire's writing speaks volume on the bitter reality behind the post-service appointments- whether by the government or by the donor agencies. 13 – ‘People should be hopeful as Nepal is heading towards the path of prosperity’
Galkot (Baglung), May 23: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson, Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has urged the general people not to be disappointed as the country is gradually heading towards the path of prosperity.
He stressed the need of promoting production of organic foods and establishing cottage industries as well as adopting self-reliant agriculture system.
Addressing the gathering organized today at Baglung bazaar under the Mid-Hill Highway Campaign launched by the CPN (Maoist Centre), Chair Dahal shared that mid-hill highway has connected people of the district with economic prosperity.
He pointed out the need of completing the construction of mid-hill highway, stating the project was forwarded from his proposal.
The Chairperson argued that the CPN (Maoist Centre) would move ahead in a new way accepting the complaints and suggestions of general people received in course of the campaign.The CPN (Maoist Centre) is only the party addressing the problems of Dalits, farmers, workers and oppressed community.
"The mid-hill highway, which has covered the largest area of Baglung, has opened the door of development here which helps in economic prosperity. The detailed project report (DPR) for the construction of Achhete-Galkot tunnel route has been forwarded as well as people here will be benefitted if a road linking Galkot-Myagdi is constructed," he opined.14 – Environment Minister Shahi, Administrator of China’s NFGA, Liu, meet
Kathmandu, May 23: Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi, Thakuri, who is in China, and Administrator of National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) of China, Liu Guohong, held a meeting.
Talking about historic relations between Nepal and China, Minister Shahi shared that Nepal, as a close friend, development partner and good neighbor of China, carters high importance and priority to its relations with China, according to Minister Shahi's Secretariat.
He further said regular exchange of visit at various levels has reinforced the existing relationship between the two countries.
Minister Shahi urged NFGA for joint cooperation work in the genetic improvement of bamboo and rattan, collaboration to establish forestry-based aromatic industries such as distillation of essential oils and others, developing mechanism to learn and cooperate from each other in the field of eco restoration, disaster risk reduction and reclamation of desert and marginalized land.
Similarly, he requested for technical assistance from China in wood processing, developing bamboo and rattan products, in establishing forestry based small and medium sized enterprises particularly to enhance processing industries in different parts of Nepal.15- Economic Reform Implementation Action Plan-2082 issued
Kathmandu, May 23: The government has issued the 'Economic Reform Implementation Action Plan -2082 ' based on the report submitted by the High-Level Economic Reform Recommendation Commission, 2081 BS.
The Action Plan Formulation Committee, coordinated by Secretary Chudamani Paudel of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, was formed following the council of ministers’ decision on April 15 (Baisakh 2, 2082 BS). The committee includes Revenue Secretary Dinesh Kumar Ghimire and Industry Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut.
The committee was tasked with preparing the action plan in accordance with the recommendations of the High-Level Commission, which was chaired by former Secretary Rameshwor Prasad Khanal. The committee has prepared a sectoral and ministry-wise action plan derived from the commission’s recommendations.
The roles of province and local governments have been emphasized for the effective implementation of the action plan.
The plan sets deadlines ranging from six months to three years to achieve economic reform targets. It aims to reduce the operational costs of the banking system and narrow the interest rate gap between loans and deposits to achieve fiscal stability within one year. The development of a bond market within a year to address fluctuations in interest rates is also included in the plan.
For controlling inflation, the action plan targets reducing government expenditures and lowering indirect tax rates within one year. Moreover, the government plans to repeal 14 relevant acts within the next two years. These include the Income Tax Ticket Charge Act, 2019 (1962), Black-marketing and Some Other Social Offenses and Punishment Act, 2032 (1975), Private Forest Nationalization Act, 2070 (2013), Administrative Procedures (Regulation) Act, 2013 (1956), Compensation Act, 2019, and Birta Abolition Act, 2016 (1959), among others.
The age for receiving the senior citizen allowance will be 70 years, and a national identity card will be mandatory to claim the allowance. This is expected to be implemented within one year.
The plan also envisions administrative restructuring in line with the federal governance system, integrating provincial and local government expenditures into a single account system within one year. Furthermore, an integrated project banking information system for the three tiers of government will be prepared and implemented within the same timeframe.
Projects such as the Lumbini Development Fund and Pashupati Development Fund will be removed from the list of national pride projects within six months.
The Value Added Tax (VAT) Act will include broader provisions against tax evasion, and the number of goods subject to excise duty will be gradually reduced to only those that adversely affect public health and the environment. These targets are to be achieved within one year.
Province and local tax and non-tax revenues will be linked to the PAN number system. A flat 10% income tax will be applied to export income, and government-owned institutions will be converted into public limited companies within a year.
Within one year, immovable properties of institutions such as Janakpur Cigarette Factory, Butwal Spinning Mills Limited, Nepal Engineering Consultancy Service Center, National Construction Company Nepal, and Nepal Orient Magnesite Pvt. Ltd. will be brought under government ownership through the official closure of these entities.16 – Nepal to be made a centre for Buddhism and spiritual tourism: Minister
Pandey
Kathmandu, May 23: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey pledged to establish as a centre for Buddhism, spiritual and peace tourism.
Minister Pandey said so while inaugurating the Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) organized by the Nepal Tourism Board in association with the Nepal Association for Tour and Travels (NATTA) here today.
Minister Pandey reaffirmed the government's commitment to attract as many as spiritual tourists by establishing Nepal as a centre for Buddhist cultural heritage.
The Minister also urged to spread the message of peace that originated in the birthplace of Buddha-Lumbini- to the world.
According to him, priority has been accorded to promotion of Buddhist tourism by focusing on the major Buddhist circuits such as Kapilvastu, Ramgram, Devdaha and Tilaurakot among others.
He revealed the plan to establish Lumbini as the International City of Peace.He highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to operate regular flights to and from the Gautam Buddha International Airport for the promotion of Buddhist tourism.
He also mentioned that emphasis was laid to expand effective access of road network in the Province housing the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
While he appraised of the ongoing dialogue with the UNESCO's representatives not to enlist Lumbini in the endangered list, the Minister also informed the gathering of tourism entrepreneurs that initiatives were being taken to include Tilaurakot in the list of the UNESCO's World Heritage Site.
Similarly, Koshi Province's Minister for Industry, Tourism and Environment Sadananda Mandal said that development of infrastructure was high on priority of the Koshi Province government.
Likewise, Nepal Tourism Board's CEO Deepak Raj Joshi remarked that Nepal is not only a touristic destination, it is a beginning point for a spiritual journey of peace.
He acknowledged the importance of such programmes in reestablishing Nepal as the centre for Buddhist Tourism.
NATTA's President Kumarmani Thapaliya, President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Lumbini Development Trusts' Vice-Chairperson Dr Lharkyal Lama among others univocally expressed their confidence that the three-day event would be useful in Nepal's tourism promotion.
On the occasion, Minister Pandey honoured former Presidents of the NATTA- CN Pandey, Achyut Guragain and Ramesh Thapa. A souvenir was also unveiled on the occasion.17 – Education, essential need for people with disabilities: Minister Pant
Patan (Lalitpur), May 23: Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant has said access to education is essential for empowering people with disabilities in all aspects of life.
Speaking at an interaction on "Policy Provision for Inclusive Education and Future Roadmap" organized by the Education and Human Resources Development Centre today, Minister Pant expressed his belief that persons with disabilities can excel beyond others if given equal opportunities.
He expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring access to education and healthcare services for persons with disabilities. The Minister also pledged to address the needs of people with intellectual disabilities by incorporating their requirements into government policies. He underscored the importance of effectively implementing policies related to disability.
Gita Adhikari, a member of the National Planning Commission, said that the 16th Periodic Plan aims for 100% education access for children. She stressed the importance of human capital development through education, urging a focus on gender-responsive and inclusive education while striving for quality education.
Mahashram Sharma, Chairperson of the National Examinations Board, called for a concrete roadmap for inclusive and special education as per the national context. He stressed the need to consider the voices, aspirations, and needs of children from disadvantaged communities.
Deputy Director General of the National Examinations Board, Mahendra Prasad Parajuli, reminded gathering of the constitutional guarantee of compulsory free education for all and urged coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments to achieve these goals.Devi Datta Acharya, President of the National Federation of the Disabled-Nepal, called for activating the Inclusive Education Policy-2073 BS.
18 – Nepal-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group’s meeting on May 26
Kathmandu, May 23: The meeting of Nepal-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group is going to be convened on coming May 26.
Group's Coordinator, also House of Representative member, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha shared that the meeting is going to be held at the hall of the International Relations and Tourism Committee at Singha Durbar.
The meeting aims to further bolster the historical ties between Nepal and the UK as well as to expand mutual cooperation and support among the parliamentarians of the two countries, Shrestha said.
The Nepal side group includes parliamentarians --Bimalendra Nidhi, Sushila Thing, Bhagawati Neupane, Suhang Nemwang, Madhav Sapkota, Pashupati Shumsher JBR and Dr Chandrakath Raut. 
